Pug growth

Question
In 1 or 2 months i will be getting my pug puppy. i was told (because pugs are a small breed of dog) that they will reach their full height at about 10-12 months but broaden out until about 2 years. my question is at what ages should i buy harness'. i gather that she will need a few during the first 2 years because of her growing rate but at what ages do i buy them? should i buy one as soon as she can go on the lead or just start off with a collar? i also dont want to be spending 30 pounds on a harness every 2 months or whatever. thank you

Answer
   There are not any specific ages to buy a harness, you can elect to use one for walks at any point in her life. She will probably start off in an extra smal and end up in a small or medium by the time she is done growing, so you wouldn't have to buy too many. Once you get her, measure her girth (the widest part of her body, just behind the front legs). Harnesses at the pet store will have a tag that displays measurements, so you can compare her measurement and find the correct fit. Or, once she has received her shots, you can take her with you to the pet store to try some on. Select one with a snap-together buckle, they have a much larger adjustment range and will ensure a good fit for a long time.
   From a training perspective, a harness is completely optional. I actually don't recommend them (at least not at first) if you plan to train her to walk on a loose leash. Many pug owners choose to put their dog in a harness to relieve stress on their neck when they pull on the leash. However, harnesses promote pullling, and you have the opportunity to teach your pet not to pull to begin with by using a regular leash and collar and reward based training procedures. I mostly use harnesses to give a dog playtime while in areas where they must be leashed. For example, I might use a harness when I take the dog to a family BBQ at a local park. For general walking, however, collars are much better. I only typically recommend a harness for leash walking if the pug is already pulling heavily and the owner does not plan to train it to walk on a loose leash. While harnesses eliminate pressure on the throat, training the dog to walk nicely eliminates all pressure on the dog because it is not pulling on the leash. There are many books and trainers available to help you with this, but be selective and find a method that is reward-based. Reward-based training is always fun and rewarding for your puppy, and will not only train her to behave well but will also strengthen the bond between the two of you. Best of luck with your new puppy!