Questions
- What Do Puppy Harnesses Do?
- What Type of Harness is Best for a Puppy?
- At What Age Can You Put a Harness on a Puppy?
- What Are The Advantages of Puppy Harnesses?
- Should I Use a Harness or Collar for my Puppy?
- How to Harness Train Your Puppy
What Do Puppy Harnesses Do?
The harness has two primary aims – one, to enhance safety and two, to offer comfort. Dog harnesses were originally developed to assist working and rescue dogs with pulling loads and undertaking rescue operations, but designs have evolved, with an ever-growing range of products available for pet owners looking to ensure that their furry friend is comfortable and content on their daily walk.
What Type of Harness is Best for a Puppy?
Whether you plan to be in sole charge of your puppy’s exercise regime, or you’re hoping to get a dog walker involved whilst you’re busy, it’s important to ensure that your pup is kitted out and ready to go out and start exploring.
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When it comes to puppy harnesses, it’s not one size fits all! Harnesses come in a huge range of styles and sizes, suitable for different breeds and training requirements. The main types of puppy harnesses include:
- Vest harness: vest harnesses are ideal for more docile, well-behaved puppies who are not tempted to pull and try and run off in pursuit of birds or falling leaves. These harnesses slip onto the dog’s body like a vest, providing comfort and flexibility.
- Webbed harness: webbed harnesses are less robust than vest harnesses and they offer another solution for dogs that don’t tend to pull while out walking. The straps, which can be padded, fit under the front legs.
- No-pull harness: no-pull harnesses are designed for training puppies and maintaining control of excited pooches who are eager to run off while out with their owners. These harnesses are designed to optimise control without applying increased pressure to the dog’s neck.
There are two main types of no-pull dog harnesses. The first has a clip at the front of the harness, rather than at the back of the neck to discourage the dog from pulling. The second, known as a dual-clip harness, has a front and back clip for additional control – these are more commonly used by dog trainers.
- Car safety harness: It’s a legal requirement to have your dog secured when travelling in the car and, whilst there are a number of options available, a safety harness is a popular choice. Easily attaching to a seat belt, a car harness will ensure your pup is comfortable, secure and travelling in style!
At What Age Can You Put a Harness on a Puppy?
When it comes to finding the right time to put a harness on your pup, it can all depend on their breed, temperament, and stage of training.
Typically, a more mature dog will take a harness pretty well, with some exceptions, of course. But when it comes to training a puppy, you can begin training them on the lead from the day you pick them up, as long as you’ve ensured that the harness fits comfortably and securely. This is because, unless you’ve bred your own pup, you’ll bring them home at around eight weeks old, but it’s advisable to give them a couple of days to rest and get used to their new environment before you pop a harness on them.
However, you do need to take into consideration the individual needs of your pup. If they’re particularly nervous or not settling very well, then you may want to hold off on using a harness for the first few weeks. If you’re unsure, always talk to an expert like a vet or dog trainer to get tailored advice for your fluffy friend.
What Are The Advantages of Puppy Harnesses?
Puppy harnesses have become more popular in recent years due to people realising the benefits, including:
Reduces Pulling
It’s natural for dogs, especially puppies, to want to get out of the house and discover new sights, sounds and smells. Unfortunately, for many owners, this means that they end up being walked by their dog, rather than the other way round.
If your puppy pulls when using a collar or a slip collar, buying a harness can help to discourage pulling and make your walks a little more enjoyable. You can also buy anti-pull harnesses, which are designed to encourage dogs to avoid pulling by increasing resistance on the chest.
More Comfortable
We all love our dogs and want them to be happy and comfortable all the time. One of the most significant advantages of using a dog harness rather than a collar is that they reduce pressure on the neck.
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Additionally, harnesses can be particularly beneficial for breeds that are prone to breathing problems. If you have a flat-faced breed, for example, a Pug or an English or French bulldog, harnesses help to redistribute the pressure to facilitate breathing.
Improved Safety
For most pet owners, there is nothing worse than the thought of their dog slipping off the lead or ducking out of a collar and ending up on a busy road. Harnesses are much more robust and secure than a collar, which increases safety as well as giving dog owners peace of mind.
There’s a Harness for Every Pup
As harnesses have become more popular, the range of products has expanded significantly. There is now a dazzling array of harnesses for small dogs, large dogs, puppies – you name it, there’s a harness for it.
You can choose from different sizes, add reflective strips or stitching for night walking and you can even get additional features such as padded chest plates for enhanced comfort.
Should I Use a Harness or Collar for my Puppy?
Dog owners want the best for their companions and it’s natural to have questions about collars, leads, head halters and harnesses and whether to get a collar or harness for a puppy.
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On the one hand, collars are quick and easy to fit and many dogs behave very well on a lead, but harnesses can often be advantageous for puppies because they are so enthusiastic and energetic.
With a harness, you can keep your pup under control, you don’t have to worry about their neck or their breathing if you have to tighten your grip and puppies are less likely to pull in a harness. Harnesses can also be beneficial for puppies that are learning how to walk and respond to commands.
How to Harness Train Your Puppy
Every day is an adventure when you’re a puppy owner, especially when it comes to leaving the house and getting out into the great outdoors. Training is hugely beneficial from an early age and it can make an incredible difference to your dog’s behaviour, including the way they interact with other dogs and humans who cross their path.
If you’re using a harness instead of a collar for the first time, here are some tips to help your dog get used to a chest strap, vest or a no-pull harness:
- Let your dog inspect the harness and sniff it out before you go out for your walk.
- Gently place the harness on the dog’s body while encouraging them to sit. You can use a treat to reassure them. Take the harness off and repeat several times, leaving it on for a longer period each time.
- Leave the harness on and let them get used to wearing it before you leave the house.
- Adjust the fit to ensure that your puppy is comfortable and happy before you start walking.
- Use voice commands to encourage and praise them for being well-behaved while wearing their harness.
- Try to use the harness every time you go out walking for consistency.
Harnesses can provide greater control and comfort and they can also enhance safety and support, reducing pressure on the neck and preventing dogs from pulling. If you have a puppy, or you’re getting ready to welcome a new canine companion to the family and want to buy a harness, make sure you take your time comparing products and ensure you measure your dog for the perfect fit. You’ll both be heading out on enjoyable walks in no time.