Many people ask me if they should get a harness or a collar for their English F1 Mini Goldendoodle puppy. I am amazed at how often I get this question. In my breeding experience, I have raised over 1,000 puppies. Before you get a harness or collar, teach the basic command, "come." Puppies first need to learn "manding." We start this command when they are very young using clicker training. Your English F1 Mini Goldendoodle puppy will come knowing this command. After that, we move into potty training and "come."
After a puppy knows "come", I recommend getting a leash or collar. If you put a leash or collar on a puppy too young to know "come", you will end up pulling on them. Harnesses are a better option, but I have seen hernias from harnesses as well as leashes. Any pulling isn't recommended for teaching "come". Use treats and affection to reward, until the puppy knows it.
You may buy a cute collar or harness for your English F1 Mini Goldendoodle puppy just to look cute, but remove it before crating. They can get snagged on the side of the crate or a fence and cause a danger to your puppy. So, when you cannot watch your puppy, remove the collar.
Using a harness over a leash offers several advantages for both the dog and the owner:
Reduced Strain on Neck and Throat: Harnesses distribute the pressure more evenly across the dog's body, which helps prevent injuries to the neck and throat, especially for breeds prone to respiratory issues or small breeds.
Better Control: Harnesses give the owner better control over the dog, making it easier to manage strong or energetic dogs. This is particularly useful during training or when walking in crowded areas.
Prevents Pulling: Many harnesses are designed to discourage pulling, as the dog feels the resistance on its chest instead of its neck. This can make walks more enjoyable and less stressful for both the dog and the owner.
Safety and Security: Harnesses are generally more secure than collars, reducing the risk of the dog slipping out and running away. This is especially important for dogs that are escape artists.
Comfort for the Dog: Harnesses can be more comfortable for dogs, especially for those with neck or back issues. They avoid putting pressure on sensitive areas and can be padded for extra comfort.
No Choking Hazard: Unlike collars, which can choke or cause tracheal collapse if a dog pulls too hard, harnesses eliminate this risk by distributing pressure away from the neck.
Assist with Mobility: Harnesses with handles can help owners assist dogs with limited mobility, such as older dogs or those recovering from surgery.
Choosing the right harness for your English F1 Mini Goldendoodle puppy depends on fit. Wait until they are home and after they know "come", get measurements for your cute collar or harness. They are a large cat size when they come home if you want a cute collar.
I personally think that both a collar and a harness will be equally as good as long as there is no pulling. We personally use collars because they stay cleaner and are easy to leave on most of the time. I think harnesses are not necessary unless the dog is performing some type of actual sport, like a dog sled or assisting for mobility.
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