Whether you’re trying to train your pup, or just take them for a walk, you might be wondering… Is a collar enough? Or should I be using a dog harness? Which one is better for my dog? Well, we’re here to help you figure it out!
Dog Harness vs. Collar
What’s the difference between a harness and a collar? And which is better for your dog? As a pet parent, it’s your duty to give the best possible care to your pup. And by asking these questions, you are doing just that! For more great parenting advice, check out the rest of the “What the Pup” blogs.
Your dog’s collar is mainly for holding his or her dog tags. So if they get lost, the person who finds them can contact you from their ID tag, or the humane society can contact you from their dog license tag. The humane society has your contact information in their database. This is why, no matter what you choose, it’s still crucial to keep your dog’s collar and tags on at all times.
And although a leash can be connected to a collar, the dog harness was created to wrap around your dog’s body to relieve the pressure of pulling at their throat. There are many different harnesses, and not all are created equally. It’s important to pick the right shape because some harnesses will still pull at your dog’s throat, and some will even make training and walking more difficult. So let’s jump into the specifics!
Is it OK to Pull a Dog By the Collar?
The short answer is no. Although many people still only use a collar instead of a harness for walking their dogs, this can create a lot of pain and problems for your pup. Pulling your dog back by the collar creates a choking feeling and can lead to serious neck injuries. Small dogs are especially prone to neck and back injury from pulling at the collar, so please think this through.
In addition to that, your dog may start to associate walking and training with choking. And when training a dog, we always want to use positive associations, not negative ones.
Is it Better to Train a Dog with a Collar or Harness?
Speaking of training, let’s talk about which works better: a harness or a collar. When pulling a dog with their leash attached to a collar, not only are you causing pain and potentially injury to your dog’s throat, you also don’t have much control over your dog. When they are pulling away or moving around, you only have one point of contact—their neck.
But if your dog is wearing a proper harness, you will have multiple points of contact around their entire front and mid section. You can pull back without choking your dog, and you will both have a more enjoyable experience. The proper harness will help you have better control over your dog, so they don’t end up pulling you.
Can a Dog Wear a Collar and a Harness at the Same Time?
Yes! This is actually the best possible combination. This way, your dog will have the necessary identification on their collar, plus the comfortability and control of the harness while walking and training.
What is the Best Dog Harness?
According to our resident dog trainer, the best style and shape of dog harness is the Y-shape. The top half of the “Y” shape splits off around the top of your dog’s chest and front of their neck. This helps keep the pressure on their sternum instead of on their throat.
The problem with other types of harnesses is that a leash can still put the tugging pressure on the neck strap. Therefore, your dog will continue to feel choked, even though they are wearing a harness.
Can I Leave My Dog’s Harness on All Day?
Although this isn’t necessarily bad, it may not be the most comfortable thing for your dog to wear a harness all day. Dogs with longer hair might get their fur caught in it when rolling around. And some dogs may even get a foot caught in their harness if they are sleeping in a weird position. And I’m sure you don’t want that for your pup while you’re at work all day.
But collars are more than fine to keep on your dog all day long. They are comfortable, and wearing a collar with ID tags at all times helps keep your dog safe.
Why You Should Use a Dog Harness
Just remember—a dog harness means less choking, more comfortability, and more control when walking and training your pooch. So take a little time to find a Y-shaped harness that fits your sweet pup. Trust me, it will make all the difference!
