When Should Puppies Start Wearing a Harness?

The experience of bringing home the first puppy, the first short walks, and the first training is something that each dog lover holds dear to their heart. There is one question that most pet owners ask is, “When does the puppy begin to wear a harness?”

Having accurate information on how to introduce a dog harness to your dog can make a huge difference in making your puppy feel safe, confident, and comfortable. This article provides you with recommendations, advantages, and training methods so you can appropriately introduce a harness to your puppy.

What Do Puppy Harnesses Do?

A puppy harness is designed in a way that it applies equal forces on the chest as well as the shoulders, in contrast to a collar, which applies the force in the neck area. Thus, puppy harnesses are considered a safe substitute for dog collars.

The appropriate harness will also help in handling the puppy when going through the earliest steps of walking together with the puppy on a leash. Puppies are distracted and love to pull on a leash, this is why a simple collar might not be enough. A harness will hold your furry friend tight, allowing you to have much better control.

Can You Put a Harness on a Puppy?

Trainers recommend that, in place of the collar, the puppy needs a dog harness instead. Generally, puppies are adaptable, and a harness for training purposes will get them used to the habit since they're in their early stage in life.

Being in a harness is also a positive experience for them. It gives them a chance to sniff and investigate the harness without having to put it on. However, this should be done with positive reinforcement and following a wait-and-see approach. Never force a puppy to wear a harness.

From What Age Can You Put a Harness on Your Dog?

Most puppies can start wearing a dog harness as early as 8 weeks. During this phase, the harnessing is done primarily for indoor outings as opposed to outdoor strolls.

After the vaccination program, the puppies are free to go outside for short walks outside the house. The sooner your puppy becomes accustomed to wearing a harness, the better a chance your puppy will have to avoid fear of a harness when he grows up.

When to Switch from a Collar to a Harness?

Some dog trainers also advise using a collar, but that should not be done in the earlier stages. In the first few months, a puppy should be trained to wear a harness. This is due to the fact that a puppy has a natural instinct of pulling while on a leash. If a puppy wears a collar at this time, then this strain can affect the neck and throat areas of the puppy. 

Harness for puppies is important during the training process since it is ideal for use even on puppies that may have neck or breathing problems. The harness allows ease of control and prevents injuries, as well as instilling good walking behavior in dog training.

Benefits of Dog Harness Training from a Young Age

Training your puppy to wear a harness has several benefits. Some of them are?

• Helps puppies learn leash manners gently without neck pressure

• Distributes pulling force evenly across the chest for comfort and safety

• Supports positive reinforcement training by improving handler control

• Builds confidence in new environments

• Reduces fear of walking equipment later in life

• Encourages calm walking behavior from an early age

• Makes daily walks more enjoyable for both puppies and owners

• Supports healthy physical development during growth stages

With so many benefits attached, it just makes more sense to use a harness for your dog from an earlier age.

What Type of Harness Is Best for a Puppy?

Not every harness is created the same. That's why it's important to pick the right one. Here is what to look out for in a harness.

Soft and Breathable Materials

The puppy's skin is very sensitive, and therefore, the harness for the puppy should be designed using comfortable and gentle materials. Light materials will not prick the puppy or make it feel warm, especially during short training periods.

Adjustable Design for Growing Puppies

As puppies grow very fast, a dog harness should be adjustable. If the harness is adjustable, it can be extended by expanding it for the puppy as it grows. This helps the harness last longer.

Step-In or Vest-Style Harnesses

Step-in and vest-style harnesses for puppy designs are considered the best because of their simplicity in donning and doffing. Such designs spread the force uniformly all over the chest area, reducing neck straining.

Secure and Lightweight Hardware

Buckles and straps should be strong yet light. Buckles should be easy to release. Quality harnesses for puppies, like those designed by OKEYPETS, prioritize puppy comfort and harness durability during early puppy training. 

How to Harness Train Your Puppy

Begin by allowing your puppy to play with the dog harness while not wearing it. Once your puppy is interested and feels at ease, you should put it on your puppy for a limited time and in your house.

Add a leash and let your puppy walk freely with plenty of appreciation and treats. Training should be kept very short and positive. Teaming a harness for puppy training will give your puppy confidence and assist your puppy to master walking on a leash.

Conclusion

Using a harness is important in puppy training and upbringing. Exposure of puppies to harnesses and socialization of puppies during their young ages ensures that the puppies feel at ease during the walking training.

Puppy training harnesses are important for puppies as it aids in enhancing control, promoting growth, and building a relationship between the puppy and the owner.  Quality dog harness manufacturers, like OKEYPETS, have made it easier for pet owners to choose puppy training harnesses in various styles while maintaining durability.

FAQs

1. Is a puppy harness better than a collar?

Yes. It would be much safer to use a harness rather than a collar for training your dog on a leash because the dog harness would not constrict into the dog's neck and throat area.

2. How long should I use the puppy harness on the puppy?

It is advised to start with small training sessions, which would eventually be extended as soon as you realize that your pup is getting used to the training process.

3. Can my puppy sleep in his harness?

No. To avoid discomfort and restricted movement, a harness has to be removed when resting and sleeping.

4. What should I consider to choose the correct fit?

For the right fit, you should be able to fit two fingers between the puppy and the dog harness. A harness  that fits comfortably will make the training session comfortable for the puppy.