How to Introduce Your Small Dog to a Harness – A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're popping your small dog into a harness for the very first time or you've already tried and they’re giving you that “nope, not walking in this” look, don’t worry, you’re in the right place.

Wearing a harness might seem like no big deal to us, but for your small dog, it’s a brand new experience. There are new sensations, unfamiliar sounds, and different ways of moving to get used to. The good news is that with a little gentle training (and plenty of treats!), you can help your dog feel confident, comfortable, and even excited to wear their harness.

It doesn’t take much. Just a few short, positive sessions in a calm space can make all the difference. Let’s walk through it, step by step.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather everything you need for a successful training session:

Your dog’s harness (adjusted to roughly the right size)
A pouch or bowl of high-value treats
A favourite toy, snuffle mat or flirt toy (optional, for game based encouragement)
A quiet indoor space where your dog feels safe and relaxed
Your dog! (Ideally when they’re alert but not overexcited)

How Long Should a Session Be?

Keep it short. 3 to 5 minutes per session is ideal. That’s long enough for learning but short enough to avoid stress. Aim for a 1-2 sessions spread throughout the day.

Where to Train

Start indoors in a space your dog feels safe and relaxed. This might be your living room, a hallway, or a quiet bedroom. Avoid outdoor or busy areas until your dog is confidently moving in their harness.

Step-by-Step: Introducing the Harness Through the Senses

Dogs experience new things through their senses, so when you introduce a harness, it helps to guide them through each sense one by one. Here's how:

Step 1: Sight - Let Them Look First

Place the harness on the floor approximately 1-2 metres away from your dog and let them explore it without pressure.
If they show any signs of calm curiousity towards the harness, use your treats or toys to reward them!
If they start to claw or bite at the harness, just pick it up and move it calmly away.

Goal: The harness becomes a non-threatening part of your dog's environment.

Step 2: Smell - Let Them Sniff

Offer the harness at nose level for investigation.
Reward any sniffing or contact with treats and praise.

Goal: Build a positive association with the scent of the harness.

Step 3: Sound - Get Used to the Sounds of the Harness

Have a look at your chosen harness and work out if there will be any novel sounds involved in putting it on. For example, there might be velcro, or a clicky buckle.
Stand on the other side of the room from your dog and use your harness to make the noise (e.g. clicking the buckle or opening the velcro)
If your dog is happy and relaxed, you can reward with praise
If they show any signs of anxiety, just move a little further away or muffle the sound with a cushion until you find a level they are comfortable with.
Gradually bring the sound closer while keeping your dog relaxed.

Goal: Your dog becomes comfortable with the sounds the harness makes and learns there’s nothing to fear.

Step 4: Touch - Introduce the Feeling of Contact

Lightly touch the harness to your dog’s body.
Rest it gently on their back or chest without fastening.
Reward calm responses with treats and praise.

Goal: Your dog accepts the sensation of the harness touching their body in a relaxed and positive way.

Step 5: Sensation – Wearing and Being Handled

Think about the sensations your dog will feel while you're putting on their harness. For example, with overhead styles, they'll need to get comfortable putting their head through a neck hole. With step-in styles, their front paws may need to be lifted gently.
Break the process down into the smallest possible steps and reward as you go. For a step-in style like the Rowlie harness, you might start by simply placing your hand under your dog’s belly. If they’re happy with that, reward them.
Next, begin to lift one paw just a fraction — then reward again. Gradually build up to lifting their paw all the way off the ground and into position. Repeat for the other side.
If at any point your dog shows signs of worry or anxiety, just go back a step or two and work up again more slowly. Progress at their pace.

Goal: Your dog feels comfortable being gently handled and is happy to go through the motions of putting the harness on.

Putting the harness on

Once you've completed steps 1 to 5, it's time to put it all together and help your small dog wear their harness for the first time. Keep this moment calm and positive, and be ready with treats and praise.

At this stage, you might notice that your dog isn't super motivated to move around in the harness just yet. That’s completely normal. They're still adjusting to the new sensations, and it can take a little encouragement to help them feel confident walking and playing in it.

Games to Get Your Small Dog Moving in Their Harness

Once your dog is comfortable wearing their harness indoors, you can gently start to encourage movement. These simple games are ideal for small dogs and help build confidence in a relaxed, fun way.

1. Treat Trail

Scatter a path of tiny treats on the floor and let your dog follow their nose. This encourages gentle forward movement without pressure.

2. Follow the Leader

Encourage your dog to walk alongside you using calm praise and rewards. This is a lovely way to start building early lead-walking skills indoors.

3. Chase the Toy

Use a small plush toy or flirt pole and move it gently along the floor to spark curiosity and playful movement. Keep it slow and low to avoid overwhelming your dog.

4. Touch and Go

Teach your dog to touch your hand or a small target with their nose. Move the target to different spots to encourage confident steps around the room.

5. Mini Obstacle Course

Set up a safe course with cushions, boxes, or tunnels to explore. This helps build body awareness and encourages your dog to move in varied ways while wearing their harness.

6. “Find It” Hide and Seek

Hide small treats under cups, towels, or behind furniture and let your dog sniff them out. It’s mentally stimulating and helps create positive movement in the harness.

7. Snuffle Mat Foraging

Sprinkle treats into a snuffle mat and let your dog use their nose to find them. This low-energy game is perfect for nervous pups or a calm cool-down after play.

Final Thoughts

Introducing your small dog to a harness doesn’t need to be complicated. By using short, positive sessions and working through each sense step-by-step, you’ll help your dog feel confident, safe, and happy in their new gear.

Some dogs take to their harness quickly, while others may need a little extra time—and that’s absolutely fine. Follow your dog’s lead, go at their pace, and celebrate every small success.

Looking for a harness designed especially for small dogs? Lightweight, fur-friendly, and safe? Explore our collection here.

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