Collar VS Harness: Which Is Better?

To get a collar or a harness? It can be tricky to decide whether or not your dog should wear a collar or a harness for walks. One way to decide which option is best suited for your dog actually depends on your dog itself, its breed, as well as age and activity level.

We love our fur babies so it’s normal that we don’t want to risk any potential injury with a collar. But we also need them to behave on walks and in public. Don’t worry, we understand how confusing the harness vs. collar dilemma can be.
We broke down exactly what’s good — and not so good — about both harnesses and collars. Keep reading to learn more!

Using a Harness

Harnesses are becoming more and more popular as dog parents discover the advantages they can offer. They are simply the safest, most secure, and most comfortable way to hook your dog up to his leash. A good harness will reduce pulling, increase your control over your pup, and decrease stress on his neck and joints. A harness also secures closer to the dog’s center of gravity therefore it gets tangled in the leash less and helps prevent jumping.

For dogs that are highly active and get excited easily, a harness is the way to go. Harnesses discourage pulling and allow you to stop your dog from jumping up on strangers without worrying about choking. They reduce the risk of neck injury, especially for delicate toy breeds. Dog breeds such as Pugs and French Bulldogs who are more prone to respiratory problems, a harness will cause less restriction for them. Collars can also cause certain breeds’ eyeballs to protrude from their sockets if too much pressure is applied to the neck. Therefore if your pup has any trouble breathing and is always tugging, a harness is likely the best choice. 

Types of Harnesses

There are many types of harnesses to choose from! Harnesses can either be front-attaching or back-attaching.

Front Attaching Harness

Front-attaching harnesses are effective for larger dogs as they lead from the front, while a back-attaching harness doesn’t allow for the walker to have as much control and may lead to worse pulling behavior since the dog does not feel the guidance necessary for training.

Back Attaching Harness

Back-attaching harnesses are recommended for small breeds as they’re more sensitive to pressure, and front-attaching harnesses can be painful for them.

Using a Collar

Traditionally, collars are the first thing pawrents reach for when going for walks and outings. Though this is a quick and simple way to get out the door, a collar can easily injure your dog’s delicate neck or compromise his safety.

As mentioned, for smaller breeds like miniature poodles, they are prone to collapsing tracheas, and a rough tug on the collar can quickly turn into an emergency situation. Other breeds have necks that are as thick as their heads (think pugs and frenchies), so slipping out of a collar is effortless. Even if you have a strong and big breed, repeated pulling on the neck can lead to thyroid damage or spinal injuries over time.

Collars are best used to attach ID tags and for identification purposes and it should pretty much end there. Although, e-collars, electronic collars, or shock collars are still commonly used for training dogs. However, we believe there are other ways to go about it such as positive reinforcement. Such collars are unnecessary and should not be used. While they may suppress the unwanted behavior, they don't teach the dog what the proper behavior is and they can create anxiety and fear, which can lead to aggression. 
 
There are benefits to using both collars and harnesses. Pups should always wear a collar for visibility and identification purposes, but all in all, it depends on you and your dog’s lifestyle on whether a harness or a collar is right for going on walks!

Pet Master carries a wide range of comfortable collars and harnesses for all breeds, big or small. We’re sure you’ll find something that is suited for your dog. Click here to find the perfect collar or harness for your furry friend!