What Age Should a Puppy Start Wearing a Collar?

Q: How do I know if my puppy’s collar is too tight?

If you cannot slip two fingers comfortably between the collar and your puppy’s neck, it is too tight.

Q: How often should I replace my puppy’s collar?

You may need to replace or adjust your puppy’s collar every few weeks as they grow. Many puppies go through 2–3 collars in their first year.

Bringing home a new puppy is full of firsts—first cuddle, first walk, first trip to the pet store. But one of the earliest questions new pet parents ask is: what age should a puppy start wearing a collar? Let’s cover the ideal timing, how to make the process safe, and what to look for in that very first collar.

Who This Is For

This guide is for:

New puppy parents
Families preparing for a new furry addition
Anyone unsure about when (and how) to introduce a collar safely

White dog wearing the gingham blue Pink Papyrus adjustable dog collar with gold hardware.

The Right Age for Puppies to Wear Collars

Most puppies can start wearing a collar as early as 8 weeks old, once they’ve come home from the breeder or rescue. At this stage:

Their necks are developed enough to wear a lightweight collar comfortably
Collars help with early training and acclimation
Having ID tags early on gives peace of mind

👉 Start with short sessions indoors so your puppy can get used to the feeling gradually.

Choosing the First Puppy Collar

Not all collars are created equal. For puppies, look for:

Lightweight materials: avoid heavy or bulky options
Adjustability: growing puppies need collars that can size up as they grow
Soft edges: prevents rubbing or irritation
Secure hardware: durable buckles and D-rings that won’t snap under pressure

Pink Papyrus collars are fully adjustable, soft yet durable, and designed to grow with your pup—making them a perfect first collar.

Safety Tips for Puppies and Collars

Follow the two-finger rule: always make sure you can slip two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck
Supervise at first: make sure they’re comfortable and not scratching excessively
Remove collars at bedtime to prevent snagging
Check fit weekly—puppies grow fast!

FAQs

Q: Should puppies sleep in collars?

A: It’s best to remove collars at bedtime to prevent snagging or discomfort.

Q: How do I know if my puppy’s collar is too tight?

A: Use the two-finger rule—if you can’t slip two fingers underneath, it’s too tight.

Q: How often should I replace my puppy’s collar?

A: Replace or adjust as your puppy grows. You may go through 2–3 collars in the first year.

Written by Christine Abdelmalek

Founder and SHE-E-O of Pink Papyrus

Obsessed with crafting dog accessories—beautiful, brilliantly functional, and made with love.