Module 6.2 Collar &
Harness Training
Introducing Your Puppy to a Harness Calmly
Introducing both a collar and harness in a calm, positive way can make a big difference for your puppy. These items can feel unfamiliar at first, so taking the time to create a relaxed experience helps build confidence and comfort. By keeping things gentle and positive early on, you can prevent them becoming aversive and set the foundation for stress-free handling and walks in the future.
Video 1:
Introducing your puppy to having their collar put on should be a calm, positive experience. Using a small amount of food can help create this. Gently guide your puppy’s nose with food or scatter a few pieces on the ground so they are engaged and relaxed while you put the collar on. This keeps the experience low pressure and helps prevent excitement or resistance. Over time, your puppy learns to remain calm and comfortable during handling, building positive associations with having their collar put on.
Video 2:
Introducing a harness should be a calm and positive experience for your puppy. Using food can help keep them relaxed and engaged while you gently guide the harness into place. I like to use a PerfectFit Harness as it doesn’t need to go over the puppy’s head and can be put on in a similar way to a collar, which many puppies find more comfortable. Focus on one clip at a time, taking it slowly and keeping the experience low pressure. If you need to place more food on the floor between each clip, do so, rather than rushing. This helps keep your puppy calm and slightly distracted, building a positive association with wearing the harness and supporting them to feel relaxed during handling.
Here is the link for: PerfectFit Harness
