How to get my puppy to wear a collar or harness without a fight?

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.

Patience. To get her used to it, when you can keep an eye on her, hook it to her collar and let her drag it around the house. Every time you out it on her, give her a treat, lots of praise and show her lots of enthusiasm. Practice off leash in a puppy-safe, potty safe area and reward your pup for sitting. Give one treat for sitting and additional treats for remaining seated. Once you have her undivided attention, run the other way to incite a chase. Stop after 5-7 steps, before she catches up. When she gets to you, she sits and gets a reward. Now she has the idea that it’s fun to follow you. Next, repeat the same process with a lightweight leash attached to her flat collar so she gets used to the feel of the leash. Of course, make sure that she can’t get it snagged on anything or you’ll be adding an extra day or two to your training! After you’ve practiced that a couple of times you’re ready to hold the leash. In fact, you can often skip that leash dragging stage. Your pup is already used to following you when you sprint or head the other way. So, you can walk but with quick little steps so it looks like you are sprinting to get her to follow after you. Make sure that you keep the leash in a loose arc the entire time. Alternatively you can go for variation two. Walk to the end of the leash, but without letting the leash tighten. We want to avoid any pressure at first since pressure might scare her. When you get to the end, remain with your body facing forward while looking back at your puppy or face your body slightly sideways so you can see her more easily. Then lure her to you with a treat. Do this 3-6 times in a row or more until you can rapidly walk away and when you stop and lure she readily catches up to you when she sees the treat. Next, repeat the process but don’t show her the treat until after she catches up to you. Once she follows you 3-6 times, she will most likely start to walk with you as you begin to walk away.

Try putting the collar on for very short periods of time while you distract her with her favorite treats or a meal. As soon as she starts to seem distressed take the collar off. She should start to get used to the collar relatively quickly once she makes the association between the collar and a treat.

While I always think a trainer is a good idea, I think you might be able to get Piper used to the collar by putting it on her at meal time or when she is playing with a favorite toy. Use it for short periods of time multiple times a day and take it off is she seems very upset. She’ll figure it out with time.

Hello. The best thing to do is start slow & put the harness on for a few minutes 2-3 times a day. Reward her with many treats & lots of petting to calm her. Then attach a leash & just let her drag it around for a few days. Once she seems comfortable, ask her to follow or approach you while gently pulling on the leash. I always have a tasty treat in my hand to encourage her. With just a little time & patience, all dogs will get used to being on a leash & harness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like you are doing everything right. Normally, if you are able to fit 2 fingers then yes that should be ok. You can try to give her a treat when you put the collar on so that she starts associating the collar with something positive. They do get used to it relatively quickly within days to weeks. It may just take a bit longer for her. Good luck!

Try using a simple leash and collar. Gradually acclimate her to the harness by leaving it out in plain sight. Do not force the harness on her until she is acclimated. This should be done in steps: let her see it, let her sniff and touch it, lay it on her for short periods then try placing it on her. A pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP diffuser may decrease any anxiety. Use plenty of praise and rewards as she progresses. Be patient and don't force her to wear the harness until she is ready.