Dog Harnesses vs Collars: Which is the Better Choice for Your Pup?

What does your doggy wear when it’s time to take a stroll? For the majority of dog owners, a collar is the go-to choice. In some situations, however, a harness can be a much better choice for your pooch.

How do you know whether a harness or collar is best for your dog? The short answer is, every dog is different. To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a look at the pros and cons that come with either choice.

Option 1: The Dog Collar

The majority of dog owners put a collar on their dog before taking them out for a walk. Dog collars have become a standard, but they aren’t necessarily right for your dog’s unique needs.

The Pros of Dog Collars

1. They’re Simple

Dog collars are great because of how easy they are to use. Simply put it around your dog’s neck and you’re good to go. (Be sure your pup’s collar isn’t too tight or too loose, as an improper fit can cause health risks and escape attempts.)

2. They’re Unique

Picking out a collar for your dog is a lot of fun because there are a wide range of colors, materials and styles to choose from. You’ll be able to find a collar that reflects your pup’s individual personality.

3. They Display Your Dog’s Tags

The D-ring on a dog collar allows you to easily attach your dog’s name tag. If you have an escape artist, having a tag with his name and your phone number around his neck will help get him back home safe.

4. They Can Be Worn All the Time

There’s no need to take your pup’s collar off every time you come back from a walk. Collars are normally quite comfortable for your dog to wear for extended periods of time. Many dog owners choose to have their dog’s collar on all the time, for both style and safety.  

5. They’re Perfect for Well-Trained Dogs

If your doggo is already an adult and knows how to behave well on a leash, a collar is quite adequate for walky-time. As long as he isn’t in the habit of pulling or jumping on people, you won’t need to have the extra control that a harness offers.

The Cons of Dog Collars

1. They’re Easy to Slip Out Of

Does your dog try to slip out of his collar? This is common in new puppies who are still being leash trained, older dogs who pull a lot, and breeds that have heads the same size as their neck. Switching from a collar to a harness prevents your pup from making an escape.

2. They Put Pressure on the Throat

The pressure that a collar puts on your dog’s throat can potentially result in a respiratory condition called tracheal collapse. This genetic condition most commonly affects small dogs, including Pomeranians, miniature poodles, and pugs. No matter what breed your pup is, if he tugs on the leash a lot, a collar isn’t a good idea.

3. They Don’t Provide Much Control

When you’re first getting your puppy used to going for a walk, he’ll likely pull, wriggle, and sometimes refuse to walk at all. A collar doesn’t provide the control you need to guide your puppy in these situations, which can make training pretty difficult.

Option 2: The Dog Harness

While dog harnesses are a less common choice among dog owners, they are a much better solution for certain dogs than collars. A harness evenly distributes pressure throughout your pup’s chest, neck, and back rather than his throat.

The Pros of Dog Harnesses

1. They’re Perfect for Training

Whether you have a young puppy or a rescue who isn’t well-behaved on walks, choosing a harness for your dog can help with training. Because harnesses distribute pressure more evenly, they provide better control for dog owners to lead the way.

2. They Can Curb Pulling

If you’ve got a doggo who likes to take you for a walk instead of you taking him for a walk, a harness is a good solution. A harness takes away the dangers of your dog damaging his throat, slipping his collar, or even (in the case of big dogs) pulling you right off your feet.

3. They’re Hard to Slip Out of

A harness is virtually impossible to wriggle out of, as long as it fits well and has been put on properly. This can give you much more peace of mind, knowing that your little escape artist can’t make a getaway.

The Cons of Dog Harnesses

1. They’re Uncomfortable on Hot Days

If you live in a part of the world where it gets really hot, a harness may not be the best choice for your dog. While many harnesses are breathable, the fabric could make your dog too hot and cause dehydration and heat stroke.

2. They Rub Against Fur and Skin

Pups that have long or curly coats might end up with tangled fur after wearing a harness. If your dog has sensitive skin, a harness might not be a good idea because of the constant friction it creates against his body.

3. They Can Take Some Getting Used To

Some pups get pretty nervous when it comes to trying new things. If you have a dog who runs under the sofa when it’s time for a bath, he might not like his harness at first. It takes some time to put on, which might feel a bit scary. He should get used to it with time and practice.

In a Nutshell:

Collars are best for:

• Well-behaved, adult dogs
• Dogs with sensitive skin
• Dogs with long or curly coats
• Dogs who live in hot climates
• Dogs who are scared of new things

Harnesses are best for:

• New puppies
• Miniature breeds
• Large breeds who aren’t well-trained
• Escape artists
• Dogs who pull excessively
• Breeds that are prone to tracheal collapse

Every Dog Has Unique Needs

When it comes to walky-time, every pup has its own unique set of needs. The best idea is to try both options out with your dog and see what works best for both of you. Happy walking!