A dog collar is not just a fashionable accessory, it’s necessary for your dog’s safety, as a place to clip a leash to and attach ID tags with your pup’s information. Once your dog starts wearing a collar, it’s best to err on the safe side and leave it on all the time. But how old should your puppy be - what’s the best age to start wearing a collar? And what kind of collar is best?

The Best Age for a Puppy to Start Wearing a Collar

Your puppy should start wearing a collar before going out in public. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends getting your puppy out of the house and socializing as early as possible to take advantage of the first three months. This is the time frame in which a puppy is sensitive to socialization and can develop good habits and, hopefully, avoid problem behavior in the future.

So how early is that? A week after your puppy’s first round of vaccinations, which happens around 7-8 weeks. That means that your puppy should be getting into a collar around that time, too.

For pet parents worried about taking their pups out before they’re fully vaccinated – which happens at 16 weeks, around the time the window for optimal socialization is closing – the AVSAB has some advice. They recommend going to puppy classes where you know the other puppies are worm-free and up-to-date on vaccines and avoiding dog parks and other public places that aren’t easy to keep clean and where there may be dogs who are sick.

The Best Collar for a Puppy

Since your puppy will keep growing, a good choice for a puppy’s first collar is a flat, adjustable collar.

Keep it simple with a solid color, personalized collar with a quick-release clasp. Or add some bling with a sparkly Create-A-Collar Charms Dog Collar, which allows you to spell out your dog’s name plus add some fun charms (all for a fantastic price!). Or choose a classic leather collar with some attitude, like this Latigo Leather Studded Dog Collar.

Dogs whose heads are slimmer than their bodies, like greyhounds, salukis, and borzois, should be in Martingale collars, like these colorful Martingale collars that come with a quick-release clasp.

If none of these are up your alley, no worries – at Hot Dog Collars, we got lots of collars! Almost 1000, in fact. Browse our collection to find the right one for your puppy.

A Great Collar Alternative: A Harness

Harnesses are a great option for puppies who are still learning to walk on a leash.

Some good options include the Soft Mesh Dog Harness, made of a comfortable polyester and featuring an adjustable chest strap. Or this adjustable step-in dog harness that’s designed for your puppy to step into easily and can be personalized with up to 24 characters to fit your dog’s name and your phone number.

And what could be more adorable than Puppy’s First Collar Step-In Harness? This simple but effective harness in pink and blue for your precious bundle.

Browse our entire range of harnesses right here!