Deciding between a dog collar or a dog harness is an important choice that every dog owner must make. Getting this decision right is crucial for your dog’s health, safety, and comfort on walks and during daily activities. With ongoing debate around collars vs. harnesses, it can be tricky to determine the best option. This article will dive into the pros and cons of both dog collars and harnesses to help you make the optimal choice for your furry friend.
The Harnesses vs. Collars Debate
Veterinarians, dog trainers, and other canine experts don’t always agree on whether harnesses or collars are better for dogs. Collars are more traditional and widely used,but some argue that harnesses provide more control and reduce injury risks. Others counter that well-fitted collars are safe, while ill-fitting harnesses can cause discomfort.
When choosing between these two very different walking tools, it’s essential to consider your individual dog and their needs. There’s no definitive right or wrong option. Paying attention to the unique pros and cons of both collars and harnesses will lead you to the best gear for your pup.
Key Advantages of Using a Dog Harness
Harnesses have grown greatly in popularity in recent years due to their many benefits:
1. Reduced Throat Injury Risk
Unlike collars that put pressure directly on a dog’s delicate throat and trachea, harnesses evenly distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders. This makes them an excellent choice for breeds prone to tracheal collapse like Yorkshire Terriers, as well as dogs with elongated soft palettes like Pugs. Harnesses protect the neck and reduce the likelihood of painful strains, sprains, or crushing injuries.
2. Increased Control
Particularly front-clipping harnesses give owners much more control over dogs that pull strongly on leash. Instead of tugging against the neck and trachea, front-clip harnesses redirect a dog’s forward momentum to turn them gently back toward the owner. This stops forceful pulling quickly and humanely. Harnesses also provide added security, making it much harder for escape artist dogs to back out and slip away.
3. Discourages Pulling
Unlike some slip or choke collars, the front-clip feature of most modern harnesses removes the reward of successfully dragging the human forward that encourages pulling. Without the reinforcement that aggravates the behavior, most dogs will naturally stop pulling over time. This creates a more pleasant, relaxed walk for both parties.
When Harnesses Excel
- Elderly dogs with arthritis or joint problems
- Puppies still perfecting leash manners
- Toy breeds and others under 10-15 lbs
- Dogs with tracheal or throat issues
- Strong pullers like Husky breeds
“I often recommend harnesses, especially the front-clipping variety, for powerful pullers and dogs with any respiratory or neck issues,” says Dr. Sarah Hall, DVM. “They reduce injury risks and make training easier for owners.”
Key Advantages of Using a Dog Collar
While more vets are suggesting harnesses, traditional collars still offer benefits like:
1. Simplicity and Familiarity
Basic flat collars buckle securely around the neck just as they have for ages, allowing you to quickly clip on a leash and go. This simplicity and the familiarity most dogs have with old-fashioned collars makes them convenient and comfortable for many pets. Fitting collars properly is also more straightforward than finding an ideal harness size.
2. Identification and Tags
Collars conveniently provide dogs with visible identification at all times through tags and embroidered names/info. Though harnesses and jackets also offer ID attachments, collars ensure dogs can be identified even without these secondary accessories. For safety and clear ownership, identification is a top priority.
3. Trainer Preference for Leash Work
Most positive reinforcement-based trainers introduce leash skills like slack leash walking using flat collar and rewards. This allows full control of the head and neck for clear communication, aiding the dog in understanding proper positioning. Martingale limited-slip collars also offer control without choke risks. Once trained, dogs can transition to a harness for walks.
When to Use Collars
- Leash training and skill building
- Identification and tags
- Short bathroom breaks
- Well-trained adult dogs
- Thick-necked breeds like Pit Bulls
“I walk my trained adult Rottweiler on a flat collar without issues, but my young German Shepard still needs her front-clip harness to keep her focus until our training fully sinks in,” notes professional dog walker Liz S.
Potential Drawbacks of Dog Harnesses
While very useful tools, dog harnesses also come with some downsides to consider:
1. Tricky Sizing and Fitting
From step-in to over-the-head and everything in between, harnesses come in many styles that each fit differently. Measuring and finding an accurately sized harness can take some trial and error. Owners must learn to assess proper adjustments and positioning. A harness that shifts excessively or rubs the armpits can cause pain and injury if not addressed.
