The Complete Guide to the Best Puppy Harnesses
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Bringing a puppy home is one of the most special moments in a dog lover's life. Everything is new: the food, the toys, the first walks, and of course, the puppy harness. A good puppy harness is essential for your puppy's safety, comfort, and development. But what's the best harness for a puppy? And what should you look for when buying a puppy harness?
We'd love to introduce you to the world of puppy harnesses. We'll discuss the benefits, the right age to start, the difference between a collar and a harness, and explain why Cooper & Quint puppy harnesses, both in hemp and leather, are an excellent choice.
What is the best harness for a puppy?
The best puppy harness is comfortable, safe, and adapts to your puppy's growth. A Y-harness is generally the most recommended choice for puppies. This type of harness distributes pressure evenly across the dog's chest, shoulders, and back, preventing strain on the puppy's delicate neck.
A good Y-harness:
- Distributes the force over the chest area and the sternum;
- Leave plenty of room at the front and shoulders for natural movement;
- It has adjustable straps so the harness can grow with your puppy.
When choosing a puppy harness, also consider the width of the straps. For small breeds like a French Bulldog or Dachshund, a harness that's too wide is uncomfortable, while straps that are too thin can cut into the skin. The right balance ensures comfort and control.
Cooper & Quint puppy harnesses: natural quality and comfort
At Cooper & Quint, you'll find two types of puppy harnesses, specially developed with the needs of young dogs in mind:
1. Hemp harnesses – ideal for puppies
Cooper & Quint's hemp harnesses are adjustable, durable, and made of a soft, naturally antibacterial material. Hemp is a high-quality natural fiber that is not only strong but also environmentally friendly.
Features of the hemp puppy harness:
- Made from sustainably grown hemp from Romania;
- Soft and comfortable for your puppy's coat and skin;
- Click closure for easy on and off;
- Perfect for small dogs or puppies with a chest circumference of 30-40 cm (size XS) up to 60-70 cm (size L);
- Ideal for puppies that are still growing, thanks to the adjustable straps.
The natural fibers ensure the harness doesn't chafe or irritate, even during long walks. Simply Hemp puppy harnesses are also easy to wash. This makes a hemp puppy harness the perfect choice for young dogs who want to explore the world.
Do you have any special requests for your puppy? Please contact us. We're happy to create a custom harness.
2. Learning harnesses – for puppies that are almost fully grown
Is your puppy almost fully grown? Then a leather harness from Cooper & Quint is a durable and stylish choice. These harnesses are made from certified vegetable-tanned Italian leather, which ensures a luxurious look and long lifespan.
Benefits of learning a dog harness:
- Strong and durable, resistant to pulling and playing;
- Equipped with buckles for easy adjustment of the straps;
- Available in multiple sizes (from size XS to size XL) and timeless colours such as brown, green, black, stone & cognac;
- Ideal as a permanent harness once your puppy has fully grown.
A leather dog harness is not only functional but also a stylish addition to your dog's life. Perfect for owners who value stylish, high-quality products.
From what age can you put a harness on your puppy?
Most breeders recommend starting with a lightweight, adjustable puppy harness around eight weeks old. At that age, your puppy is ready to explore the outdoors. You'll then go from short walk to short walk.
Note: Always choose a good puppy harness that fits your puppy's neck size, chest circumference, and height. A harness that's too big can rub or slip; a harness that's too small can restrict breathing or movement.
Measure the chest circumference (just behind the front legs) and the neck circumference accurately in cm. Cooper & Quint puppy harnesses are available in size XS (up to 40 cm chest circumference), size S, size M and size L, so you can always get the right size.
How do I put a dog harness on my puppy?
Putting on a dog harness doesn't have to be complicated, but it's important to do it correctly to avoid stress or discomfort.
Step-by-step plan:
- Let the puppy sniff the harness first. This way, it becomes a familiar object.
- If necessary, use a treat to place the harness over your puppy's head.
- Place the Y-section over the front of the chest.
- Fasten the straps behind the front legs, around the chest and belly.
- Make sure you can fit two fingers between the fur and the harness – then it won't be too tight.
- Close the snap or buckle securely.
- Attach the line to the ring on the back of the harness.
