Harness model for traumatized dog that hates his head to be touched and scared of "clicking noise"

252 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Buzzu2, 13 d ago

kimouette

Discussion Starter · 14 d ago

Hi guys,

We've had this little recue dog (a Boston terrier) for a year now. He came from a family where he was physically abused his entire life.
My husband and I have decided to adopt him knowing he had been adopted and brought back to the rescue 2 times.
He is a very tough case. But I'm glad to say that after a year, we finally see some improvement in many aspects of his behavior. He now trusts us for ALMOST anything, but the one thing he still wont allow us to do without threatening to bite, is to make him wear a harness. He wears a collar 24/7, so it is pretty easy to just hook the leash on and go for a walk, but for long walks or even running sessions, we need him to wear a harness, otherwise it's just too much involuntary pulling on his collar.

So I am here to ask if you guys know any type of harness that DOES NOT require his head to go through ANYTHING? I thought I had found the perfect harness (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07J4W6KW2?psc=1&th=1&linkCode=gs2&tag=roverblogcana-20) cuz I can basically put his legs in the holes and pick him up to clip the harness, but the clipping part drives him completely crazy! I thought I could help him get used to that sound, but he just runs away and no longer trusts me when he sees the harness.

So any other type of "step in" harness or whatever other model that does not require me to put his head through anything and with a "silent clip" (or any alternative), would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help!
Kim

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JoanneF

· #2 · 14 d ago

I think I'd try to modify that one with velcro - if I'm interpreting the image correctly, the lead will keep it closed at the two chrome rings anyway, so the velcro isn't the only thing keeping him secure.

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CachetheBC

· #3 · 14 d ago

Or perhaps try using the harness without doing up the clip at all, (just clip the leash to the two rings), assuming you can get a secure fit that way.

Just a thought: I have had dogs that were sensitive to the sound of Velcro being undone. Since he is sensitive to some sounds, you may want to check if your pup is okay with the sound before attempting to change the harness.

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Laco

· #4 · 14 d ago

There are harnesses that you can put on him, by laying it over his back, then pull it under his chest and around his neck, from behind his head, then connect with Velcro. Will he tolerate the sound of Velcro?

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kimouette

Discussion Starter · #5 · 14 d ago

Laco said:
There are harnesses that you can put on him, by laying it over his back, then pull it under his chest and around his neck, from behind his head, then connect with Velcro. Will he tolerate the sound of Velcro?

From what I have experienced, he would tolerate a small velcro (an inch of less) that I can remove quickly (even better if it’s not too close to his head). But a large velcro, especially if it’s large enough to get stuck and not be undone with one quick move, is clearly going to be an issue.

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LMMB

· #6 · 13 d ago

kimouette said:
Hi guys,

We've had this little recue dog (a Boston terrier) for a year now. He came from a family where he was physically abused his entire life.
My husband and I have decided to adopt him knowing he had been adopted and brought back to the rescue 2 times.
He is a very tough case. But I'm glad to say that after a year, we finally see some improvement in many aspects of his behavior. He now trusts us for ALMOST anything, but the one thing he still wont allow us to do without threatening to bite, is to make him wear a harness. He wears a collar 24/7, so it is pretty easy to just hook the leash on and go for a walk, but for long walks or even running sessions, we need him to wear a harness, otherwise it's just too much involuntary pulling on his collar.

So I am here to ask if you guys know any type of harness that DOES NOT require his head to go through ANYTHING? I thought I had found the perfect harness (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07J4W6KW2?psc=1&th=1&linkCode=gs2&tag=roverblogcana-20) cuz I can basically put his legs in the holes and pick him up to clip the harness, but the clipping part drives him completely crazy! I thought I could help him get used to that sound, but he just runs away and no longer trusts me when he sees the harness.

So any other type of "step in" harness or whatever other model that does not require me to put his head through anything and with a "silent clip" (or any alternative), would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help!
Kim

Hi, my lurcher developed the same problem RE the noise of the clip, so she has one of these:
Halti No Pull Harness

There’s no clip, just a slide and a strap adjuster;

I just put it over her head and help her place her feet in it, then pull down the strap so it’s snug. Removing it is simply a matter of holding the strap and pulling the adjuster and slide up towards the D ring, then either helping her step out of it and pulling it over her head, or the reverse.

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kimouette

Discussion Starter · #7 · 13 d ago

LMMB said:
Hi, my lurcher developed the same problem RE the noise of the clip, so she has one of these:
Halti No Pull Harness

There’s no clip, just a slide and a strap adjuster;

I just put it over her head and help her place her feet in it, then pull down the strap so it’s snug. Removing it is simply a matter of holding the strap and pulling the adjuster and slide up towards the D ring, then either helping her step out of it and pulling it over her head, or the reverse.

It looks like an amazing alternative for the noise of the clip issue, but unfortunately my dog has an extra issue with "anything that has to be put over his head". 😞

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LMMB

· #8 · 13 d ago

kimouette said:
It looks like an amazing alternative for the noise of the clip issue, but unfortunately my dog has an extra issue with "anything that has to be put over his head". 😞

Is he food motivated? Could you offer him a treat and build up to him putting his head through the harness?

My Chihuahua has one that she steps into, but again, it’s a clip.

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Curls

· #9 · 13 d ago

Oof. Poor dog. Glad he's found a kinder owner than his first one. His being both head shy and click shy really limits your options. I suspect your best option might be Etsy, if you are able to order from them. There are a lot of small leather goods shops that sell interesting dog products there. I found a step in harness with a tang buckle from a seller called St George. They seem to have a web site for the same item. I've never personally ordered from them, so I can't speak for the quality or customer experience.

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Buzzu2

· #10 · 13 d ago

Curls said:
Oof. Poor dog. Glad he's found a kinder owner than his first one. His being both head shy and click shy really limits your options. I suspect your best option might be Etsy, if you are able to order from them. There are a lot of small leather goods shops that sell interesting dog products there. I found a step in harness with a tang buckle from a seller called St George. They seem to have a web site for the same item. I've never personally ordered from them, so I can't speak for the quality or customer experience.

IMO, Etsy is hit or miss. There are a lot of good sellers, but a lot of garbage sellers as well (a bit like like Ebay, but seemingly unregulated)

I have used similar strap harnesses, but made from nylon, and not leather. I imagine that leather harnesses, might become stiff and uncomfortable, but nylon is soft, and just as strong.

This might work if you don't use the clip, but use the leash clasp to keep the 2 top rings together.

Amazon.com : PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness Soft Adjustable Basic Nylon Step in Puppy Vest Outdoor Walking with ID Tag : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

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