2. Not for All Breeds and Sizes
Though harnesses suit most dogs, some body types make getting a correct fit challenging. Sighthounds like Greyhounds have deep chests but very narrow waists, causing even properly measured harnesses to slide about uncomfortably. Very small Toy breeds can wiggle out of the gaps. Pay attention to morphology and individual adjustments when selecting a harness.
3. Freedom for Strong Pullers
Back-clip harnesses attaching along the spine can sometimes reinforce pulling behavior – great for sled dog breeds, but counterproductive leash training for others. Also, if a dog hits the end of the leash at high speed, harnesses disperse pressure over more area but do not eliminate the possibility of neck/head snapping. controlling excessive speed is essential.
“I tried three different harnesses trying to stop my Husky mix’s pulling, but her drive to go just made her pull against the harness instead of her collar until we completed more positive reinforcement training,” laments Alex G.
Potential Drawbacks of Dog Collars
Collars can certainly get the job done in many cases but also have some inherent risks such as:
1. Choking and Escaping
Whether from leash corrections or taking off at high speed after squirrels, dogs often pull hard against flat collars with their full strength. Even without chain or prong features, repeated hard tugging directly impacts the trachea. Dogs lean into and pull against the ever-present collar when playing as well. Size adjustments must be precise.
2. Limited Control
Particularly with short-haired breeds that lack an easy grip or heavily muscled dogs, collars give owners limited ability to restrain the pet if they forge ahead. Escaped dogs can also slip right out of poorly fitted collars when found, whereas a harness holds the body secure. This makes training reliability and consistency more difficult.
3. Pressure Damage
Collars put focused pressure on the neck muscle tissues and delicate thyroid gland. Dogs who strain against their collar repeatedly trying to reach cats or squirrels they see on walks cause muscle inflammation and thyroid changes over time. Some dogs even develop thickened, painful tissue patches needing surgical removal.
“I caution owners of breeds with wide heads and thick necks not to rely solely on collars for control and walking,” advises veterinary orthopedic surgeon Dr. Liana M.
How to Choose What’s Best for Your Dog
When determining whether a collar or a harness better suits your pup, first take their unique physical characteristics and personality into account. Consider:
- Breed type: Physical attributes like neck circumference, chest depth, weight, etc.
- Age: Puppies under 6 months need specialized gear to allow for rapid growth. Senior dogs require modifications for comfort.
- Activity level: Durability and security matter more for athletic dogs who hike or run than mildly active pets.
- Training level: Untrained dogs do better starting with control via a harness rather than neck collar corrections.
- Health history: Prior neck/back problems indicate harnesses, while allergies limit harness materials.
- Behavior profile: Nervous nippers or reactive dogs benefit from increased control of harnesses, while confident dogs do fine on collars.
Also seek personalized advice from your veterinarian, taking your dog in for an exam. Vets can pinpoint anatomical challenges like elongated soft palettes or neck arthritis that influence choices. Getting professionally fitted by a trainer also never hurts!
Ultimately, keeping your dog’s safety, wellbeing, and happiness first takes the guesswork out of picking gear. Try both harnesses and collars to see what gives them the most freedom to comfortably be themselves on outdoor adventures together. With an open mind and attention to their needs, you’re sure to find the perfect accessories.
To Harness or Collar – Concluding Takeaways
Deciding whether a collar or a harness is right for regular walking and exercise comes down to your individual dog and their unique needs. While many canines do perfectly fine on traditional collars, harnesses provide added security and control that reduces injury risks – especially important for still-growing puppies and breeds prone to pulling. Proper fitting is essential to get right on either piece of equipment. Testing different styles of both while monitoring your dog’s reactions will make the best match clear.
With knowledge of the pros and cons for your pet, you’re sure to find the perfect gear to keep them safe while exploring the world together. Prioritize their health and comfort above all as you make an informed decision between collars and harnesses for years of happy walks ahead!
