Is it OK to put a harness on a puppy?

Whatever breed your dog is, one thing is certain: They must be taken for walks. Harnesses and collars are the two types of leash attachments you can use.

Before choosing between dog harnesses and collars, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks for each. Whether you recently got a new dog and aren’t sure which to use or you want to switch things up, knowing these factors will help you.

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You might think choosing a leash and collar for your new puppy is an easy task, but when you enter a pet store, you are confronted with an overwhelming array of options. What are all these different types of collars and harnesses for, and which is better for my puppy? These are crucial questions, and the solutions will help you pick the safest choice for your dog.

Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that no collar or harness is secure enough for a puppy to wear unattended, so remove it before putting your dog in a crate or otherwise leaving them unattended.

This is your basic dog collar. These collars are available in leather, woven nylon, and cloth varieties, and you can frequently find them in adorable colors and patterns. They can also be accessorized with bling, bow ties, bandanas, and other accessories to highlight your dog’s personality. They are simple to locate, reasonably priced, and excellent for displaying ID tags. Rolled collars are generally not advised for puppies because they are raised from the neck and are more likely to snag on objects and cause choking. However, they do tend to be a bit more durable and hold up better for active dogs who put a lot of wear and tear on their collars.

These standard types of collars have a major drawback, however. The trachea can be harmed by collars, both rolled and flat, according to Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinary consultant for DogLab. When the tracheal rings in your dog’s trachea weaken, they collapse during inhalation and exhalation. This can cause narrowing in your dog’s trachea. Puppies learning to walk on a leash and older dogs who tend to pull can be in danger because of this.

Kayla Fratt, the owner and certified dog behavior consultant of Journey Dog Training, concurs. We only use a flat buckle neck collar once my dogs have been trained to walk politely on a leash. However, I use a back-clip harness to prevent their throats from being pulled until they can walk properly. ”.

Another potential danger of these types of collars is that they can increase eye pressure. A 2006 study in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association found that the force generated by a dog pulling against a standard neck collar can significantly increase pressure in the eyes, and shouldn’t be used on dogs who have glaucoma, weak corneas or other eye conditions.

These types of collars are sometimes used in training. Prong collars are lined with blunt prongs that apply pressure to the neck, as opposed to choke collars, which slide around a dog’s neck and tighten uncomfortable when the dog pulls against them. When worn properly, these collars are only meant to draw the dog’s attention and not to punish it.

Despite the fact that some trainers find these collars useful on high-drive breeds like Belgian Malinois, which frequently don’t respond well to other training techniques, many trainers, including Kayla Fratt, are against their use. I advise using games and treats rather than equipment that makes pulling painful for your dog to train your dog not to pull, she says. These collars should never be used on puppies younger than six months old, should only be used under the supervision of a professional trainer, and are not intended for daily use.

A hybrid between a choke collar and a flat collar, Martingale collars are designed with stops that make them less restrictive than choke collars and prevent them from squeezing the neck. Properly designed Martingales sit high on the neck, avoiding the trachea, and offer more control of the head, which makes dogs more responsive to direction. Poorly designed Martingale-style collars, however, tend to slip down and have the same drawbacks as regular flat collars. Also, poorly fitted collars can easily slip off over the head, making it easy for puppies to slip out and run away.

These are flat collars with a fastener that easily breaks open when a dog or puppy pulls hard enough. A safety collar can be a good option in a situation where you need your pup to wear ID or proof of vaccination but are concerned about choking, such as at play dates with rambunctious dogs or at an off-leash dog park. But the breakaway design makes these collars a poor choice for leash walking.

The torso and chest of your dog are wrapped in a harness to relieve pressure on the neck. There are two main types you should be aware of, though they come in a variety of materials and designs.

The most popular kind of harness has a D-ring in the middle of the back where a leash can be attached. In general, these harnesses are more comfortable for dogs and a good option for brachycephalic breeds—those with flat faces, like Pugs or Bulldogs—which are more susceptible to tracheal collapse. Additionally, they are typically a better option for Toy Group breeds, which are known to be more delicate, as well as for dogs with long, delicate necks, like Greyhounds.

Back-clip harnesses have the potential to encourage pulling, especially in breeds bred to pull heavy objects like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. Fratt continues, “I still advise back-clip harnesses for jogging, biking, or hiking.” They work well in situations where the dog’s comfort and freedom are top priorities or when some pulling is expected. ”.

The D-ring on these harnesses is situated in the front of the chest. Heavy pullers, particularly large breeds that could knock you off your feet, may benefit from this design’s pull-resisting features. However, some front-clip harnesses can restrict your dog and end up harming them depending on their design. According to Fratt, straps that shorten your dog’s stride and pull them to the side are bad for their posture and musculature even though they may lessen their pulling power. Instead of a front-clip harness with a strap across their chest, look for one that is Y-shaped. ”.

The Pros and Cons of Dog Collars

These are the most basic dog products available and are easy for keeping ID tags and rabies tags around your dog’s neck.

There are different types of collars to try — flat collars work for dogs that know how to walk on a leash without pulling; martingale collars (limited slip collars) are great for dogs whose necks are about the same size as their heads and can slip out of flat collars; rolled collars work well to hold your dog’s ID, but won’t flatten or matt the hair underneath them.

Collars may give you better control and require less physical strength from you as you’re walking your dog than harnesses, depending on your dog’s size.

Many dog trainers recommend that you begin leash training for a puppy with a four-foot leash and flat collar and use positive reinforcement (think praise and treats) to encourage your pup to walk by your side.

The variety of styles and materials available makes them easy to put on and take off, comfortable for your dog, attractive, and long-lasting.

If the fit is too loose, your dog may be able to wiggle out and escape; this is especially true for dogs like Greyhounds and Whippets, whose heads are often smaller than their necks.

If the fit is too tight, it may be painful for your dog.

Dog collars may contribute to back pain, throat damage, and other discomfort.

Make sure you select the right size for your dog. If you can fit one finger between the skin of your dog and the collar (for small dogs) or two fingers (for large breed dogs), then the collar is the right size.

Avoid using so-called corrective collars, such as choke and prong collars, as they can harm your neck and even choke you.

Let Your Dog Get Used To Their Harness

When it comes to their harness, dogs are naturally wary of anything new coming too close to them before giving it a thorough inspection. Let him learn that it is safe before you try to sneak this foreign object over his head.

Place the harness where they can discover it at their leisure. You can proceed to the following step once they appear to be confident that there is no threat.

FAQ

What age can you put a harness on a puppy?

A harness is generally well-tolerated by dogs, with very few exceptions. Given that you’ll get your puppy at least 8 weeks old, puppies can be taught to wear a harness practically from birth. Allow them to adjust for a few days before beginning to instruct them.

Is a harness a good idea for a puppy?

Our experts agree that a harness is the safest choice for going on walks and other outdoor activities or situations that might cause your puppy to pull on the leash, even though a flat collar is best for everyday wear and for displaying ID tags.

How long should a puppy wear a harness?

A dog should ideally only wear a harness when going on walks, during training, or during other outdoor activities where it will be necessary. This duration may range from 15 minutes to three or more hours. A dog collar works just as well around the house as a dog harness.

Is it OK to leave harness on puppy all day?

No, you shouldn’t leave your dog’s harness on all day. Additionally, since harnesses are not intended to be worn continuously, doing so may result in sores developing under the armpits. Even when fully cushioned, clothing can rub and lead to sore spots.