Let’s settle this debate today, what’s better? Dog Harness or Collar? You’ll find solid arguments from both factions if you ask around and talk with dog owners. These equipment are essential for your safety, your dog’s safety, and the safety of people in public places. Dogs are curious, sometimes they get excited, sometimes they get agitated, and without a collar or harness it can become difficult to control them.
On the surface, you might say that a harness is better because collars put too much pressure on the pup’s neck which may cause long-term damage. But there’s more to it, both harness and collar can be used in different cases. You don’t have to stick with just one perfect option.
This article will cover everything you need to know to make an informed choice for your dog’s overall wellness. Also, if your dog gets easily distracted or irritated on walks, consider looking for the best CBD. It has natural calming properties and adding it to your dog’s diet can do wonders for their pain, sleep, and anxiety issues. Well, without any delay, let’s get started.
How are Collars and Harness Different?
Before we dive in and decide which is better, first let’s get a basic understanding of both the tools. Collars are good old reliable products, it’s nothing but just a nylon or leather strap that goes around your dog’s neck. There’s a hook attached to the leash, which you can use to control your dog’s movement during walks, hikes, and more.
These days, the leash comes with a mechanical device on which you can pre-decide how much to let go of. The collar can also be used to attach an ID tag, especially if you are going in crowded places.
Lastly, it can be a style statement too, it’s just like a tie you know? You can get in different themes and increase your doggo’s overall appeal. Harness on the other hand doesn’t go around the dog’s neck.
They tightly hug their torso, it’s like wearing a proper suit. Instead of putting pressure on the neck, the harness simply distributes it across your canine fiend’s shoulders and chest. It’s great if you can get your pup started on harness training in the early years, after all, habit formation takes time.
So what’s good and bad about collars?
Let’s start with good first, dog collars are good for safety and security sense. They provide a place to attach ID tags with your contact information, which can help reunite you with your dog if they get lost. Collars also allow you to add vaccination tags and other important information.
Most collars have reflective materials that make your dog more visible at night, which greatly reduces the risk of accidents. Modern collars often come with breakaway features that prevent choking if the collar gets caught on something.
Next, they make good training tools, they provide a way to attach a leash, giving you the ability to guide your dog during walks and helping to keep your dog close in busy or dangerous areas. Some specialized training collars can also be used in teaching basic obedience commands.
Now about the bad part, collars can be quite uncomfortable for the dog. Collars that are too tight can chafe the skin, create irritation, or make breathing difficult. Some dogs may develop allergic reactions to certain collar materials.
This can cause skin problems or hair loss. The constant pressure around the neck can be uncomfortable, especially for dogs with sensitive skin or thick fur. Wearing collars over a long time can cause matting of fur, create warm spots, or lead to bacterial growth if not cleaned and adjusted regularly.
It can be injurious for dog breeds with delicate necks, there’s also the risk of unnecessary pressure on thyroid glands, windpipes, and other sensitive spots in the neck. Plus, some dogs are really good at slipping it off when the owner is not watching, which can lead to accidents.
What about Harness? What are its pros and cons?
Harness is usually more celebrated and accepted by modern pet owners. It offers slightly better control and safety than traditional collars. It greatly reduces the risk of choking by spreading the pressure on the dog’s chest and shoulders instead of the neck. The harness is a must for dogs that wander off or pull too much during walks.
Especially the more active, hyper, and curious ones. Some breeds that are small, petite, and have respiratory issues can greatly enjoy their walks with harnesses. For active dogs or those in training, harnesses offer a more stable and comfortable way to keep them close and protected during outdoor activities.
Many trainers recommend harnesses for dogs that tend to pull, as they redirect the dog’s energy more effectively than traditional collars. Some specialized harnesses come with front-clip designs that help discourage pulling by naturally turning the dog towards the owner when they try to forge ahead.
For service dogs or working breeds, harnesses offer more stability and a clearer communication method. As for the cons, they are a bit more expensive, may make the dog a bit more anxious in some cases, and can also cause chafing in the chest and armpits. They collect more dirt and require frequent cleaning. Some harnesses are bulky and might restrict a dog’s natural movement. For dogs that swim frequently, harnesses can become heavy when wet and take longer to dry.
Conclusion: What’s better?
To sum it up, both collars and harness have their own unique set of pros and cons. It finally boils down to your dog’s individual nature. If your pup is calm, and docile and doesn’t get too excited suddenly, then a collar can be a good choice, it’s quite pocket-friendly.
Whereas for highly hyper, curious, and active dogs harness can be a better choice, it largely reduces the risk of choking and tissues and muscle damage in the neck.
So choose wisely, and try to add some CBD oil to your dog’s diet to help them relax and wind down after a long and active session. Just make sure to get it only from reputed brands like Colorado Botanicals.