'I panicked when my dog refused to leave husband's side - then I realised why'

Dogs are often hailed as man's best friend, and for good reason. Not only are they loyal companions, but they can also pick up on human emotions such as happiness and sadness, sensing when their owners aren't feeling their best through subtle cues like body language and chemical changes in breath and sweat.

In the same vein, some dogs can even detect if you're unwell. Beyond certain breeds being trained as medical alert dogs for conditions like diabetes and epilepsy, some dogs can sense changes in your body chemistry to identify when you have a cold, or in more severe cases, even cancer.

So, when one dog owner noticed her pet dog refusing to leave her husband's side, whining and crying whenever they tried to pull her away, she immediately grew concerned that something was seriously wrong.

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Ashley Herman shared a video on TikTok of her husband sitting in an armchair with their dog at his feet. The dog was supposed to be going for a walk with Ashley, which would normally be an exciting event, but the pooch refused to budge from its spot.

Despite the husband repeatedly telling the dog to move and "go see mum", each time the dog stood up, she would instantly sit back down with a whimper.

In the text overlaying the video, Ashley explained that her dog is usually "so excited" for walks and "can't wait" to get out of the door. So when she refused to move, Ashley first worried about her dog's health - and then her husband's.

However, the couple need not fret about their health just yet, as there is actually a simple explanation for their dog's behaviour - they had inadvertently fastened her harness incorrectly.

Both of her front legs went through the same hole, making it impossible for the dog to move properly. The couple only twigged when the dog eventually tried to move more, proving that her leg wouldn't budge against the harness.

Ashley cried out: "Oh no! Sweet girl, she couldn't move!".

Commenters confessed they had also initially thought that the video was about the dog detecting an illness in Ashley's husband, and many of them expressed relief that it wasn't the case.

One person quipped: "The number of people here who thought your husband was kicking the bucket is a little alarming. Also, I'm one of them."

Another added: "I literally thought you were going to tell us that he got diagnosed with cancer and the puppy smelled it first. I need help."

How to properly attach a dog harness

For a standard back-clip harness

Identify the parts: Find the neck loop, chest strap, and the D-ring (where the leash attaches).

Unbuckle the harness: Open any buckles so the harness is in two main loops.

Place the harness: Slip the neck loop over your dog's head. The D-ring should rest on your dog's back.

Position the chest strap: Bring the chest strap under your dog's belly, behind the front legs.

Secure the buckles: Fasten the buckles on the sides, making sure nothing is twisted.

Adjust for fit: You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog's body.

For a step-in harness

Lay the harness on the ground: The two leg holes should be visible.

Have your dog step in: Gently place each front paw in the appropriate hole.

Pull up and fasten: Pull the harness up and around your dog's body. Clip the buckle on your dog's back.

Adjust for fit: As above, ensure you can fit two fingers between the harness and your dog.

Tips

• Check for Comfort: Make sure the harness isn't pinching or rubbing anywhere.
• Reward Your Dog: Give treats and praise to help your dog associate the harness with positive experiences.
• Double-Check Security: Before going outside, check that all buckles are fastened and the harness fits securely.