Harness Vs Collar For Training A Puppy Not To Pull

Teaching a puppy not to pull on the leash is one of the most common yet challenging aspects of early dog ownership. The tools you choose—specifically whether to use a harness or a collar—can significantly influence your success. Both options have their place in training, but they serve different purposes and come with distinct advantages and risks. Understanding how each works, when to use them, and how they affect your puppy’s behavior and physical development is essential for building good walking habits from the start.

Why Pulling Is a Problem—and How Equipment Matters

Puppies naturally explore the world by moving forward. When they see something exciting—a squirrel, another dog, or simply a new scent—they surge ahead. Without guidance, this instinct becomes pulling. Left uncorrected, it turns into a deeply ingrained habit that can strain your relationship with your dog and even cause long-term health issues.

The equipment you use during walks plays a critical role in shaping this behavior. A poorly chosen tool can either reinforce pulling or create discomfort that undermines trust. For example, traditional collars apply pressure directly to the neck, which can be dangerous for young dogs whose tracheas and cervical spines are still developing. Harnesses distribute force more evenly, reducing risk—but not all harnesses are created equal.

Tip: Never use a standard neck collar with a retractable leash for a pulling puppy—it encourages lunging and makes control nearly impossible.

How Collars Work—and When They’re Risky

Flat collars, typically made of nylon or leather, are the most common type of dog collar. They sit snugly around the neck and are ideal for holding ID tags and attaching leashes. However, when used during active pulling, they concentrate pressure on a small area of the throat, including the trachea, thyroid, and cervical vertebrae.

In puppies, this is especially concerning. Their bones and cartilage are soft and still forming. Repeated strain can lead to tracheal collapse, eye pressure spikes (a risk for dogs predisposed to glaucoma), and even nerve damage. Veterinarians and canine rehabilitation specialists frequently caution against using neck collars for dogs that pull.

“Applying constant pressure to a puppy’s neck is like asking a child to carry a heavy backpack by their throat. It’s not just uncomfortable—it can cause lasting harm.” — Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, Integrative Veterinary Medicine Specialist

That said, collars aren’t inherently bad. They are appropriate for well-trained dogs who walk politely on a loose leash. They also allow for quick identification and are often required by law in public spaces. The key is timing: a collar should be a reward for good behavior, not the default tool for a dog still learning.

The Advantages and Types of Harnesses

Harnesses are designed to spread pressure across the chest and shoulders, minimizing stress on the neck. This makes them a safer and more humane option for puppies still mastering leash manners. There are several types of harnesses, each with specific functions:

• Front-clip harnesses: The leash attaches near the dog’s chest. When the puppy pulls, the harness gently turns them back toward you, discouraging forward momentum.
• Back-clip harnesses: The leash connects over the shoulders. These are comfortable but can encourage pulling if not paired with proper training.
• No-pull harnesses: Often combining front-clip design with adjustable straps, these are specifically engineered to deter pulling through redirection.

For training purposes, a front-clip harness is generally the best choice. It provides gentle feedback without pain, helping the puppy learn that pulling doesn’t get them where they want to go.

Choosing the Right Harness: A Checklist

Checklist: Before buying a harness, ensure it:

• Fits snugly without restricting movement
• Has a secure chest clip for no-pull training
• Allows full range of motion in the shoulders
• Is adjustable at the neck and girth
• Doesn’t rub under the armpits (chafing is common with poor fits)

Comparing Harnesses and Collars: A Practical Breakdown

Feature	Harness	Collar
Pressure Distribution	Evenly spread across chest and shoulders	Concentrated on the neck and throat
Safety for Puppies	High—reduces risk of injury	Low—potential for tracheal or spinal damage
Effectiveness in Stopping Pulling	High (especially front-clip models)	Low to moderate (may worsen pulling)
Comfort During Long Walks	Generally higher, if properly fitted	Can cause irritation with tension
Ease of Use	Moderate (some require threading legs)	High (simple slip-on design)
Best For	Training, walking strong or excitable puppies	ID tags, well-trained dogs, short outings

This comparison shows that while collars are simpler and more traditional, harnesses offer superior safety and training benefits—especially during the critical early months of a puppy’s life.

A Real Training Journey: Max the Labrador Puppy

Consider Max, a 12-week-old Labrador Retriever adopted by a first-time owner. Excited and energetic, Max would lunge toward every stimulus during walks, choking himself on his nylon collar. His owner, concerned about both safety and etiquette, consulted a certified dog trainer.

