How to Make an Emergency Dog Harness
Sometimes we find ourselves unprepared for an emergency and we need to make do with the supplies we have on hand. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to harness a dog, a piece of rope or an old leash can be quickly transformed into a safe harness.
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Things You'll Need
- A rope or leash, preferably 6 feet in length
- Dog with a collar, if possible
Instructions
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1
If the dog has a collar, skip to step 5.
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2
To make a "collar" from a leash, clip the leash back on itself to form a loop.
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3
If using a rope, make a slip knot, then pass the rope back through the hole so that there is a loop that goes through the slip knot. Do not use the slip knot directly on the dog--it can tighten and injure the animal.
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4
Put the dog's head through the loop.
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5
Make sure the loop is not too tight around the dog's neck, then make another loop around the side of the "collar" that slips. This will lock the loop so it doesn't tighten.
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6
Pull the leash/rope straight back along the dog's spine.
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7
Drop the leash to one side of the dog, behind the legs.
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8
Pull the leash under the dog's chest.
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9
Slip the end of the leash under the part of the rope going along the dog's spine.
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10
Make sure it is close to the where the dog's front legs meet its chest, then tie another knot to prevent slipping.
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11
Use the remaining length of leash or rope to lead the dog around.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice on a dog before trying it in an emergency situation.
If you do not know the dog, or if the dog is injured or scared, proceed with extreme caution. Dogs in stressful situations can bite or snap--even your own dog. If you are concerned about the dog biting, you can fashion an emergency muzzle using a scrap of fabric or more rope and tied around the dog's muzzle. Do this cautiously, as dogs generally do not enjoy being muzzled.
