You may get a bit confused about looking for the best dog equipment between harness and collar. You probably wonder which is better of the two. Either collar or harness has almost the same function, which allows the dog to be controlled when you take him for a walk or training.
In fact, many dog owners prefer to choose a collar because it is simple and more comfortable to allow the dogs to move freely, while some of them choose a harness for walking dogs as they do not put pressure on the neck.
Then, which is better between collar and harness? To find out the real answer, let’s see our post below!
When a Dog Uses a Collar
Collars come in a wide variety of styles as the usual solution when walking a dog. Some are intentionally designed to constrict or cause discomfort when a dog pulls as a means of training. However, prong collars and choke fit into the category which make the dogs uncomfortable.
Otherwise, the traditional collar does not constrict and is fine for dogs who do not have respiratory problems and are not prone to pulling on leashes. This kind of collar may also be more comfortable for some dogs especially if you have a plan on leaving it on all the time.
For dogs who pull hard during walks, the collar may increase the risk of neck injury. There are also slip collars which are designed for dogs who are prone to slip out of traditional collars. Those will close around the neck when pooches pull or back up without choking, so they prevent dogs from getting loose.
Aside from that, collars are able to cause certain breeds’ eyeballs to protrude from their sockets if too much pressure is applied to the neck. Additionally, slip collars are especially effective for Bulldogs, Greyhounds, and other breeds who either have thick necks or slim heads.
When a Dog Uses a Harness
The harness is currently becoming more and more popular when dog parents find out the advantages they can offer. However, they are great training tools for puppies learning to behave on leash. They will also allow walkers to have a bit more control.
In this case, a harness really discourages pulling which allows you to stop your dog from jumping up on strangers without worrying about choking. When dogs use a harness, it is also less likely to be tangled up in the leash accidentally.
Another advantage that harness has over collars is that they can reduce the risk of neck injury especially for delicate toy breeds. The harnesses also cause less restriction for breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs who are prone to respiratory problems or tracheal collapse.
If your dog has any breathing issues, sure, a harness is likely the best choice for you. The harness can either be back-attaching or front-attaching. A back-attaching harness does not allow for the walker to have as much control which may lead to worse pulling behaviour as the dog does not feel the guidance necessary for training. While front-attaching harnesses are effective for larger dogs because they lead from the front.
Well, the front-attaching harnesses will be painful for small breeds and back-attaching harnesses are really recommended for them because they are more sensitive to pressure.
Pros and Cons Harness
The harnesses are commonly the great choice for walking dogs as they do not put pressure on the neck. But the collars are usually more comfortable and have a place to hold an ID tag. In order to decide your best choice between the harness and the collar, let's take a look at the pros and cons for each tool below!
Pros
- The harness can reduce the pulling because it covers the dog’s shoulders, chest and upper back which disperses pressure over a larger surface area than a collar which gives you better control over your dog.
- Harness does not put pressure on your dog’s neck. Because the harnesses are fasten over the dog's chest and not around the neck, they will not put pressure on the trachea. Of course, it makes them ideal for pets which have neck problems, restricted airways or a collapsing trachea.
- Harness is safer and more secure. This dog tool is commonly better at preventing accidents as they fasten more securely around your dog’s body. While the dogs can easily slip out of their collars which potentially run into traffic or another person’s yard.
Cons
- Harness is less convenient and takes more time to fasten.
- Harness does not have a place for an ID tag.
- Harness can be uncomfortable as the size of the harness is bigger than the collar. We think that some dogs really do not like wearing harnesses, so it may take time for them to walk with one.
Pros and Cons of the Collars
Pros
- The collars are more convenient. This tool can be left on at all times which should only be worn during walks. Even if you select not to leave your dog’s collar on at all times, it is still easier to snap a collar on and off than a harness.
- Collars have the ID tags which typically come with a metal ring where you are able to attach your pet’s ID tag with your phone number or address in case the dog gets lost.
Cons
- Collars are not safe for dogs because of health problems. In this case, you can avoid using collars to walk dogs with health issues like neck injuries, glaucoma, a history of proptosed eye or spinal malformations. If you use a collar for your dogs, make sure to check your dog with the vet to check if your dog is healthy for a collar.
- Collars are not safe for dogs who pull. The collars can injure them or reduce the airflow they are getting.
- Collars shouldn’t not be used by certain breeds where it cannot be used on toy breeds and brachycephalic breeds.
Okay, those are the comparisons between the harness and the collar. Once finding out the pros and cons between them. Then, how about you? Have you decided to use either the collar or the harness for your dog?
