We all know our pups love their walkies. And for that, the most important accessories are a leash and a collar or a harness. But which one is better for dogs, a harness or a collar?
As with most things, the answer is not so straightforward. Both harnesses and collars have their own advantages and disadvantages. Broadly speaking, harnesses are better for smaller dogs, especially ones that like to pull on their leashes. Since the harness is attached to the body instead of the neck, it tends to put less stress on the throat area. The pressure is distributed on a large section of the body. For larger dogs, collars may be a better option since they give you more control using comparatively less physical strength. They’re also easier to put on and take off, saving you the trouble of tackling your 40kg fluffball on the ground.
Now, let’s do a deep dive!
Pros and cons of using a collar
First, what is a dog collar? The hardy fabric strip that goes around the neck of a dog is called a collar. These may be made of a number of materials: Flat collars made of nylon, leather, or fabric; martingale collars, made of metal hardware with nylon or fabric; rolled collars, which are generally made of a soft leather with a nylon rope core; etc. Shock collars, choke collars, pinch collars, etc. should be largely avoided, as they may cause long-term issues and injuries.
Advantages of using a collar:
Convenience: Dog collars are very convenient to put on and take off, especially if your pup is a fidgety one. They are all also sturdy, lightweight, less intrusive, and dogs usually don’t mind keeping them on at all times. So, when going on walks, you can just attach the leash and be on your way.
Identification: The collar can hold an ID tag, which helps in identification in case your pup gets lost. They also become a signal of being a pet and having a family, even if they are roaming out on the streets. When a dog has a collar, you immediately assume that they are a pet and not a stray.
Variety: Dog collars have been around for a very long time, making them widely available. They are also very versatile and made with different materials and in different forms, giving you a range of options to choose from depending on your pup. For example, a flat collar may matt the fur at your dog’s neck if you have a long-coat breed. So, you can get a rolled collar that prevents this issue.
Disadvantage of using a collar:
Sizing issues: The sizing of the collar has to be just right. Too loose, and your pup may slip out; too tight and it may become uncomfortable and injurious. In fact, when getting a collar, it is best to take your pup to a store to see which one fits the best.
Pressure: This is the major problem with a dog collar: it puts a lot of pressure on the trachea, especially if your dog has a tendency to pull or is a smaller breed. For flat-faced breeds like Shih Tzus, who are prone to breathing problems like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), this added pressure may cause long-term issues. Collars may also cause issues of the neck, airway, spine and back for other dog breeds. It is often advised that dogs with certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, eye proptosis, neck injuries or spinal malformations, should not use collars.
Long-term sensitivity: Most pet parents keep their pup’s collars on all the time. While initially not showing any symptoms, long-term friction and exposure can cause skin sensitivities. Sometimes, these may also be harder to spot because they get hidden behind the ever-present collar.
Pros and cons of using a harness
A harness goes around a dog’s upper body, often starting from the shoulders, around the front limbs and over onto the mid-back. This secures them well and distributes any pressure that may come from them pulling on their leash. Harnesses, too, come in many styles: front-clip, back-clip, and dual-clip, vest-style, step-in, and tactical/support harnesses.
Advantages of using a harness:
Less pressure: This is the major advantage of using a harness. Because the harness is worn over a larger part of the body unlike the collar that is stuck at the neck, pulling on the leash causes less pressure to concentrate on one part, especially something as sensitive as the neck. A good harness also supports the back of the dog and reduces pain and fatigue in the body in case of heavy activity.
Secure: A harness usually goes around the front limbs of a dog, holding them securely to the leash. It is harder for dogs to slip out of the harness at will, making it easier for you to take them around in public.
Many types: There are a number of harness styles depending on your specific need. Back-clip harnesses are for ease and comfort as the leash attaches itself to the back of the dog, and prevents tangling of the leash around the limbs; front-clip harnesses are for those pups who like to pull, because the leash attaches to the chest and gently tugs at the torso when pulled; dual-clip harnesses may be clipped on either side as per need; vest-style harnesses provide more coverage and padding and are good for dogs with health issues and pain; step-in harnesses are easy to put on and good for nervous dogs that don’t like anything going over their head; and tactical/support harnesses are for working or active dogs as they are more sturdy and padded for wear and tear.
Disadvantage of using a collar:
Lack of convenience: Usually, it is harder to put on a harness, especially if you have a large dog. Since harnesses can’t be kept on all day, they must be removed and put on over and over, taking up a lot of time and effort. Especially nervous dogs may find this activity stressful.
No space for ID: Many harnesses don’t have space for an ID tag, which can become a problem in case they get lost or wander away on their own. For such cases, it is best to have an all-day collar with an ID on them. The harness may be used just for walks.
Bulky: Harnesses are definitely bulkier than collars, and some harnesses may be big and padded enough to cover most of their front body. In such cases, dogs may find it uncomfortable and frustrating to wear.
Bad fitting: A badly fitted harness may also cause injuries. If they’re too loose, they may get tangled, lopsided, or cause chafing on the body. If they’re too tight, they may restrict free movement and apply pressure on sensitive parts like the shoulders and joints.
Wrong training: Sometimes, harnesses may give dogs the idea that it’s okay to pull on the leash, especially the back-clip harnesses that have minimum movement restrictions. This goes against heel training and may cause you some trouble. In fact, you may need to exert more effort when controlling your dog if they’re wearing a dog harness. This is mainly because they get a chance to pull on the leash with their whole body without as much pressure on any particular part of the body.
Should I get a harness or a collar for my dog?
The bottom line is, a collar and a harness fulfil different needs and therefore must be used depending on those needs. When it comes to the rule of thumb, smaller dogs, flat-faced dogs, and dogs with medical conditions like eye problems and spinal issues do better with harnesses. Large dogs, dogs still in training, and dogs who are jumpy, nervous or reactive usually do better with collars.
The main thing to do is to try out all types and observe what fits best for your unique pup.
Looking to explore more tips on how to look after your furry friend? Check out our other guides likeCan Dogs Eat Apples?,Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?,Dog Food for Weight Loss,Raw v/s cooked meat for dogs,Home Remedies to cure tick fever,Finding Good Dog Food in India,How many times should I feed my dog?,Things you should do to keep your pet healthy,Types of Dog Food,How Prebiotics and Probiotics can improve your dog's digestion,Essential Tips for a New Dog Parent, andothers. Each guide is designed to help you make better food and care choices for your dog, to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
References:
https://www.usadogbehavior.com/blog/2014/6/21/9-types-of-dog-collars-worst-to-best
