Well, we had a bit of a setback today. It was in the 80s out here, so I thought of trying the harness to see it I could get it right.
Like I had expected (based on his previous reaction) Skittles let me put the collar on and I thought I was home-free. But when I went to go put the rest of it on, ie the wings, he freaked right out and started thrashing about. Luckily, I had him held down enough to prevent injury, but he almost got loose. He wasn't calming down and started making panting noises, so I moved as fast as I could to get him untangled. Once he was loose, he flew right up my chest, darted down my shirt and wouldn't come out. At least he isn't hold any grudges.
I showed him the harness again later on and he did NOT freak out at the sight of it, which is good. I think I just tried to rush it and it backfired. I was incredibly concerned about the noises he was making, I think he was aspirating (which is what Peaches used to do when the vet held her).
I'm gonna start over from scratch and go slower this time. Not going to worry about this year, but focus on next year. Luckily, Skittles trusts me immensely and sees me as his 'safety zone' (even safer than his own cage). BUT, I don't want to damage that either. I'll continue to try and harness train him, but if he continues to freak out like that, I'll give up on it. Skittles is incredibly obedient. He doesn't fight me on anything, so this was a big surprise. Again, I think I rushed it and hopefully, I can start from scratch. But if he continues to be in that much distress each time I try to train him, I won't do it anymore. Its not like him to react like that and honestly, I can't cope with seeing him like that, its too much for me.