How to Put On a Dog Harness: Step-by-Step Guide

Dog harnesses are essential for safe, comfortable, and enjoyable walks with your canine companion — but if you’ve ever fumbled with straps or struggled to work out which loop goes where, you’re not alone. In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through how to put on a dog harness step-by-step, help you avoid common mistakes, and ensure a perfect fit every time.

Whether you're a first-time dog owner or simply looking to switch from a collar to a harness, this guide is designed to make your harnessing experience stress-free and secure.

Step-by-Step: How to Put On a Dog Harness

Understanding how to put on a dog harness can feel confusing at first, especially with so many styles available. But once you know the steps, it becomes second nature. Here's a detailed guide that applies broadly across the most common harness types, including step-in and over-the-head models.

Step 1: Identify Your Harness Style

Start by checking which type of harness you’re using:

• Step-In Harnesses – ideal for dogs that don’t like equipment going over their heads.

• Over-the-Head Harnesses – straightforward to use and fasten.

• Car Safety Harnesses – designed for travel, often with extra padding and restraint points. If your dog tends to pull, we recommend browsing our Non-Pull Dog Harnesses.

Each harness style may require a slightly different fitting method, so familiarising yourself with the product design is essential before you begin.

Step 2: Prepare the Harness and Your Dog

Before placing the harness on your dog, loosen all adjustable straps. This makes it easier to position and reduces initial resistance from the dog. Lay the harness flat and identify each part — neck loop, chest strap, belly band, and D-ring.

Let your dog sniff and inspect the harness to become familiar with it. Associating it with treats or play can make the process smoother and help, especially with nervous or small dogs.

Step 3: Position the Harness Correctly

• Step-In Types: Lay the harness flat on the ground and gently guide your dog’s front paws into the appropriate loops. Pull the straps up and around the body.

• Over-the-Head Types: Slip the neck loop gently over your dog’s head. Then guide the chest strap underneath and around your dog’s body, ensuring it isn’t twisted.

Check that the D-ring is positioned correctly — on the back for standard use or on the chest for no-pull control.

Step 4: Fasten and Secure

Once positioned correctly, bring the straps around your dog’s chest and fasten the side clips. Ensure that the clips snap securely into place and that no straps are tangled or pinched.

Step 5: Adjust for Comfort and Safety

Adjust the straps so that the harness fits snugly. You should be able to slide two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. The fit should be firm but not restrictive. Ensure nothing is rubbing under the arms or shoulders.

Need help with sizing? Use our Size Guide for step-by-step measurement advice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best harness won’t function properly if used incorrectly. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using the wrong size: A loose harness may allow your dog to wriggle free, while one that’s too tight could cause discomfort. Always measure before buying.

• Skipping adjustment: Out-of-the-box fits are rarely perfect. Adjust each strap before every walk.

• Twisted straps: Ensure the harness is flat against your dog’s body to avoid rubbing.

• Wrong D-ring usage: Some harnesses have both front and back rings. Use the correct one based on your walking style.

Tips for Small or Nervous Dogs

If your dog is small, timid, or particularly sensitive, make harnessing a positive and calm experience:

• Choose a harness style that doesn’t go over the head, like a Step-In Harness.

• Let them sniff and explore the harness before putting it on.

• Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise during and after harnessing.

You can also explore our Small Dog Harnesses for a more tailored fit.

How to Fit Specific EzyDog Harnesses

Each EzyDog harness is designed for ease and comfort, but the fitting method may vary slightly. Here's how to put on each of our most popular harness styles:

The EzyDog Crosscheck Harness

The Crosscheck Harness is ideal for dogs who pull or are undergoing training. It wraps around the chest and under the belly, using a loop-locking system to discourage pulling. [Watch the instructional video here.]

Here's the fitting instructions diagram for EzyDog No-pull Cross Check Harness:

Shop the Crosscheck Harness – ideal for training and pull control

The EzyDog X-Link Harness

The X-Link features both front and back D-ring options. Start by placing it over the head, fasten the belly strap, and choose your clip placement depending on your walk. [View fitting diagram.]

Shop the X-Link Harness – dual clip for flexibility

The EzyDog Convert Harness

Designed for larger breeds, this harness includes a padded chest panel, grab handle, and optional accessories. Lay it over the back, wrap the chest strap underneath, then fasten securely. [Watch the instructional video here.]

Here's the fitting instructions diagram for EzyDog Convert Harness:

Shop the Convert Harness – ideal for large breeds

The EzyDog Express Harness

A minimalist design with maximum function. Slide over the head, fasten the chest strap, and adjust using the side buckle. Includes a grab handle for quick control. [See fitting instructions.]

Shop the Express Harness – sleek and functional

The EzyDog Chest Plate Harness

Designed to distribute weight across the chest evenly. Place the harness over the head, wrap the strap behind the legs, and secure it. The chest plate should sit flat across the front. [Watch the instructional video here.]

Let's view the fitting instructions diagram for EzyDog Chest Plate Harness:

Shop the Chest Plate Harness – padded for comfort

The EzyDog Quick Fit Harness

As easy to use as a collar. Slide over the head, clip under the chest, and adjust one strap to fit. Perfect for dogs on the go. [Watch the instructional video here.]

Now, lets learn on how to put on EzyDog Quick Fit Harness through fitting instructions diagram -

Shop the Quick Fit Harness – fast, simple, secure

The EzyDog Drive Car Harness

For dogs over 7kg, this harness is built for vehicle restraint. Thread the seatbelt through the harness handles and fasten. Adjust fit for secure and comfortable travel. [Watch the instructional video here.]

For the instructional diagram of this EzyDog Drive Car Harness, let's look into this - 

Shop the Drive Car Harness – travel-ready and crash-tested

Final Thoughts: The Start of Stress-Free Walks

Putting on a dog harness doesn’t need to be a daily struggle. With the right design, proper fit, and a calm approach, your dog will be geared up and ready for walkies in no time.

Ready to try it yourself? Shop our full range of dog harnesses to find the perfect fit for your pup.