Harnesses vs Collars: Which Is Best for Your Dog

Many pet owners are on the fence about which is better a harness or a collar for their dog. In this article we will explore harnesses vs. collars so you can determine which one is best for your pup’s particular needs. 

All About Dog Collars

The biggest benefit of collars is that they are wonderfully convenient. You can leave the collar on 24/7 so you can quickly attach the leash to the dog’s collar without any hassle. 

A dog collar is ideal for most dogs but might be a problem if your pooch is a puller. Many dogs are chronic pullers if they are young, or they have never attended dog obedience school. A collar can easily choke the dog causing it to gag, cough, and even vomit. 

Below we outline the pros and cons of dog collars.

Pros of dog collars: 

• Dog collars are wonderfully simple.
• Can easily attach ID tags to the dollar via the attached ring. 
• Large variety to pick between such as flat collars, rolled collars or martingales. Rolled collars are highly favored because they do not break, flatten, or snag dog hair. 
• Collars give you good control and require extraordinarily little physical strength. 
• Long lasting 

Cons of dog collars:

• Dog can easily wiggle out of the collar if they have a small head. 
• May be too tight for our dog.
• Can cause throat damage if your dog is a puller. 

All About Dog Harnesses

Dog harnesses are ideal if your dog is a puller. The harness effectively covers the dog’s upper back, chest, and shoulders so it evenly disperses the pressure, so the dog does not choke or feel constrained. With a harness there is no pressure on the neck or trachea. Check out the Lifetime Warranty Personalized Doggykingdom® NO PULL Harness. 

Harnesses also provide more security than a collar because they are more difficult to slip. The harness fastens securely around the dog’s body, so you don’t have to worry about the dog getting lose and running off. 

Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs who have flat faces can benefit from a harness. The harness doesn’t put a strain on the dog’s trachea like a collar so the pup can breathe easier. 

Below are the pros and cons of dog harnesses.

Pros of dog harnesses:

• Comfortable 
• Dog cannot slip out easily
• Does not cause throat injury
• Leash does not get caught under the dog’s legs
• Discourages pulling
• Optimum choice for a dog that suffers tracheal collapse.
• Helps prevent and ease neck and back pain. 

 Cons of a dog harness: 

• Challenging to put on and take off.
• Takes more physical strength to walk a dog who is pulling. 
• If the harness is too tight, the dog might feel uncomfortable. 

If you can’t decide between a dog collar or a dog harness, then why not invest in both? You can use the dog’s collar for a quick walk and use the harness for an all-day outing. At DoggyKingdom, we sell a wide assortment of dog harnesses and collars for your pet.