I find it very important to properly introduce new equipment, such as harness, muzzle, coat, to my dog before we use it. I want Rosie to be comfortable in them and when she sees them, assume that ‘Yeah, we are going to do some fun, let’s go!’

Introducing a new harness was especially important for us since Rosie works in her harness: we practice mantrailing. So, how did I get her used to it?

First of all, I took Rosie to the shop, because I wanted to try the size before purchasing it. She could smell it and get to know it before I put it on her. While trying it, I was giving her lots of treats and praise. I was really happy and enthusiastic about the whole thing, indeed! Really, I like Julius-K9’s stuff, and the shop assistant was nice and helpful, so the whole atmosphere was exciting. (They, too, have a blog post about the topic here.)

Before the first usage, she wore the harness a few times at home. I gave her time to adjust to the feeling of wearing it. We played, practiced some obedience, and she got lots of treats and praise. I guess her favourite ball did the best job!

There is one thing I had to put a bit more effort in, tough. She doesn’t like her head touched very much, especially when she is aroused. So, time to time I give her treats while I’m putting on the harness, and I try to be as quick as possible.

Only fun things can happen in a harness, right?!