If your harness has a vest or chest cover attached to it, make sure the outside is facing down toward the floor.

If the dog squirms, it’s best to have a partner to help you get it into the harness.

Some harnesses label which side is meant for which paw. However, many harnesses are reversible. Check your harness to see which type you have.

The harness may have more than one clip to secure it on the dog. For example, it might have a shoulder clip and lower back clip. You may need to pull up and clip the straps one at a time if this is the case.

If your harness has more than one clip, attach all of them.

Check that the dog can’t easily slip out of the harness. Make sure it won’t easily come down over the dog’s paw or up over its head. You will need to adjust the harness every time your dog wears it.

If your dog isn’t trained to “sit” and “stay,” you or a partner will need to hold the dog still while you put on the harness.

The neck hole is usually the smallest hole on the harness. The side straps will be attached to the neck hole on each side. You want the harness to rest against the dog’s body rather than around its neck. If your overhead harness has a vest or comfort shield attached, make sure the outside of the fabric is facing away from your dog.

If your harness clips in place on both sides, you’ll need to clip the straps around the first leg. Wrap the two straps around the leg, then clip the buckle.

Once the harness is on your dog, it will look like both legs are inserted into side loops.

Test the buckle to make sure it’s secure. You should be able to pull up on the buckle without it coming apart.

You should adjust the harness every time you use it. The harness should feel tight against your dog’s fur but not pressed against its body. [16] X Expert Source Beverly UlbrichDog Behaviorist & Trainer Expert Interview. 30 January 2020.

If your harness only has a clip on one side, don’t try to attach the leash on the other side.

Back-clip leashes are less likely to get tangled around your dog’s feet. If your dog tends to pull, however, a back-clip harness could result in you being drug around like a sled. [20] X Research source

Front-clip leashes are more easily tied up in your dog’s legs. Watch your dog to make sure it doesn’t get tripped up or twisted in the leash. If it does, stop and untangle the dog. [22] X Research source