The Dog Bodysuit Guide › How to Use a Harness and Leash with a Dog Bodysuit
From Houndz in the Hood, based on the fitting notes of founder Terri Goodwillie, who has made breed-fitted dog clothes in New York City since 1999. Updated October 2026.
Short answer: put the harness on your dog first, then the bodysuit, and bring the harness ring through the discreet leash opening on the back. Clip the leash to the ring as usual. Hooded styles have a second opening on the hood, and some styles have a second opening at the neck.
Where the openings are
Every Houndz in the Hood bodysuit has a leash opening on the back. Some styles have two:
| Style | Openings (from our product pages) |
|---|---|
| Rompers, Indoor/Outdoor, Heavy Fleece, Windblock and Extra Heavy Windblock bodysuits | A discreet leash opening on the back |
| Heavy Fleece Hooded and Windblock Hooded bodysuits | 2 openings: 1 on the back and 1 on the hood |
| Extra Heavy Fleece Hooded bodysuits | Openings on the neck and back |
| Extra Heavy Windblock Hooded bodysuits | Openings on the hood and back |
| Whippet Heavy Fleece and Indoor/Outdoor; Toy & Teacup Windblock | Openings on the neck and back |
Step by step
- Harness first. Fit your dog’s usual harness and check it as you normally would.
- Bodysuit over the top. Our Italian Greyhound sizing guide gives a method that works for a four-leg suit: gather the suit and pull it over the head like a turtleneck, tuck the front legs into the leggings and pull the suit back toward the back legs, then insert each back leg.
- Find the ring. Reach into the opening on the back and bring the harness ring through.
- Smooth the suit. It should lie flat along the back and chest, with the opening sitting over the ring.
- Clip on. Attach the leash to the ring. Hooded styles add a second opening on the hood.
Taking it off
From the same guide: with your dog seated on your lap, its back to your chest, keep the legs bent while removing the back leggings. Once the back legs are out, pull the suit off the front legs and head like pulling off a turtleneck. Unclip the leash first, and slip the harness off once the suit is off.
Why a bodysuit works well with a harness
- The four legs hold the suit in place, so it doesn’t slide around the harness the way a loose coat can.
- There are no velcro, zippers or clasps to catch on harness straps. The suit stretches to go on and off.
- The suit is cut to allow all bodily functions, so bathroom breaks on a walk are no problem.
Getting the fit right
The right size matters as much with a harness as without one. Measure length and girth and compare with your line’s sizing guide (see how to measure). If your dog is between sizes, write the chest size in the order comments and we’ll help.
Examples by line
- Whippet Heavy Fleece Hooded Bodysuits ($90): openings on the back and hood
- Toy & Teacup Windblock Fleece Bodysuits ($52): openings on the high neck and back
- Dachshund Indoor/Outdoor Bodysuits ($52): opening on the back
Ready to find your dog’s bodysuit?
Browse the breed lines (Italian Greyhound, Dachshund, Whippet, Miniature, Toy & Teacup, Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog), compare the size guides, or send us your dog’s measurements and we’ll help you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog wear a harness under a bodysuit?
Yes. Put the harness on first, then the bodysuit, and bring the harness ring through the discreet leash opening on the back.
Do hooded dog bodysuits have a leash opening?
Yes. Hooded styles have a second opening, on the hood or neck depending on the style, as well as the one on the back.
How do I put a bodysuit on my dog?
Gather the suit and pull it over the head like a turtleneck, tuck the front legs into the leggings, pull the suit back, then insert each back leg.