The trainer recommended switching to a front-clip harness immediately. Over the next four weeks, Max’s owner practiced short, focused walks using positive reinforcement. Every time Max walked beside her without pulling, he received a treat and praise. When he surged ahead, the harness turned him slightly, and the walk paused until the leash was slack.

Within three weeks, Max was walking calmly on a loose leash in low-distraction environments. By week six, he could handle busier sidewalks. The harness didn’t “fix” Max—it gave his owner a humane tool to teach him what was expected. Eventually, Max transitioned to a collar for occasional use, but only after demonstrating consistent self-control.

This case illustrates that tools are part of a larger system. The harness enabled effective communication, but consistency and positive reinforcement were the real drivers of change.

Step-by-Step: Training Your Puppy Not to Pull Using a Harness

Using a harness effectively requires more than just strapping it on. Follow this timeline to build reliable leash manners:

1. Week 1: Introduce the harness indoors. Let your puppy sniff it, reward calm interaction, and practice putting it on with treats. Goal: No fear or resistance.
2. Week 2: Practice loose-leash walking in a quiet space. Use a short leash and reward your puppy for staying close. If they pull, stop moving. Resume only when the leash is slack. Keep sessions under 5 minutes.
3. Week 3: Add direction changes. Randomly turn and walk the other way. Reward your puppy for following. This teaches attention and responsiveness.
4. Week 4: Increase distractions gradually. Move to a backyard or quiet street. Continue using high-value treats and immediate rewards.
5. Week 5–8: Build duration and reliability. Extend walks slowly. Introduce controlled distractions like passing bicycles or other dogs at a distance.
6. Ongoing: Fade treats, maintain consistency. Once your puppy walks reliably, reduce treats but continue verbal praise. Never allow pulling to be rewarded with forward motion.

This structured approach ensures your puppy learns that polite walking leads to progress, while pulling leads to a pause. The harness supports this process by making redirection easier and safer.

When to Consider a Collar—and How to Transition Safely

There may come a time when you want to switch back to a collar. Perhaps your dog walks perfectly on a harness, and you’d like to test their skills with a different tool. Or maybe you need a simple setup for quick bathroom breaks.

To transition safely:

• Only consider a collar once your puppy consistently walks on a loose leash for at least 10 minutes in moderately distracting environments.
• Start with short sessions using a flat collar and a standard 4–6 foot leash (never retractable).
• If pulling resumes, return to the harness immediately. The goal isn’t to punish, but to set your dog up for success.
• Use the collar as a privilege, not a default. Reserve it for times when you’re confident in your dog’s behavior.

Some trainers advocate using both: a harness for training and longer walks, and a collar for identification and short outings. This dual-system approach combines safety with practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a harness cause shoulder problems in puppies?

Well-fitted harnesses do not cause injury. However, poorly designed or ill-fitting harnesses—especially those that rub under the armpits or restrict shoulder movement—can lead to chafing or long-term gait issues. Always choose a harness with a Y-shaped design that sits behind the front legs and allows full mobility.

Is it okay to use a head halter instead?

Head halters (like the Gentle Leader) can be effective for some dogs, but they require careful introduction and are not ideal for very young puppies. They work by guiding the dog’s head, but improper use can cause fear or resistance. Most trainers recommend starting with a front-clip harness before considering a head halter.

Will my puppy become dependent on the harness?

No. A harness is a training aid, not a crutch. Just as children use training wheels before riding a bike independently, puppies use harnesses to learn proper walking behavior. Once the skill is mastered, the tool can be phased out. The dependency is not to the harness, but to the routine of walking politely—which is the desired outcome.

Final Thoughts: Choosing What’s Best for Your Puppy

The decision between a harness and a collar isn’t just about preference—it’s about responsibility. Puppies are physically vulnerable and behaviorally impressionable. The tools you use in their first months shape not only their walking habits but also their trust in you as a leader.

A front-clip harness offers a safe, effective, and humane way to teach loose-leash walking. It reduces the risk of injury, provides better control, and supports positive reinforcement training. While collars have their place, they should not be the primary tool for a dog who hasn’t yet learned not to pull.

Training takes patience, consistency, and the right equipment. By choosing a harness during the formative stage, you’re investing in your puppy’s long-term comfort, health, and behavior. When done correctly, leash training becomes less of a struggle and more of a shared experience—one that strengthens your bond with every step.

💬 Have questions about your puppy’s walking behavior or gear choices? Share your experience or ask for advice in the comments—your journey can help others raise happier, better-mannered dogs.