How to Make Dog Harnesses

Dog harnesses allow you to control your dog during training until he obeys you consistently. A dog harness is not a way to punish your dog, but a means to keep your dog safe. Here's how to make your own.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4 to 1-1/2 yards polyester fleece (depending on your dog's size) Woven fishing line Needle 1/4 inch solid braid nylon rope 4 yards nylon webbing Safety pins Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Get your dog to stand still. Use an assistant if necessary.

2. Fold the nylon webbing in the middle.

3. Sew this together, leaving an opening wide enough to get the nylon rope through the nylon webbing.

4. Place this at the dog's tail. Lay the webbing along the flanks of your dog. This will go along the rib cage, as well.

5. Cross the webbing under the front legs and pin into place with your safety pins.

6. The harness' neck must be snug on your dog, but not enough to choke her. Leave space for padding around the neck, too.

7. The dog harness' shoulder straps will lie above the shoulder blades, crossing in the front at the base of the neck.

8. Join the webbing at the bottom of the rib cage.

9. Create the backstrap. This can also be made of webbing. Use an "X" shape for the backstrap to ensure the harness does not go below where it should be.

10. Measure your dog from the joint at the base of the neck to the arm pit of the front legs. Add 10 inches to this number.

11. Cut your fleece about 15 inches wide and to the length you have determined by your measurement.

12. Fold the fleece to roughly 2-1/2 inches wide. This will make the fleece very thick.

13. Sew the fleece together well so it will not come undone.

14. Sew the padding onto the webbing. This will prevent rubbing on your dog's shoulders.

15. Get outside and enjoy a training session or walk with you dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Never make the harness too tight; this could lead to serious injury.