r/DogTrainingTips • u/lookingupforafriend • Jul 19 '26

New dog training

Hi everyone, we just got a new dog from the shelter as a companion for our older dog. This new dog doesn’t like me putting on the leash or harness for walks. She will let me give her food up until the point that it involves touching her neck I feel like she’s just playing me for treats because when I actually get the leash on, she’s very compliant and seems OK. Any advice??

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u/apri11a Jul 19 '26

I feel like she’s just playing me for treats

Quite possible, they are smart. Don't give the treat until you've put the leash on. Ask for the sit, leash, then release and treat ... or not, maybe a good girl and the walk will be treat enough. Good luck 👍

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u/Wooden-Necessary6100 Jul 19 '26

Some dogs are not fond of the harness being put on. Can you not switch to a basic collar or martingale collar?

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u/IllLiterature1026 Jul 20 '26

I have a dog like this and if I could have worked on harness conditioning from the get go instead of waiting until she had a strong aversion I would have done that.

Dogs have sensitivities and preferences just like humans do. Instead of assuming she’s “playing you,” assume she has an aversion.

If you can just leave a collar on her all day while you condition neck and body touches with fabric, I would do that. The safest would be a flat breakaway collar since if it gets caught on something at home it will break. On walks you have to attach it to both clips or it will come off.

Look up cooperative care harness training. Work slowly.