Puppy harness
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Puppy harness: mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)
A puppy's first harness sets the tone for future walks: comfort, leash training, and safety. Here are common mistakes to avoid and good habits to get off to a smooth start.
See our no-pull harnesses & leashes (puppies & young dogs) • Size and measurement guide • “No-pull” walk routine (15 min)
Summary
- Top 10 mistakes to avoid
- Choose & adjust: the simple method
- Getting the puppy used to the harness (3 sessions)
- First steps on a leash: 7-day routine
- FAQ
1) Top 10 mistakes to avoid
- Choosing “by eye” : rely on measurements (chest/neck) rather than weight alone.
- Too tight : chafing under the armpits. Golden rule: 2 fingers' ease under each strap.
- Too loose : risk of slipping backwards . Check by gently pulling on the back.
- Incorrect shape : prefer a Y-shaped harness (free shoulders) for learning.
- Attaching to the collar "for control" increases traction and cervical pressure. Use the harness .
- Put directly on a walk without habituation: start at home (see below).
- No positive reinforcement : each step = reward (treat/voice).
- Long outings from the start : opt for short, frequent sessions in a calm environment.
- No regular adjustments : a puppy grows quickly → weekly check-ups.
- Forget the proper leash : a cushioned anti-pull leash helps to channel enthusiasm.
See the category: anti-pull harnesses & leashes .
2) Choose & adjust: the simple method
Take action
- Chest : just behind the elbows, at its widest point.
- Neck : base of the neck, at its widest point (if threading over the head).
Between sizes? Sturdy/hairy puppy → size up (with some adjustment range). Very slim puppy → size down if there's a wide adjustment range.
Adjustment in 60 seconds
- Place the Y-junction in the center of the sternum.
- Adjust chest and belly (2 fingers' ease, no chafing).
- Test 10 steps: nothing rises towards the throat; the harness does not rotate.
Need an easy-to-adjust model? Check out our selection for puppies .
3) Getting the puppy used to the harness (3 sessions)
- Session 1 – Discovery (3–5 min) : Introduce the harness, treats on/near. Touch shoulders/chest, clip/unclip without the harness to make the noise.
- Session 2 – Positive fitting (5–7 min) : put on the harness, reward , let walk at home for 1–2 min, remove before he gets annoyed.
- Session 3 – Micro-walk (5–10 min) : quiet corridor/garden with leash ; reinforce eye contact, gentle half-turns.
Tip: combine a happy keyword (“harness!”) + treat. Objective = positive emotion.
4) First steps on a leash: 7-day routine
| Day | Exercise | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indoor observation and monitoring (2m walk) | 5 min |
| 2 | U-turns + reward for good timing | 5–7 min |
| 3 | Very calm walk (landing/courtyard) • loose leash | 8–10 min |
| 4 | Management of minor distractions (odor, noise) | 10 min |
| 5 | Increase the distance slightly • controlled sniff breaks | 12–15 min |
| 6 | Introduce a “stop”: motionless ➜ gaze ➜ go | 10 min |
| 7 | Simple path; review difficult points | 15 min |
Useful accessories: anti-pull leash , treat pouch, clicker (if you use it).
Cheat-sheet: quick checklists
Before going out
- ✅ Centered harness, 2 fingers' freedom of movement, no chafing areas.
- ✅ Leash set (no clothesline, no continuous pulling).
- ✅ Treats ready, calm before opening the door.
Back home
- 🔁 Remove the harness calmly, final reward.
- 🧼 Check for friction/stuck hairs, adjust as needed.
- 📏 Re-measure every week (rapid growth!).
FAQ – Puppy Harness
At what age should a harness be used?
From the moment I arrived home, I was so well adjusted and positively associated . Very short sessions at the beginning.
My puppy is chewing on the leash:
Offer an alternative chew toy , and reward him as soon as he releases his chewing. Avoid pulling; calmly redirect him.
He's already firing:
Use a Y-harness + no-pull leash and follow our 15-minute routine .