5 Steps to Get Your Puppy Comfortable With a Collar or Harness
Homemade Puppies, LLC strives to be your trusted source for not only connecting with your new fur-baby, but also answering the dog related questions you may have to enhance your experience with your dog/puppy. Each week our in house dog expert, Katie, answers your puppy and dog questions. Submit your canine questions to info@homemadepuppies.com.
As always puppies advertised on Homemade Puppies are always 100% raised in-home by responsible family breeders...never raised outside or in a barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise. www.homemadepuppies.com
Here is this week's blog from Katie!
The question was asked, "How do I get my puppy used to wearing a collar?"
Conditioning your puppy to wear a collar or harness can be a slow process for some and no issue at all for others.
First, it would be helpful if the breeder/shelter you are getting your puppy from has already had some form of collar on the puppy. Many will do this as a form of identification. This makes the transition easy, since the puppy is already accustomed to wearing a collar. The younger the puppy, the easier it will be to help them adjust to a collar. If that's not the case or if you want your puppy to wear a harness, and they have never worn one before, here are some tips to make the adjustment easier.
1. Let the puppy smell the collar/ harness and give a yummy food reward and lots of praise. You can hold it in your hand or place it on the ground. Repeat this step several times periodically throughout the day.
2. Next lay the collar/ harness on the puppy, and give a very yummy food reward and praise. Don't put the collar on properly, simply have it touch the puppy. You can lay it over their back or over their neck and give the reward. When the collar/ harness is no longer touching them, stop the rewards. Let the collar/ harness only touch the puppy for 2-5 seconds at first and slowly increase the time to 10-15 seconds and so on. Repeat this process several times.
3. Next you will place the collar on and snap it or place the harness on properly. At first a very loose fit might be beneficial. Give yummy food rewards and praise then remove the collar/ harness. The food/ praise stops when the collar/ harness is off. Eventually you will want to ensure a proper fit for the collar or harness but in this step the looser the fit the better.
3a. The proper fit for a collar is snug enough that you can fit two fingers between the collar and the dogs neck when it is clasped. If you can't fit two fingers under it is too tight. The collar is too loose if it slips easily over the dogs head. A collar that is too loose is a hazard because the dog could get it's leg or jaw stuck in the collar, he could get loose and run away if the collar slips off while outside, or he could get the collar caught on things and it could be a choking hazard.
3b. Depending on what type of harness you are using will depend on what the proper fit is. Harnesses should not impede movement, should not be overly tight as this is uncomfortable and can cause rubbing, and should not be too loose for the same reasons a loose collar can be a danger.
IMPORTANT: Collars and harnesses should never be left on a dog while they are crated. They could get caught on the cage and be dangerous.
4. At this point if your dog is at least comfortable with the collar around their neck or the harness on their body for a short time and the fit of the collar/ harness is appropriate, you can place the collar/ harness on the puppy and play and have fun. Do not attach a leash yet. Place the collar/ harness on the puppy when you feed meals. Leave the collar/ harness on the puppy for longer and longer periods of time until the puppy doesn't seem to mind it anymore. If the puppy scratches, whines, shakes or seems uncomfortable while wearing the collar try your best to distract and play with the puppy. If that doesn't work go back to step 2 or 3.
5. Once the puppy can wear the collar/ harness with no problem you can introduce the leash. It's best to attach the leash to the collar/ harness and let it drag while you play with the puppy. Don't put tension on the leash. When holding the leash, using praise, toys or food rewards, encourage the puppy to follow along with you.
Getting your puppy accustomed to a collar or harness may take some time so don't despair! Your puppy will become adjusted to it. It's just a new sensation to them and it feels different and strange, taking it slowly can help your puppy ease into the transition.
❤ Katie Watterson
Do you have a question for Katie? Submit your question(s) to info@homemadepuppies.com.
Looking for a puppy? We have a large variety of puppies from pure-bred to mixed breed and large to small. Check out the in-home raised puppies we offer at www.homemadepuppies.com. The puppy's information such as location, description, price, breeder's contact information will be listed on the puppy's page. As always puppies advertised on Homemade Puppies are always 100% raised in-home...never a kennel or barn, etc. No Puppy Mills, ever. We promise.
Do you have a litter of in-home raised puppies that you would like to advertise on www.homemadepuppies.com? Email info@homemadepuppies.com for more information on how to get started!
Thank you!
Don't forget to catch Katie's blog from last week: https://www.homemadepuppies.com/5-things-for-successful-puppy-house-training
*As always Katie's advice is on this blog are only meant to be used as tips and should never replace your veterinarian's advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your dog's health.
