Why Does My Havanese Not Like Putting His Harness On And Going For Walks ?
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
My Havanese dog (male) is just over 1 year old, and still does not like the process of putting his harness on and leaving the house.
Once he’s outside, he’s fine, but it’s the whole process of putting his harness on, attaching his lead, and actually getting him out of the house that is the problem.
He cowers, shakes, curls up and generally tries to avoid the situation.
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I have a Yorkie and he is exactly the same way. The vet said it’s because he is really insecure and probably prefers the comfort of his home than being out in the big bad world. I started taking him outside before I put his harness on he seems to be a little better. I also started walking with my neighbour and her dog who is a little more confident. He tends to be a little better when he’s with her. Hope that helps.
Because he KNOWS something you don’t….he is a dog, not a draft horse pulling a plow.
A harness is a piece of training equipment that is used to teach certain dogs certain behaviors, not for walking one.
Put a choker or a flat collar on him and watch as he “magically” starts looking forward to his walks. Good luck!
does he have longer hair? The harness might be catching his hair in certain areas, like the belly, armpits, and the back. Try just walking him in a rolled leather collar. He may not need a harness.
Some dogs just don’t like harnesses. Try giving him a lot of treats. My dog walks on a haltee and he spends the first 5 minutes of every walk trying to pull it off, and he’s been wearing one for years.