When Should My Puppy Start Wearing a Collar or Harness – and When Is It Safe to Go for Their First Walk?
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but it also comes with lots of questions. Two of the most common ones we hear are when should my puppy start wearing a collar or harness? and when is it safe to take them out for their first proper walk?
The short answer is: you can start early at home, but patience is key when it comes to public walks.
When Can a Puppy Start Wearing a Collar?
Puppies can begin wearing a collar from around 8 weeks old, once they’ve settled into their new home.
At this stage, a collar is mainly for:
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Getting them used to the feeling of wearing something
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Attaching an ID tag
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Short periods of supervised wear
Start slowly. Let your puppy wear their collar for short bursts around the house, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable. It should be snug but not tight – you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and their neck. Check out our range of puppy collar and lead sets here
When Is a Harness a Better Option?
Many puppy owners choose to introduce a harness early on, especially for lead training. A well-fitted harness can offer more control and reduce pressure on a young puppy’s neck.
A puppy can start wearing a harness:
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Indoors first, for short sessions
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During gentle lead training around the house or garden
This helps them learn how it feels to move while attached to a lead without overwhelming them.
Getting Used to Wearing Accessories
It’s completely normal for puppies to scratch, roll or freeze when they first wear a collar or harness. Keep sessions short and positive:
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Distract them with treats or play
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Put the collar or harness on before mealtimes so it becomes associated with good things
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Remove it if they seem stressed and try again later
Comfort and fit are especially important at this stage, as puppies grow quickly and their shape can change from week to week.
When Is It Safe to Go for the First Walk in a Public Place?
Although puppies may look ready to explore the world straight away, it’s important to wait until they are fully vaccinatedbefore taking them into public spaces where other dogs walk.
In the UK, this is usually:
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Around 12–14 weeks old, depending on your vet’s vaccination schedule
Until then, avoid public pavements, parks and busy dog-walking areas.
Safe Alternatives Before Vaccinations Are Complete
While you’re waiting for vaccinations, there are still plenty of ways to help your puppy learn and explore safely:
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Practice lead training in your home or garden
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Carry your puppy in your arms or a carrier on short outings
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Introduce them to different sights, sounds and experiences in a controlled way
This early socialisation is just as important as physical exercise.
Your Puppy’s First Proper Walk
Once your vet gives the all-clear, keep first walks short and calm. Puppies don’t need long distances – just time to sniff, explore and build confidence.
As your puppy grows, remember to:
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Check the fit of collars and harnesses regularly
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Upgrade sizes as needed
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Inspect accessories for wear and tear
A Gentle Start Sets the Foundation
Introducing collars, harnesses and walking gradually helps your puppy feel confident and comfortable as they grow. Taking things at their pace, and waiting until it’s safe to explore public spaces, gives them the best possible start to life as a happy, well-adjusted dog.