Choosing between a dog collar or a harness can be a confusing decision for dog owners. It’s less about looking pretty and more about what suits your pup the best. Both options come with their own sets of pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on many factors, such as your dog’s behavior, size, and training needs.
Today, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of both collars and harnesses to help you decide what your furry friend needs!
What to Know About Dog Collars
As with anything, there are pros and cons that you must consider when deciding whether a collar suits your dog. Here’s what to know about the pros of dog collars:
- Great for daily use
- Perfect for attaching ID tags
- Can be a good training aid (for instance, Martindale collars discourage leash-pulling)
- Offers a traditional look
There are also some disadvantages that may inform your decision between choosing between a collar or a harness. Some cons of dog collars include:
- Risk of neck injury
- Low control over the dog’s movements
- Not great for brachycephalic breeds (collars can obstruct their airways)
Some dog collars, especially those made of nylon, generally don’t last very long. If you have an active dog that spends a lot of time outdoors, you may find yourself constantly having to purchase new items. Harnesses are generally more durable and offer greater control over a dog while walking.
What to Know About Dog Harnesses
Just like with collars, dog harnesses also have some pros and cons. Some benefits of these devices include:
- Better control during walks
- Prevents pulling while walking
- Reduces the risk of neck injury
- Being ideal for training purposes
Of course, there are some disadvantages, too. For instance, some dogs don’t take to wearing harnesses easily. They don’t like the way it feels and may attempt to squirm out of it. These devices can also restrict natural movement, making it important to find the right fit.
Collars Offer Convenience; Harnesses Offer Control
Many collars are all about convenience. They are lightweight and easy to put on and take off. However, collars offer very limited control over your dog’s movement, making them unideal for dogs just learning to walk on a leash.
Harnesses, on the other hand, offer complete control over your dog and distribute pressure evenly across their body, helping to reduce the risk of injury. Some products, such as front-clip harnesses, actually discourage pulling by redirecting your dog’s attention to you. Combined with positive reinforcement training, this can make walks enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Harnesses Promote Safety and Comfort
Traditional collars can pose a sizeable risk of injury to your dog, especially if you have a thin-necked dog, like a Greyhound, or a smaller dog, like a Bedlington Terrier. At the same time, certain types of dog collars can be used as training tools to prevent leash-pulling and promote positive behaviors.
Harnesses are designed to minimize the risk of injury by distributing the pressure more evenly across your dog’s body. By reducing the strain on the neck, harnesses are great for preventing neck injuries or tracheal damage, particularly for dogs who pull. However, a poorly fitting harness can cause discomfort or chafing, particularly in sensitive areas like the underarms or chest.
As noted, it is absolutely essential to choose a harness that fits properly. When testing out harnesses, try to slip two fingers under the strap. If you can, great. If you can’t, it’s too tight—and if you can fit more fingers, then it’s too loose. The same method works for dog collars.
Collars and Harnesses Suit Different Breeds
Collars are suitable for most breeds of dogs, but they may not be the best option for brachycephalic breeds that have flat faces and short noses. Breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs may find collars uncomfortable or even exacerbate existing breathing difficulties because of their anatomical structure.
Harnesses are much more beneficial, especially for brachycephalic breeds and other dogs prone to respiratory issues. They’re also well-suited for dogs with thick necks, such as Cane Corso and Great Danes.
Both Help with Training and Behavior Management
Collars can be very useful for training purposes, providing gentle correction during walks or obedience training sessions. However, they ultimately offer limited control over your dog’s movements. Harnesses are recommended for leash training and behavior management, particularly for dogs learning to walk on a leash or those who have trouble learning to “heel.”
As noted, front-clip harnesses aim to discourage pulling behavior by redirecting your dog’s attention on what’s most important: you, their handler.
Should You Choose a Collar or a Harness?
Both collars and harnesses have their own pros and cons. When it comes down to it, the best choice will depend on what your doggo needs and how they behave when you’re out walking. Whether you prioritize convenience, control, or safety, it is so SUPER important to consider factors such as your dog’s size, breed, and behavior when you are looking to choose a collar or harness.
By weighing up the benefits and disadvantages outlined above, you can make a great decision for your dog and make sure walks are enjoyable for you and your furry friend. If you’re worried, ask your vet, dog trainer, or another professional who can help you decide which is best for your pup. Happy walking!
