Bringing home a new puppy is such an exciting time … but it also comes with approximately 6,000 decisions 😆 and a few sleepless nights!
What food is best for them? How many toys is too many? (Spoiler: there isn’t a limit.) And one of the questions we’re asked all the time…
Should my puppy wear a harness or a collar?
The short answer? Both have their place. But if you’re heading out for walks, training adventures or simply exploring the world together, we’d almost always recommend a well-fitting harness.
Let’s explain why.
Does a puppy need a collar?
Yes! Every puppy should have a good quality and adjustable collar.
In the UK, dogs in public are legally required to wear a collar with an ID tag showing the owner’s name and address (including postcode). Many owners also choose to include a phone number, making it easier for someone to contact them if their dog ever gets lost.
A lightweight collar is perfect for:
- Wearing an ID tag
- Helping your puppy get used to wearing something around their neck
- Attaching a light or tracker if needed
But when it comes to actually walking your puppy, a harness is usually the safer and more comfortable option.
Why is a harness better for puppies?
Puppies are still growing, learning and discovering absolutely everything.
They stop suddenly. They dart after leaves. They change direction without warning. And they haven’t yet learnt not to pull on the lead.
A harness spreads pressure across the chest and shoulders rather than concentrating it around the neck.
That means it’s generally:
- More comfortable
- Gentler on growing bodies
- Easier to control without using force
- Better for loose lead training
- Less likely to cause discomfort if your puppy suddenly pulls
Many owners also find they simply feel more confident walking a puppy in a harness, especially during those first few months. it's important to get a good quality, well fitted and adjustable harness.
Are collars bad for puppies?
Not at all. The issue isn’t the collar itself – it’s how it’s being used.
If a puppy repeatedly pulls against a lead attached to their collar, the pressure is placed directly on the neck. Puppies have delicate structures that are still developing, so repeated strain isn’t ideal.
That’s why many vets, trainers and behaviourists recommend using a harness for walks while keeping the collar for identification. This is especially true for brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds, including French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Pekingese dogs.
What age can a puppy wear a harness?
Pretty much as soon as they’re ready to start wearing one. Many owners introduce a harness while their puppy is still at home before vaccinations are complete. Let them wear it for a few minutes, reward them with treats and keep the experience positive.
By the time they’re ready for their first outdoor adventures, the harness already feels familiar.
How should a puppy harness fit?
Fit is everything. A harness that’s too loose can allow your puppy to wriggle free, while one that’s too tight can rub or restrict movement - it's important to work out how tight a harness should be for comfort and safety.
A good fit should:
- Sit comfortably around the chest
- Allow full shoulder movement
- Be snug without pinching
- Allow you to fit two fingers underneath the straps
Because puppies grow so quickly, it’s worth checking the fit every couple of weeks.
For more information on the most important topic there is - how to ensure a harness fits your dog properly - our Complete Fitting Guide gives all the tips and guidance you need with a new puppy to set them up properly.
Can puppies wear a harness all day?
We wouldn’t recommend it.
Like us taking our shoes off after a long day, puppies usually appreciate having their harness removed when they’re relaxing at home.
Take it off after walks or outings, check for any rubbing and give their coat a chance to breathe.
Will a harness stop my puppy pulling?
This is probably the biggest myth we hear. No harness will magically teach loose lead walking - any "anti-pull" harness claims you see are false.
What a well fitting and good quality harness does do, is make training more comfortable while your puppy learns. Good training, consistency and patience are what reduce pulling over time.
Think of the right harness as making the learning process kinder for both of you.
Choosing the right puppy harness
Not all harnesses are created equal. For most puppies, we’d recommend looking for one that’s:
- Soft and lightweight
- Comfortable enough for everyday adventures
- Adjustable for the best fit
- Easy to put on and take off
- Secure without restricting movement
Our collection of dog harnesses was designed with comfort, practicality and everyday adventures in mind. They’re lightweight, supportive and made for dogs who love getting out and exploring with their humans.
If you’re choosing your first walking set, you might also like to pair your harness with one of our matching dog leads for a practical (and very lovely looking) combination or check out the Bew Dogs Complete Walking Collections, which brings everything you need for a comfortable walking adventure with your puppy into one curated & discounted bundle.
Our verdict
If you’re wondering whether to choose a harness or a collar for your puppy, our answer is simple: We use both.
Keep a lightweight collar on for identification, and use a well-fitting harness for walks, training and adventures together.
Your puppy will spend their first year growing, learning and exploring the world. Choosing comfortable, well-fitting walking gear gives them the best start, and makes those early adventures a little easier for you too.
After all, there are enough puppy surprises without worrying about uncomfortable walks.
In our experience, the happiest dogs are the ones who are comfortable wearing both harnesses or collars depending on the situation - many owners swap to collars when the temperature starts to rise. It's also true that some dogs seem to just have a preference for one or the other - like us humans - and giving them the change to try both is the best way to find out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a harness better than a collar for a puppy?
For walks, generally yes. A harness spreads pressure across the chest rather than the neck, making it a more comfortable option for most puppies.
Should puppies wear collars all the time?
Most owners keep a lightweight collar on their puppy for identification, removing it only when appropriate, such as during crate time if advised or if there’s a risk of it catching. Never leave a pet alone at home wearing a collar harness - if you need to pup out & leave them home alone for any reason, it is ALWAYS safest to remove all items from your dog.
What is the best harness for a puppy?
Look for a soft, lightweight, adjustable harness that fits securely without restricting movement.
Can an 8-week-old puppy wear a harness?
Yes. Many puppies start getting used to wearing a harness at home before they’re ready for their first walks outside.
Should I use a collar or harness for puppy training?
For lead walking, a harness is usually the better choice while your puppy learns. A collar remains important for identification.
Is it worth buying a harness when my puppy will grow so quickly?
We believe it is worth it because puppies should have properly fitted and quality items early on to help them with positive training. But we understand that pups often grow out of their wearables when there is still plenty of life left in them. This is why we created the one-of-a-kind puppy product recycling scheme - we'll give you a big discount on your replacement when your pup grows out of their harness, collar or dog jumper.
I need help with choosing the right size harness or collar for my puppy.
Getting a perfect fit is really important. If you've checked our fitting guide and still need help, please send us an email to: hello@bewdogs.co.uk
I have concerns about my puppy that aren't addressed here
Always consult your vet with any additional concerns about your puppy. Whilst we can give general advice based on our expertise, all dogs are different, and only a vet can advise you on specific health issues regarding your puppy. All the vets we know would rather answer any question - big or small - than have a new owner worry.