Dog Collar or Dog Harness? What's Best for Your Pup

Walking your dog is a big part of your dog’s daily routine, and making sure they have a collar or harness that fits them well is vital to their happiness and health. But have you ever wondered which is better? There are a wide variety of collars and harnesses available, suitable for different dogs in different situations. Here are some of the key differences between the two options to help you make the best choice for your dog.

Dog Collars vs. Harnesses: Pros and Cons

Pros of Dog Collars

• Easy to put on and take off, perfect for short trips.
• Simple design for comfort
• Can be very stylish
• Often less expensive
• Provides a place to hang an ID tag, essential if your dog gets lost
• Great for well-trained dogs who stay by your side or are on a loose leash during walks

Cons of Dog Collars

• Risk of injury for dogs who pull on the leash
• Limited control for owners when guiding their dog
• If using a removable collar, it can fall off at the worst possible time

Pros of Dog Harnesses

• Distributes pressure across the dog’s entire body, reducing the risk of neck injuries
• Especially beneficial for larger breeds or dogs that pull.
• Better control when walking
• It is easier to communicate with the dog when turning
• Front attachment design can help train the dog not to pull

Cons of dog harnesses

• It is more complicated to put on
• It may be more difficult to find the right person
• As the dog gains or loses weight, the strap needs to be adjusted
• Harnesses can cause discomfort, chafing if not worn correctly, and infection if worn continuously

Which is better, a collar or a harness?

The choice of dog collar or harness depends on the needs of your dog. Here are some factors that determine which harness is best for your dog.

For small dogs - dog harnesses are often recommended to prevent neck injuries. Small dogs can easily be accidentally pulled too hard or too fast.

For large dogs - dog harnesses provide better control of the dog, especially for dogs that tend to pull. Dog harnesses can transfer the dog's forward momentum, allowing smaller or less muscular people to control larger dogs.

For training - dog harnesses with front leashes can prevent pulling and aid in training.

When you tie the leash to your dog's chest, you can pull to the left or right, which will throw the dog who is trying to pull forward off balance. So, they will turn in the direction you are pulling. You can use this action to both stop the pulling and to signal which direction you want your dog to go.

If you find it difficult to put a harness on your dog, remember that with practice, it will get much easier. And it is definitely worth it!

Dog harnesses can make a huge difference during walks and training, especially if you have an active dog.

Conclusion

It is actually very useful to familiarize your dog with dog harnesses and dog collars, as they are both very useful tools in training. Wearing a dog collar is important because it identifies the dog, but a dog harness is also a good starting point for training them to walk on a leash because they have a lot of energy (make sure you also have plenty of delicious treats to keep their attention and reward them for the behavior you want to see).

Feel free to leave your opinion, do you prefer a collar or a dog harness?