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My puppy acts crazy on leash. What harness is best for puppies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 7 days old | 10 lbs

Our puppy does not understand the leash and when we hook it to her collar she flips around and acts crazy. We want her to get used to it but she is going to hurt herself. We want to get her a harness but what is the best type of harness for a puppy? Some have soft material versus some made out of thinner collar materials. Which is better?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Andrea

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2018

Training a new puppy can be hard work and I am going through this myself. Start by just leaving the collar on the puppy at first until she gets used to that. Next, attach a leash to the puppy, in the house and let her drag it around the house. Keep an eye on her at all times so she doesn't get snagged at all. Reward her with lots of praise and treats but do not hold the leash yet. Once she drags it around and runs around with it, start picking it up. Follow her around the house, tossing treats so she will get them. Do not pull her and do not try to make her go your way. Next, take this to the backyard and let her drag a leash there. Then start letting her walk around the back yard while you trail behind her holding the leash. LOTS of treats and praise for any forward motion. be patient! Try some squeeze cheese on a big plastic or wooden spoon to get her to move froward if needed. You can also get her used to a harness. For a puppy, or any dog, I recommend an easy on harness that the dog steps into and snaps over the back. For a small puppy, you could also use one that looks like a small vest as well. Use lots of treats and cheese to put the harness on so the puppy is not afraid and thinks the harness is good.

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