I’ve been struggling to try and get Dudley used to wearing his flagline harness. I’ve put it on him and just had him wear it while laying down with treats…He has a major issue with harnesses and any sort of lifting motions. We went for a little walk today with him wearing the harness, he acted like he was wearing skin tight jeans even though the straps are really loose. He lost all ability to walk at more than a snails pace and certainly wasn’t going to try and pee wearing that contraption. I took it off for a little bit and “hallelujah, he could walk!!!” But when I attempted to put it back on, he growled and tried to bolt on me. Fortunately I had kept the leash attached to his collar. I will work on conditioning him to wear the harness but will keep it in the reserves for traveling in my mom’s car. A lot of the past trauma is starting to surface, which is fine…I can work with that. From what I have read, a lot of dealing with rescue dogs/cats is being prepared for those issue that come to surface when they start to feel comfortable. For me, I don’t know what he’s experienced when he was living on the streets. I don’t know if he had a home before and was dumped. He most likely wasn’t a bait dog, no facial scars.
But even with all of the emotional issues and triggers…I look at where he is tonight. Right next to my chair sleeping on a chair pad that is next to his bed…because we had my mom’s small dog over here for about an hour. My dad is starting to experience age related issues with memory, etc. Their dog is going through the exact same thing and they are constantly at odds with each other. I told my mom to bring the dog over and I would keep her with me for an hour so that Dad could do his routine without the annoyance of the dog whining and grunting, etc. She came over, and paced circles behind the baby gate that I had set up. Dudley doesn’t share his bed so I sectioned off an area and put down my chair pad so she would lay on it if she calmed down. After she went next door, Dudley settled down on the chair pad and is still there. Even with me putting the evil harness on him and making him walk down the road like Cersei Lannister…he still loves me <3
You are so so so patient with him! I think that what you are doing in tiny increments is just perfect. he’s letting you know when he’s had enough, and in time, he will get to a place where he’s comfortable with the harness.
Have you talked to Karen about her Elly yet? Elly used to be very harness resistant too and super anxious about it. Not anymore! Like you, Karen took things very, very slowly and eventually Ellie accepted it. Can’t recall if you chatted with Karen but if not be sure to post in Hopping Around so she can give you some pointers.
That is so nice of you to offer to help your mom by dogsitting for them. Dudley is pretty amazing that he tolerates other dogs so well. He has so many great points and they’re all just starting to shine as he gets more comfortable with his new life. In the short time he’s been with you, he has made such amazing progress!
I haven’t dealt with harness resistance myself, but i have some thoughts. I’d take it way back and literally go one step at a time.
1. Put the harness on the ground and reward for stepping near it or sniffing it
2. Hold the harness in one hand and reward for being in proximity, sniffing, stepping closer, etc
3. Put harness over the head, do not connect the straps, reward and take it off. Slowly increase duration.
4. Slowly start connecting one strap, reward, remove. Add additional straps over time.
I also wouldn’t try any lifting with the flagline until the straps are snug. Lifting with the harness is a little awkward and having a loose harness is going to make it harder for you and less comfortable for your dog.
Good luck!