Are you struggling to choose between a dog collar and a harness? Whether you're planning countryside strolls or training a new puppy, it's a decision worth pondering.
Are harnesses better for training? Or are collars more convenient for quick walks around the block?
Let's delve into the harness vs. collar debate and explore all the factors you should consider before making your choice.
Louie Wears the StarGlow Adventure Harness in Starlight Drizzle
Why Opt for a Harness?
Let's explore the nuances of harnesses. Essentially, there are two main types to consider: those with a front leash attachment and those with a back leash attachment.
If you have a little escape artist on your hands, a harness might be your best bet simply because they're tougher to wriggle out of.
Additionally, harnesses pose fewer health risks compared to collars. For instance, they reduce the likelihood of your dog pulling on their throat, potentially causing injury. This makes harnesses with a front leash attachment particularly beneficial for dogs prone to pulling during walks. By distributing pressure more evenly across your dog's body, harnesses offer greater control, making walks easier on both of you.
However, it's important to avoid harnesses with back leash attachments in these cases, as they may inadvertently encourage your dog to pull even more, especially with breeds bred for pulling, like Siberian Huskies.
When selecting a harness, achieving the perfect fit is essential. A harness that's too loose could allow your dog to escape, while one that's too tight may cause discomfort. Always ensure to measure your dog with a tape measure before purchasing a harness.
It's worth noting that some dogs may need a little time to get used to wearing their harnesses, both in terms of putting it on—especially if it needs to go over their head—and wearing it. Our recommendation is to let your dog wear their harness at home first to familiarise themselves with it before heading out on your first adventure together.
This is why our StarGlow Adventure Harness shines: It features both front and back leash attachments for maximum control. Plus, with its convenient 3-buckle, step-in design, there's no more struggling to get it over your dog's head. Be sure to check out our harnesses—we're confident you'll love them!
The StarGlow Adventure Harness in Starlight Drizzle
Why Opt for a Collar?
While harnesses offer numerous advantages, it has to be said that a dog collar is just so incredibly easy to use! Just slip the leash on, and you're good to go. It's a quicker process compared to putting on a dog's harness.
When using a dog collar, it's crucial to ensure that it fits well. Similar to a harness, if it's not snug enough, your dog might wriggle free, but if it's too tight, it can be uncomfortable. So, finding the right fit is just as important as it is with a harness.
However, it's important to be aware that using a dog collar can potentially cause back pain or throat damage, especially if your dog pulls a lot on the leash. Additionally, it may exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions such as back issues, glaucoma, or a history of neck or trachea problems.
Be sure to check out our range of dog collars, some of which can be paired with a matching bow tie for an extra touch of style.
Louie Wears the StarGlow Adventure Collar & Matching Bow Tie in Summer Breeze
Is a Harness or Collar Better for Puppy Training?
Starting your puppy's leash training with a harness and then transitioning to a collar later is generally recommended. Puppies often pull strongly when they're first learning to walk on a leash, and a collar can potentially push on their trachea when they pull, which could cause damage.
By starting with a harness that clips on the back, you can minimise pulling and reduce the risk of injury to your puppy's throat. Positive reinforcement training can help teach your puppy not to pull, making the transition to a harness with front leash attachment or collar smoother once they've mastered leash manners.
Our StarGlow Adventure harnesses are meticulously designed with safety as the top priority, making them ideal for puppies. With premium padding and fully adjustable straps allowing you to achieve a secure fit for your puppy as they grow. You will not be disappointed.
Should Certain Breeds Use a Harness Only?
For certain dog breeds, especially those with specific needs, using a harness can be a real lifesaver. Here's why:
- Little toy breeds are less likely to hurt their throats with a harness. The harness spreads out the pressure more evenly, so there's less risk of injury during walks.
- If your dog has had throat or neck issues before, a harness is the way to go. It avoids putting any direct pressure on those sensitive areas, which could make things worse.
- Breeds with flatter snouts, known as brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs and Bulldogs), benefit from using a harness. Collars can mess with their breathing, but a harness gives them room to breathe easy.
- Dogs with back problems, like our beloved Dachshunds, should stick to harnesses. They give better support and take the strain off their backs when they're out for a stroll.
- And if your furry friend has glaucoma or other eye issues, a harness is the safer choice. Pulling on a collar can put extra pressure on their peepers, but a harness keeps things comfy.
So, for these special pups, a harness is like a comfy, protective hug during walkies.
Which is Better? A Harness or a Collar?
When deciding between collars and harnesses, it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. It may also depend on your dog's breed and any health issues they might have, as discussed above.
From what we've seen, having both can be super useful. That way, you can pick whichever one fits the occasion best. Need to go on a big adventure? A harness might be the way to go. But for a quick potty break outside, a collar could do the trick just fine.
And as you probably know, we have you covered with matching harnesses, collars, and leashes as well as other matching items. So, your furry friend will not only be comfortable and safe, but they’ll look on-trend too!
