Puppy Harnesses: When to Start and What to Buy

Becoming a dog mum or dad for the first time is a lot like becoming an actual parent. You’re in over your head, with no idea what you’re doing. Just going along with it. Hoping you don’t do too much irreversible harm.

You’ll have hundreds, if not thousands, of questions that you’ll need answers for. And although we can’t answer all of them, we can answer one.

Should I get a harness for my puppy, and when should I get it.

The answer is yes, and probably around 8 weeks in. 

But there’s a lot more to it than that, and a lot of follow-up questions that you’ll probably have, which is why we thought it would be a good idea to create this guide to buying your first puppy harness. 

So take a look through it, and hopefully by the end of it, you’ll feel like there’s one less thing you don’t know about owning a dog.

Enjoy!

Why Use a Harness for Puppies?

The short answer to this is that puppies are squishy balls of energy that are incredibly fragile. So having a collar around the neck isn't always the best idea for walks. And by having a harness, you can:

• Spread pressure across the chest instead of the throat
• Gives you more steering control so you’re not yanking as much
• Makes lead training a little easier.

So in short, if your puppy is a tiny tugger, a harness is a kinder and safer option.

When Can a Puppy Start Wearing a Harness?

The real answer to this question is - it depends on the following?

It can depend on their breed, size and how well they’ve settled into the house.

However, a rule of thumb is around 8 - 10 weeks. And then they’ll typically stay in that harness until around the 10 - 12 months mark before they switch into their adult harness.

The Different Types of Puppy Harnesses?

Unfortunately, there isn’t just one type of puppy harness on the market. And it’s not as simple as every harness is perfect for every dog. That would be too easy, wouldn’t it.

No, there are three common types of puppy harnesses: Step-in, Over-the-head and No-Pull. 

They’ve all got their pros and cons, which is why we’ve made the table below to help you choose. 

Top Tip: If you’re unsure, start with a fully adjustable vest style. You’ll tweak it as they grow and swap later if needed.

How To Measure a Puppy for a Harness?

We’ll say it louder for the new owners at the back!

The biggest mistake we see when people buy a harness is that they don’t properly measure their dogs.

It’s why porches are littered with harnesses dangling there, reminding them of past mistakes.

To correctly measure your puppy, you need to do the below: 

1. Grab a measuring tape.
   
   
2. Measure the chest (Girth): Wrap around the widest part, just behind the front legs.
   
   
3. Measure the neck: Measure where a collar would sit—base of the neck, not halfway up the ears!
   
   
4. Snug, not strangled: Two-finger gap rule is your friend.
   
   
5. Check the brand’s size chart—they’re all different.
   
   

Top Tip: Between sizes? Size up. You can tighten; you can’t add fabric.

Choosing the Right Harness

Once you’ve got the size right, it’s time to pick the harness. There’s plenty to consider here too.

As a mini-checklist we’d recommend.

✅ Looking For:

• Adjustability: Multiple sliders to grow with your pup.
  
  
• Lightweight mesh or nylon: So its comfy and ventilated.
  
  
• Soft padding: To prevent underarm ouchies.
  
  
• Secure buckles: Metal or sturdy plastic that clicks.
  
  
• Reflective trim: Because it helps to be able to see them during 6 a.m. toilet breaks.
  
  
• Machine washable: Mud happens. A lot.

❌ Avoiding

• One-size-fits-all claims.
  
  
• Stiff, unpadded straps that rub tender skin.
  
  
• Oversized metal work that drags on a toy breed.
  
  
• Weak stitching or bargain-bin buckles (snap = puppy loose).
  
  
• Super heavy tactical vests—your pup’s not joining the SAS (yet).

Top Puppy Harnesses To Pick

Sports Harness XS (Multiple Colours)

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Softly padded for extra comfort, these Sports Harnesses by Hem&Boo are a pawsome choice for puppies with chest sizes of between 25 and 45 centimetres. Thanks to the double chest straps and adjustment points, you can expect a snug fit for your growing pup.

Since this harness for puppies comes in fun colours like bright pink and orange, it's also a great option for pooches with bold personalities. 

Hem&Boo Soft Mesh Puppy Harness

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This lightweight and breathable design is soft against your young dog's skin, minimising discomfort, rubbing, and skin irritation. 

There's also a welded D-ring on the back of the harness for you to attach your leash of choice. The extra-small size is well-suited for small dogs with chests that measure between 28 and 40 centimetres, so be sure to check your dog's measurements before clicking "buy".

Sports Harness Camo

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Puppies may be pint-sized, but they often pull like they’ve got somewhere very important to be. This no-pull harness is ideal for early training: the front chest ring helps redirect tugging, while the back D-ring works perfectly for relaxed puppy strolls.

The padded body spreads pressure across the chest (not the neck), protecting growing bones and preventing strain. Its elasticated chest section moves with your pup’s wiggles, while quick clip-on fittings make it simple to put on a wriggly little body. Adjustable straps mean the harness grows with your puppy, so you won’t need to replace it after the first growth spurt.

Reflective trim keeps your tiny explorer visible at night, and with sizes from XS upwards, there’s a perfect fit for puppies of every breed.

Dog & Co. Sports Harness

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Teaching good walking habits starts early, and this harness is designed to make those first months easier. The dual-clip design gives you both a front chest ring (for training away pulling) and a back D-ring for casual strolls once your pup has learned the ropes.

Clip buckles make it quick to get on and off—ideal for wriggly pups who don’t like harness fuss. The padded grab handle on top adds control when you need it, whether you’re guiding your puppy across the road or scooping them up in busy places. Reflective trim also helps keep your little one safe on evening walkies.

Made from durable nylon with a breathable Airtex lining, this harness balances strength and softness—so it’s comfy for sensitive puppy skin but robust enough to handle daily adventures. Available in multiple colours (pink, purple, blue, orange, and black) so your puppy can start as they mean to go on: safe, stylish, and full of confidence.

Training Tips for First Timers

Buying the harness is the easy part. Getting them used to it is the hard part. And it’s not like they’re a human being and you can sit them down and explain it to them either.

So you’ll need a bit of a plan, and a lot of patience and perseverance.

But if you do want to make your life a little easier, we’d recommend following the below 5 steps.

Pro Tip: Pair a front-clip harness with loose-lead training from day one. It’s easier to teach good habits than unteach bad ones.

 

In Summary

There you have it. Your crash course in all things puppy harness. From when to start, to what to buy, to how not to lose your mind in the process. Like most things in puppy parenting, it’s a little bit of trial, a little bit of error, and a whole lot of belly rubs.

Just remember: no one gets it perfect the first time (except maybe your dog, who is perfect, obviously). But with the right harness and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll both be strutting your stuff in no time.

Don’t forget to check out our buying guides for harnesses for Chihuahuas, harnesses for large dogs and the best harnesses for weenie dogs.