Extra tip: get used to the harness
Let your puppy get used to wearing the harness indoors first. Let them explore, play, and eat with it. This way, they learn that the harness is something enjoyable.
After a few days, you can start short walks on a leash. Reward good behavior so that putting the harness on and taking it off remains a pleasant experience.
What's better: a collar or a harness for a puppy?
A frequently asked question is whether it is better to use a collar or a harness on a puppy.
While a collar may seem practical, a harness is generally better for puppies. The reason? A puppy's neck is still developing. A tug on the leash through the collar can damage their delicate neck or windpipe. However, some puppies thrive better with a collar.
A Y-harness or chest harness distributes the force across the chest and shoulders, making it safer and more comfortable. A harness is the best choice, especially for small dogs or breeds like the French Bulldog, with a short neck and sensitive airways, or the Dachshund, with a long back.
When can a puppy start wearing a harness?
After birth, a puppy often receives a collar from the breeder. This is often to distinguish between different puppies. Many puppies are therefore accustomed to wearing a collar. A puppy can transition to a lightweight, adjustable harness as soon as it's accustomed to a collar (usually around 8 to 10 weeks).
Start with short walks—just a few minutes—and gradually increase your walking time. Puppies still need to learn to walk on a leash, and a well-fitting harness helps with this.
How do you ensure a good fit with a puppy harness?
A proper fit is crucial. A harness that's too loose can slip; a harness that's too tight restricts breathing and movement. Therefore, always measure the chest circumference correctly.
Check:
- Two fingers of space between harness and coat;
- The thorax lies on the breastbone, not on the throat;
- The straps do not run too close to the armpits to prevent chafing;
The advantage of the hemp harnesses from Cooper & Quint is that they are adjustable at multiple points, so they grow with your puppy.
What should you pay attention to when buying a puppy harness?
Choosing a good puppy harness requires careful consideration of material, fit, and ease of use. Here are the key points:
1. Material
Choose a soft material that is comfortable for the coat.
Cooper & Quint hemp harnesses are naturally antibacterial, durable, and breathable.
Avoid rough, low-quality nylon or polyester harnesses – they can chafe or irritate.
2. Type of harness
A Y-harness is the best type for a puppy. It distributes pressure better than an H-harness or entry-level harness.
A chest harness with attachment on top of the back prevents the puppy from experiencing pain when pulling.
3. Belt attachment
Ideally, you attach the leash to the ring on the back. Some harnesses also have a ring on the front to discourage pulling. Be careful! The ring on the front is only for correction, not for leashing.
4. Fit and comfort
The fit should be close to the chest size, without restricting the puppy's movement.
A soft, high-quality harness (such as those from Cooper & Quint) prevents chafing around the belly and shoulders.
5. Adjustability
Because puppies grow so quickly, an adjustable harness is essential. This allows you to adjust the straps so the harness stays in place, even after a growth spurt.
6. Sustainability
Puppies are playful and bite easily. A sturdy harness prevents damage while playing or walking.
Hemp and leather are excellent choices because of their sustainable properties.
Popular choices and colors
Cooper & Quint offers harnesses in stylish and timeless colors like brown, cognac, green, stone, and black. They match any leash or lead and are available in sizes XS to L, so both small and medium-sized dogs can find the perfect harness.
Conclusion: the right puppy harness makes all the difference
A good puppy harness is more than just an accessory – it's an investment in your puppy's safety, health, and well-being.
Whether you choose the Cooper & Quint hemp puppy harness – perfect for young, growing puppies thanks to the adjustable, soft material – or the leather dog harness for a permanent, stylish solution, you always choose high quality.
By paying attention to fit, comfort, and durability, you'll give your dog a great start to every walk. And that makes not only your pup happier, but you as an owner as well.
In summary:
- Choose a Y-harness for optimal pressure distribution.
- Start using a light, adjustable harness around 8 weeks.
- Cooper & Quint hemp harnesses are ideal for young puppies.
- Leather harnesses are the best choice once your puppy is almost fully grown.
- Please carefully measure your bust in cm for the correct size.
- Comfort, strength and material are the key to a pleasant walk.
Want to let your puppy walk safely and in style?
Discover Cooper & Quint's hemp and leather puppy harnesses – with a perfect fit, natural materials, and a modern look.