The truth of the matter is that some dogs do better with a collar while others do best with a harness. Wondering which one to choose? below we will go over the pros and cons of using each and also offer you some handy tips.
The most common choice is the collar. It can be left on at all times and can also have a dog tag attached. The main problem with a collar is it can contribute to neck injuries and discomfort if your dog had a tendency to excessively pull on the lead. Also if your dog decides to make a dash for a distraction including another dog, bird or rabbit it will suddenly come to the end of its lead and be pulled backwards with all of the pressure on its neck. With a harness the weight of the dog is distributed across its body and shoulders this means that no damage is caused to the dogs neck if they do pull. A downside is harnesses cannot be worn at all times so will need to be removed after a walk. Another con is that if your dog has certain behaviour problems (jumping up, aggression) the harness does not allow you to have much control.
Whether you choose a collar or a harness is ultimately up to you but it would be wise for you to at least make an educated decision. Dog Collars are recommended for dogs that do not pull on the lead and for those that are unlikely to take off after a distraction, thus putting them at risk for dangerous pressure on the neck and trachea. While harnesses are recommended for dog owners who have little to no problems controlling their dog.
We have a wide range of handmade collars and harnesses to choose from
See our deluxe dog collars here
