Get Dressed! Stop the Pre-Walk Wiggle Worm

The dance of joy starts the moment you pick up your dog’s collar or harness. They’re so excited to go out, the dog wiggles, spins, leaps for joy, and makes it impossible for you to get their gear on.

They’re so over-the-moon beside themselves they can’t possibly sit still.

Yes, actually, they can. But only if you teach them how.

Preparing To Play Get Dressed!

First, a warning. Do not play this game when you’re under any kind of time pressure. Whether that’s because you have to run out after your dog’s quick potty trip, or you know your dog has to go. Don’t start what you may not be able to finish. It sends the wrong message to your dog.

Unlike almost all other dog training games we’ve created, this one has no time limit. It takes how long it takes. Some dogs figure it out quickly and sail merrily on their way. Others take a while to be convinced that you mean it. Stick to your guns and mean it. Having your dog sit still to “Get Dressed” will change your life for the better. Trust us. We created this game because we needed it.

All you need for this game is your dog’s collar (or harness) and leash, treats, and a nearby flat surface. Leave the treats in a bowl on the flat surface. We’re not luring this behavior. You’ve tried and it doesn’t work. As soon as the dog gets the treat, they wiggle away and you have to start over. 

Pick up your dog’s collar, already attached to the leash. Open it and hold it open between your hands at your dog’s neck level. Say “Collar!” and wait. If the dog comes up to you calmly and lets you attach the collar, that's success! When the dog avoids the collar, whether it’s backing up, wiggling, turning away, etc. just put the collar down on the surface and let go of it. 

Your dog will give you a look of extreme disappointment. If they come close and sit, pick up the collar and start again.

Any motion to avoid the collar going around their neck (or head through the harness, etc.), put the collar down and take your hands off it. Rinse and repeat. As much as you need to, for as long as you need to. Eventually your dog will realize that you’re not going anywhere until they play the game your way. 

Stick To Your Guns

Waiting for your dog to figure it out is agony. Especially the first time. That will probably be the longest time you ever have to play the game. But you will have to play it again. Possibly every time you’re going out for the next few days. It takes a while to convince your dog that you mean it. 

When your dog sits (or stands still - that's what we require) and lets you put on the collar, that’s when they get the reward. You may have to pay them every time for the rest of their life. That’s okay. It’s easier than trying to corral a wiggle worm.