In the past I have used harnesses with puppies - they were pullers and took a bit longer to catch on. I didn't want to put too much pressure on baby neck. I have only used a harness on Java for tracking and after he impaled himself on the stick (neck area)... he was a soft enough puppy that he really didn't challenge the end of the leash, he was happy to follow along where I went. Even his early obedience classes it was never an issue, once he figured out I was the source of treats and rewards it simply wasn't a concern.

 

we used a harness for the first six months since the pups were too young to really understand loose leash walking and had short attention spans/

 

I rarely if ever, have a puppy in a harness. Harness's teach them to pull, because it's a natural instinct to animals to pull with something across their chest.

 

This makes most sense. I have mainly used the clicker for leash walking on a collar so there is hardly a situation where the pup's neck will hurt her. I am planning to continue what has worked so far. Was just wondering if I overlooked something in using harnesses.
Thanks everyone! Now I have my feet up with the dogs cooling off next to me on this warm day, bracing myself for the weeks to come

 

I think it's easiest to train walking on a leash with a collar/slip lead, but it could be good to introduce the puppy to wearing a harness anyway. I put a harness on the dog when she's in the drift boat in case she falls in and we have to grab her out of the water. No harm in getting the puppy used to sensations like that.

Some people will have the dog wear both a training collar and harness on a walk, and switch between them to communicate when the dog is allowed to walk loose leash vs sniff and pull. I didn't find that necessary but it's something to consider at least.

 

There were times when we were on wooded trails that we let the dogs wear "play harnesses" with a 15 ft leash to give them more ability to tug and sniff and fool around. Short traffic leashes are clipped to their collars when we passed others on the trails. We 9started doing that they the dogs were young adults

 

I like the idea of teaching them to wear a harness. Also because it's easier to tie them up when needed.

 

I like collars even for young pups especially with high prey drive as often they like to attempt to chase cars when walking in busy areas. A lot of harnesses pups/dogs can wriggle harnesses. I would not leave them tethered unsupervised on a harness. I heard of two fairly recent stories of two families who adopted dogs where the adoption facility is big on walking dogs in harnesses - the new owners walked their dogs home from the adoption facility ( in the city ) and the dogs backed out of the harness and were hit by cars and passed away. It was very tragic all around. The only time I use harness is scent work and sled pulling and those are different harnesses. Edit also for using a harness in the car with seatbelt tether.

 

depends on your goals and environment. i have 0 interest in raising a baby puppy but if i did, i’d have the pup out and about much sooner than i’d be ready to introduce collar pressure and proper leash walking….. and i’m not oppose to them pulling ahead to explore or whatever. focusing on confidence first, well behaved later. harnesses are also easier when doing long line work as it minimizes tangling. climbing, jumping, swimming…. i’d want a harness on a youngin.

 

Since I had limited ability to have Wicked off leash as a baby pup, I opted for a harness. I want puppies free to jump, run, sniff and explore the world.
She is actually better with the harness then collar now.
I believe, @Fodder pointed out, I did most of the early work in a harness so that is what she is comfortable with.
Note of caution, it is stupidly hard to find a decent harness that a tantrumy pup cant slip out of. They have to be tight fitting.

 

Note of caution, it is stupidly hard to find a decent harness that a tantrumy pup cant slip out of. They have to be tight fitting.

The new harness I got for Lucy has 5 areas of size adjustment. It is a step-in, which I am not crazy about, but with all the adjustments I'll get it to be a perfect fit.

 

Harnesses

Leather and Nylon

eurodogcollars.com

I initially ordered a leather collar and leash, but the collar width for Lucy's neck circumference was too bulky so I'm returning that and got the cloth harness and leash instead.

 

Thanks! Since I want to order it before the pup is here, what size will fit a Malinois pup and that she can grow into as well?
Any other suggestions regarding which kind of harness worked well for you all?

 

Lucy is around 50 lbs and I had to get a large.It's the GIRTH measurement. I was surprised when I measured Lucy. Her girth is almost as large as Frankie's.

 

I prefer harnesses. Specifically the one that I have, it’s so customizable and has soft padding. The way it’s designed is very ergonomic and secure. I wish I could remember what it was called as the website I bought it off of has seemed to stop carrying it. They do have a very similar one on this website called “clean run” it’s an agility site but they have fleece lined harnesses by a company called edog. They have a modular harness too where you order individual pieces for a really custom fit.

My dogs are really rarely on a leash unless in a social setting, the harness is for a quick hold on a hike if necessary and I actually want them to pull me if they’re clipped on a leash, as I use a ten foot horse lead I tie around my waist and they help boost me forward, up, whatever it may be. Once there was a marathon going on a hike I did and one of the competitors was jealous saying I was “cheating” using four wheel drive lol. However they have learned to not pull going downhill, thankfully.

 

I have the adult size like that for pulling me. But the dog I got it for, never liked pulling as I never taught him this in his first year (2001)!! He was a great people pleaser and felt uncomfortable while trying it. So I want to start teaching the difference between working on a harness and collar asap. My puppy days were 5+ years ago so lots of things to remember and reconsider as knowledge changes.

 

I was wrong about adjustments. There are 4, not 5, which actually makes sense.

 

I have a Kurgo crash-tested one for the car but don't like it for daily walk-around use.

 

I used a harness on my pup since the beginning. If she pulls, I either stop, give a little tug or call her name. I’ll be honest I’ve never really have trained her on a collar lol.

I love her made to roam harness

 

It is not a no pull. He can pull in any harness if he wants to. It works well in the car and on hikes. I got the recommendation on this forum.

Amazon.com : EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Dog Vest Training Military Patrol Service Dog Harness Easy Control Adjustable No-Pull Nylon Pet Harness with Handle for Small Medium Large Dogs(RGN-S) : Pet Supplies

Amazon.com : EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Dog Vest Training Military Patrol Service Dog Harness Easy Control Adjustable No-Pull Nylon Pet Harness with Handle for Small Medium Large Dogs(RGN-S) : Pet Supplies

www.amazon.com

 

I've always liked that style of harness, but thought it would be hot for the dogs in the summer.

The crash-test ones have their padding and most fabric on the chest and in the summer my dogs seemed uncomfortable in them. That's why I opted for the one I bought.