No matter what breed of dog you have, they’ll need to go out on walks. But which leash attachment should you use: a collar or a harness?
The truth is, this depends on your four-legged friend. For example, if they love to tug on the leash, they’ll often choke on the collar. A harness solves this issue, but it may not be the best choice for all breeds.
Need some help choosing between using a collar and a harness?
Let’s solve the collar vs. harness debate by going over their pros and cons!
Dog Collars
Collars are the more popular solution for dog walking. If you have a small dog, you should be able to fit one finger between their skin and the collar. For bigger dogs, it’s better to have two fingers of space.
Pros of Collars
One significant advantage of collars is that they come in many styles and materials. For most breeds, you can find a collar that looks good and is comfortable for your dog. Plus, a collar is excellent for keeping ID and rabies tags.
Collars also come in several types. Flat collars, for instance, are great for dogs that can walk on a leash without pulling. A martingale collar would work best if your dog’s neck is about the same size as his head.
Cons of Collars
The main disadvantage of collars is that they make it easier for your dog to wiggle out. That’s particularly true for breeds like Whippets or Greyhounds, whose heads are smaller than their bodies.
As mentioned, collars may not be safe for dogs that love to pull. They can reduce the airflow they’re getting or even injure themselves. Finally, collars aren’t safe for dogs with medical issues like glaucoma.
Dog Harnesses
As with collars, choosing the correct size harness for your dog is essential. Again, it’s best to use the finger rule. Keep in mind that you’ll need to spend more time taking the dog harness on and off.
Pros of Harnesses
Harnesses cover the dog’s chest, upper back, and shoulders, which helps reduce pulling. They’re also better at preventing your dog from slipping out. A harness works well for puppies that aren’t used to the leash.
A dog harness doesn’t put pressure on the dog’s trachea. That makes them ideal for dogs with neck issues or a history of tracheal collapse. Taking pressure off the neck helps breeds prone to spinal problems.
Finally, harnesses also come in different types. For instance, this dog harness is an excellent all-around choice for your furry friend.
Cons of Harnesses
Harnesses are bulkier than collars, which can make them more uncomfortable. That’s particularly true in hot weather. Some dogs don’t like harnesses, so it may take them more time to get used to walking with one.
Depending on the size of your dog, harnesses may require more physical strength. In fact, using a back-clip harness may allow your dog to pull you, which can matter in the harness vs. collar argument!
Collar vs. Harness: Which Is Better?
At the end of the day, the collar vs. harness question isn’t that simple. That said, this guide will help you make the right decision. Get a vet’s recommendation if you want to make sure your dog will be safe.
Want to know more about the dog harness vs. collar debate? Keep reading our Pet section!
