What Age Can You Put a Harness On A Puppy – 8 Weeks

Are harnesses good for puppies?

If you have a long experience of being around dogs, you perhaps have walked or seen another person walking a pooch that pulls hard on the leash sometimes. This can happen when they are wearing either a harness or collar. However, both have been designed to help with dog training.

The use of harnesses has increased in popularity as many dog parents realize the benefits they offer. For puppies particularly learning to behave on leash, a harness is an excellent training tool. Even better, they allow you to have better control over your puppy as you walk around. In addition, they also deter your pup from tugging and stop him from jumping up on people. With a harness, you do not have to worry about choking and your pup is less likely to be trapped in the leash by mistake.

What’s the right age to put a harness on a puppy?

The most ideal age for you to put a harness on your little doggie is when he or she is 8 weeks old. That being said, however, your puppy is ready to wear a harness when you think he is ready to. But as we all know, it is against protocol to take your puppy home until their eighth week’s birthday. That is why it is the most recommended puppy harness age.

Introducing harness to your puppy

When you are using a puppy harness for the very first time, it is recommended that you introduce it properly. This means allowing your puppy to wear the harness for short periods so he can be used to it. To nurture a positive relationship with the harness, it is a good idea to buoy them up by using treats and praises. Keep in mind that your puppy should not be taken for outdoor training until he is vaccinated and dewormed fully.

Puppy harness styles

Puppy harnesses are available in either front or back-attaching styles and that makes a significant difference. If you have a large breed puppy, the front-attaching harness is a fantastic choice since they guide from the front. This allows for optimal control in your walks and close supervision during training. Back-attaching harnesses, on the other hand, are ideal for small dog breed pups since they are more sensitive to pressure.

Benefits of puppy harnesses

From their training capabilities to allowing for great control, discouraging tugging and jumping, puppy harnesses offer a basketful of benefits. Another notable benefit that harnesses have is a low risk of neck injury, especially for toy dog breeds. In addition, it is perfect for some dog breeds that are susceptible to tracheal collapse or respiratory issues like your French bulldog or pug. Also, it is better for dog breeds with eyeballs that protrude from their sockets when excessive force is applied to their necks.

Do harnesses have disadvantages?

Like almost everything, harnesses also have their downsides which we can’t overlook either even though the benefits over-shadow them. Harnesses can cause discomfort in your pup because they are heavier than collars. In addition, some pooches dislike the feeling of wearing a harness. As such, they may be stubborn before accepting to wear and train with it.

So, what now?

Now you are familiar with the benefits of puppy harnesses and you might be wondering what to look for when picking a puppy harness, right? It is a challenging task, yes, but make sure you check for adjustability so the harness can grow with your pup. In addition, most pups like to chew which is why you should double-check on harness material that is chew-resistant. It is ideal even for teething pups. And since your pup will eventually out-grow their harness in time, look for affordability as well.

Read more on the best puppy harness here.