Should Puppies Wear Collars or Harnesses? Vet Explains 2025 🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Every puppy needs to learn how to walk on a lead—but using the wrong gear early on can lead to injuries, stress, and long-term behavioral problems. That’s why, as a veterinarian and founder of Woopf, I always recommend starting puppies with a properly fitted harness—not a collar.

In this article, I’ll explain the clinical reasons behind that advice, what kind of harness works best, and how to safely start walking your puppy from day one.

🧠 Why Collars Aren’t Safe for Puppies on Lead

Puppy necks are fragile. Until their bones, joints, and trachea mature, even light pressure on the neck can lead to:

• ❌ Tracheal compression (especially in toy breeds)
  
• ❌ Neck and spinal strain from leash tugs or pulling 
• ❌ Increased reactivity due to physical discomfort

Collars are fine for ID tags and indoor use—but they should never be used for leash training a puppy.

🩺 What Vets Recommend Instead

We always suggest using a lightweight, soft, and anatomically supportive harness for puppies. Specifically:

• ✅ Y-front design that avoids armpits and neck 
• ✅ Adjustable straps to grow with your puppy 
• ✅ Padding for comfort and movement freedom

This lets your pup learn without pain or fear, building trust and good leash habits early on.

🎽 The Ideal Harness for Puppies: Woopf Explorer Harness

The Explorer Harness is used by vets, rescues, and first-time owners because it’s:

• ✔️ Lightweight and breathable
  
• ✔️ Adjustable in 4 zones for a secure puppy fit 
• ✔️ Escape-resistant for nervous dogs or first-time walks 
• ✔️ Built for training with a front and back clip

We’ve tested it on Goldens, Staffies, Cavoodles, Dachshunds, and dozens of shelter puppies. It’s the harness I put on my own dog, Kiko, during her first walks.

📚 Research-Backed Reasons to Use a Harness

According to studies in PubMed and veterinary journals: 

• Harnesses reduce tracheal pressure and cervical spine load in growing dogs 
• Puppies trained in harnesses are less likely to develop leash reactivity 
• Improper pressure on the neck can disrupt natural gait and behavior

🧠 Common Puppy Walking Mistakes to Avoid 

• ❌ Using a collar as the only lead point 
• ❌ Starting with long walks too soon 
• ❌ Ignoring signs of harness discomfort or poor fit 
• ❌ Using retractable leashes or heavy gear too early

🎯 How to Start Puppy Leash Training (With Woopf Gear)

1. Step 1: Let your puppy sniff the harness. Clip it on indoors for 1–2 minutes.
   
2. Step 2: Use high-value treats and short, positive sessions.
   
3. Step 3: Add a lightweight lead (Sealskin Lead) and let them drag it around safely.
   
4. Step 4: Move to your backyard or hallway for low-distraction walks.
   
5. Step 5: Gradually build to street walks once your puppy is vaccinated and confident.

💬 What Puppy Parents Say

“Our vet told us not to use a collar for walks. Woopf was the only harness our Cavoodle didn’t freak out in—and she walks better every day.” – Tara N.

“The Explorer Harness fit my Dachshund puppy snugly and never rubbed her belly or front legs. So easy to adjust.” – Liam G.

🎁 Complete Puppy Walking Setup

• Explorer Harness – Secure, gentle, no-pull support 
• Sealskin Lead – Lightweight and waterproof 
• Dual Pocket Dispenser – Reward training + carry cleanup in one

Final Thoughts

Your puppy’s first walks are about learning, bonding, and building confidence. Using a harness that fits well and feels safe is the first step in making that experience positive.

Start your puppy off with vet-designed gear—and set them up for a lifetime of happy, healthy walks.