Dog collars and harness are for training and walking dogs. All dog owners ask what the best for their dogs and that why this question is common when deciding what to use between collar and harness.
In this article, we will highlight pros and cons of using each of them. Kindly note that this post does not discourage using any of the two.
Dog Harness
Dog Harness is an H-shaped equipment that can be made of leather or nylon. Snap-fit –buckles fasten the straps around the pet chest and belly area. They are used to control your dog while walking.
Most dog experts prefer dog harness because when the dog exerts tension on the leash, the weight is equally distributed throughout the chest and belly area. Therefore, reducing pressure on the neck.
They are best for use with dogs that have neck or throat problems. There are several types of dogs harness and depending on your preferences; you can find a perfect one for your dog.
Different types of dog harness
No pull harness-This is the perfect leash for dogs that are notorious and pull on your leash. With this dog harness, when the dog pulls the pressure is exerted on the whole chest and not the neck thus discouraging the dog from pulling on the leash.
Head halter-This dog harness allows you to control your movement by controlling it head. It works just like horse’s halter. This harness gives you total control of your dog when walking or training. Its perfect choice for large or medium size dogs like german shepherd , pit bulls that pulls even when using front hook harness. Head halter requires less strength to control your dog.When using this harness you should avoid long line leash because you can injure your dog if the leash stops.
Back-clip harness-This harness is the best choice for use with small dogs like shih tzu ,french bulldogs and pugs. Back clip body harness helps to prevent small dogs damaging their through when they pull. There is no chances of the leash getting caught between your dog’s legs. Comparing back-clip harness with plain dog collar,this harness gives you more control over your dog but you will have to use more energy when they pull.
Front-clip harness-This looks like the normal dog harness but the leash is attached to a ring that is in front of the dog chest.Front -clip harness are useful when walking your dog. For the dogs that pulls, this harness gives you leverage because its attached on front side of your dog’s body.
Dog collar
A dog collar is a material that you tie around the dog’s neck. They have various uses e.g. dog identification, control, fashion etc.
To control your dog especially when walking, you have to add a leash to the dog collar. There are different types of dog collars and leashes on the market. Make sure you do some research before going to a pet store to buy.
Dog collars are perfect for training or walking with your dog because you can easily pull your dog, making tight collar. The dog will immediately stop and pay attention to you.
Dog collars are not suitable for dogs that have throat problems. Picking the best dog-training collar you must consider the following factors:
- Dog neck size.
- Collar material.
- Customizable collar.
Different types of dog collars
Flat collar-These are standard collar also known as flat-buckle collars. Its the most basic dog related tool that snaps when it is closed. Another use of this flat collar is attaching dog identification tags. Its perfect for dogs that don’t slip out of their collar.
Martingale collar-This collar dogs tighten around the dog’s neck when they pull on the leash. However it can only tighten to the adjustment allowed therefore there are no chances of damaging your dogs throat like it can happen with the old type choke collars. For dogs that can easily back out of their collar, martingale collars are the best.
Rolled collar-These collars are made of leather rolled up and stitched together.This collar is best for dogs with wrinkles and sensitive skin. If your dog pulls then this is not the best choice collar for you to purchase.
Comparison between dog harness and dog collar
Dog control
Dog harness offer little control when it comes to bad dog behaviors. Using a harness it can be hard to control your dog when he pulls or jump. Dog collars perfectly fit in here .They are best for controlling dogs that pulls and jump. When dogs exert pressure on the leash, the collar chokes them if you pull them back.
Comfortability
Harness are more comfortable on the dog than the collars. Collars hang on the dog neck meaning more pressure in one area, whereas harness straps go round a big area therefore less pressure concentration in one place.
Convenience
It is more convenient to put a dog collar on the neck that it is when it comes to dog harness. For people with big dogs, it is even more hectic putting on the harness especially if it is the first time.
Some dog collars have a quick on and off buckles that are easy to strap on your dog neck.
Size of the dog.
For smaller dogs, harness is the best because they will be more comfortable, i.e. they can breathe well. Strong and big dogs, which pulls, needs collars because they will be choked when they pull.
Frequently asked questions about dog harness and dog collar
Is a harness better than a collar for a dog?
Choosing between harness and collar generally depends on your dog behavior,health issues , dog size,usage etc. For example dog harness is best for walking dogs because the pressure is distributed on the dog chest and not neck.
However, collars are more comfortable and they provide you with with place to put dogs tag information. Dogs prone to breathing issues,sensitive skin like pugs you should avoid using collars but instead use harness.
Is it better to run with a dog in a harness or collar?
Collar can cause injuries on the dog neck but using dog harness reduces the risk of causing injuries when walking your dog. Injuries that can occur on your dog when you use collar include the following:- bruising,crushed windpipe,damage to larynx etc.
Conclusion
Both dog collars and harness comes in different styles, materials, shapes and collars. Whichever you pick between the two, you have a wide variety of each type.
Each of the above, dog harness and collar is none is more perfect than the other one but depends on your dog size and behavior.