Puppy Harness Tips from Pup Parents
The to-do list for puppy parents is loooong. Between interrupted sleep, potty training, and bonding time, your puppy’s first harness likely doesn’t make the list. And we get it; it can be overwhelming. But here’s why your pup’s first harness should be on that list. Learn how to get your puppy to love their first harness, build their trust, and what to do for their first excursions wearing it.
Should My Puppy Have a Harness?
Good question! Traditionally, dog owners would grab a collar and a lead, and they’re set. But a dog harness has become essential for pup parents. Harnesses are a comfortable alternative to lead walking that’s gentler on your puppy’s growing body, with easy size adjustment and better control while they learn their walking manners. Check out why your puppy should wear a dog harness.
When Should I Give My Puppy a Harness?
Look at you, being a responsible puppy parent! Long story short, your puppy should be ready to wear their harness for their first walks. When is that? Read our guide on when your puppy can go for a walk.
A Good First Impression
OK, so you’ve decided you need a harness and know when to get one, but how should you introduce your puppy to their harness? Puppies are highly impressionable, so an introduction gone wrong could result in a lifetime of trauma. Our recommendation? Skip the drama and get it right the first time.
Building Puppy Trust
You might wonder why all the fuss over building trust with your puppy… but there’s a simple reason behind it. Most dog harnesses need to slip over a dog’s head and be clipped around the body to be worn. So, unless you’ve developed a trusting bond with your puppy, you’re unlikely to succeed in getting your puppy used to wearing a harness, let alone putting it on them! Remember, you’re teaching your pup something new.
Tip: Carry the new dog harness with you around the house so it’s covered in your natural scent. This will help your puppy adjust to their harness, because it will smell like their favourite human.
Your Puppy’s First Harness Fitting
The golden rule: Introducing your puppy to their first harness should be fun. You want to create positive associations and make them believe their new harness is FANTASTIC.
Tip: Don’t make your puppy wear their harness the first time they see it. Let them sniff it and give them treats, pats, and positive reinforcement to let them know it’s nothing scary. Do this a few times if your pup’s unsure.
When your puppy is ready, slip the harness over their head and give them treats and ear rubs before clipping either side of the body straps. It’s important that you do this at home in an environment that your puppy is comfortable in before venturing outside.
Tip: We recommend shorter sessions of wearing the dog harness for the first few times to get them used to it. However, make judgements based on your pup’s reaction to the harness. If you need more and shorter sessions, that’s okay.
Your Puppy’s First Trip with Their Harness
Make your puppy’s first excursion outside wearing their harness super positive. DO NOT make their first harness trip to the vet for their puppy vaccinations (they’ll never forgive you and will think the dog harness means a vet visit).
Instead, make their first trip a treat. Take them on a bushwalk, to the beach, or on a doggie play date. The more positive and distracting, the better, so they’ll forget they’re even wearing their harness. It should feel like a second skin, not a burden to wear.
Tip: Next time you get out their harness, act excited to show them something AMAZING is about to happen. Your puppy will soon believe that their harness = fun times, and it’ll make them go WILD for walkies!
Final Tips
Try to maintain your puppy’s positive associations with their harness. Avoid grabbing their harness to get a hold of them, and take their harness off when they no longer need to wear it. Remember not to fit their harness too tightly and ensure you can fit two fingers under any of the straps. You want a snug, comfortable fit.
Best of luck to you and your puppy,
Yonder Dog 🐾