Dog Harnesses vs. Dog Collars: When To Use Each

While having a dog is certainly enjoyable, it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. From picking the right food to ensuring that your furry friend gets medical care when needed, everything about your dog’s well-being ultimately falls in your lap.

You undoubtedly know about the importance of allowing your dog to get regular exercise. However, there are options out there when it comes to just how they get those workouts. One of the biggest decisions that many pet owners face involves choosing between dog collars and dog harnesses.

Do you know which choice is right for your pet? Are there times when one option is better than the other? Find out more below.

Dog Collars

Dog collars are perhaps the most tried and true method of walking your dog. They’ve been around for centuries, and they’re certainly effective at controlling your dog when it’s on a walk. Find out more about some of the pros and cons of dog collars here.

Benefits of Dog Collars

Some of the leading dog trainers on social media prefer dog collars to harnesses. This is because harnesses generally give the owner more control of the dog.

They’re also much easier to put on and are great tools for dogs that don’t pull on the leash. Their ease of use makes them optimal for everyday use, especially if you can just leave your dog’s collar in place and simply snap the leash into place when you’re ready to go for a walk.

Collars are effective in training because of the increased control that they provide. Since the dog has a natural tendency not to pull against things that press into its throat, most dogs will quickly learn that trying to take control of the walk is not good for them.

Drawbacks of Dog Collars

The same thing that makes dog collars more effective also makes them slightly less desirable. If you love your dog enough to get it the regular exercise that it needs, you undoubtedly value its comfort and safety.

If your dog pulls against the leash during your walk, it will push the collar into its trachea.

While it’s true that most dogs will quickly learn to stop doing this, dogs with any behavioral issues or those who get easily excited or distracted. There’s also always the chance of a dog slipping its collar if it pulls hard enough.

Dog Harnesses

While dog collars are thought to be the oldest method of controlling your dog, some historians say that harnesses were introduced to Europeans by the Chinese some 2,000 years ago.

With that in mind, they’ve become a popular option for dog trainers and dog owners. Before you make your decision, be sure to consider the pros and cons of dog harnesses.

Benefits of Dog Harnesses

If your dog doesn’t do well walking on a leash or pulls too hard against you during walks, you need to invest in a dog harness. The greatest benefit that they provide is found in the fact that they offer you a safe way to walk your dog, which is vital if a leash is proven to be ineffective with your four-legged friend.

They’re also safer for dogs that tend to try to take control of their walks.

Instead of placing all the pressure on the front of your dog’s throat, they spread the pressure evenly across the shoulders, sternum, and even onto the back. This is even more important when walking smaller dogs that may be more prone to tracheal injuries from leashes.

Drawbacks of Dog Harnesses

All dog harnesses are not created equal, and it’s important to find the one that is right for your dog. For instance, harnesses can be clipped in different spots, some on the back of your dog and others on its sternum.

The location of the snap plays a major role in the comfort and effectiveness of your harness. Additionally, harnesses can be problematic if they don’t fit well around your dog’s head and front legs.

While you don’t want to choose a harness that’s too loose, it’s vital to find one that isn’t too tight.

If the harness is too restrictive, your dog may not want to go on walks anymore, as they’ll quickly learn to stay away from things that cause them discomfort. It’s also possible for harnesses that are too small to lead to irritation under your dog's front legs.

When Should You Use a Dog Harness?

If your dog is prone to respiratory issues or tends to put itself in danger by pulling too hard against a collar, it’s a good idea to make the jump to a harness.

They’re also a better option for puppies or dogs who have a proven history of getting a little too excited when they go on a walk and see another dog, humans, or other triggers.

When Should You Use a Dog Collar?

If your dog is already relatively well-trained and doesn’t pull against you during a walk, a collar is a great choice. They’re also useful if you’re just going on a short walk and your dog won’t be forced to be under your control for very long.

Ultimately, it’s your job to figure out which option works best for your dog. Since your furry companion can’t tell you what’s working and what isn’t, you need to be attentive to its responses to the tools that you use.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options, and adapt as your dog grows and its behavior changes.