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Whether it’s time to buy a collar or harness for your puppy or dog for the very first time or replace one that’s wearing out, it’s important to understand that there are a variety of collars and harnesses that work for different dogs in different circumstances.
Here are some of the pros and cons of dog collars vs. dog harnesses for you to consider.
Which is Safest: Harness or Collar?
While a flat collar is best for everyday wear and for displaying ID tags, our experts agree that a harness is the safest option for going on walks and other outdoor activities or situations that might cause your puppy to pull on the leash. As for what type of harness to choose, the best harness is the one that fits and is comfortable for both you and your pup, says Dr. Ochoa. “I always recommend taking your dog to the pet store to try on harnesses and pick out the one that fits them the best and is the easiest for you to put on your dog.”
Pros and cons of dog collars
Collars are more convenient: The main benefit of collars is that they can be left on at all times, says Fox, as opposed to a harness, which should only be worn during walks. And even if you choose not to leave your dogs collar on at all times, its still much easier to snap a collar on and off than a harness.
Collars hold ID tags: Collars typically come with a metal ring where you can attach your pets ID tag with your address and/or phone number in case the dog gets lost.
Collars are not safe for dogs with certain medical issues: Avoid using collars to walk dogs with medical issues such as glaucoma, a history of proptosed eye, neck injuries, or spinal malformations, says M. Leanne Lilly, DVM, DACVB, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Veterinary Clinical Sciences, at The Ohio State University.
She says you should check with your vet to see if your dog is healthy for a collar.
Collars are not safe for dogs that pull: If your dog constantly pulls against their collar, they can injure themselves or reduce the airflow they are getting. “All collars, when attached to a leash, create pulling on the trachea and vertebrae of the neck. With excessive pulling there is a risk of reducing airflow into the dog or creating pain by causing pressure on the pets vertebrae,” says Arndt.
Collars should not be used by certain breeds: Collars should not be used on toy breeds and brachycephalic breeds, says Arndt. Examples of toy breeds include:
Examples of brachycephalic breeds:
Collar or Harness for Puppies – Which one to pick?
You love your fur baby, so you don’t want to risk potential injury with a collar. But you also need them to behave on walks and in public. We feel the same way about our four-legged family members, and we understand how confusing the harness vs. collar dilemma can be.
We dove deep into the world of harnesses and collars to help you understand the nuances, discover top product picks, and protect your furry pal.