Choosing between harness or collar for walking your dog

Harness or collar: what to choose?

When it comes to walking your dog, choosing the right equipment is essential to ensure their safety and comfort. There are two main options available to you: harness or collar. Each solution has different benefits that can vary depending on the size, breed, and behavior of your pet. This article will help you understand the differences between a collar and a harness to guide you towards the best choice for your canine companion.

 

Why is it important to choose between harness or collar?

Walking is one of the most special moments for your dog. Not only does it allow your companion to exercise physically, but it is also an opportunity to explore, socialize and strengthen the bond with you. The right choice of equipment - collar or harness - directly influences the quality of these moments.

It is wise to consider several criteria before making your decision: your dog's comfort, its safety, its behavior on a leash, as well as the specific use you will make of it.

Knowing how to control your pet during walks is crucial and helps keep your dog away from potential dangers. The pulling force that will be exerted from one end or the other of the leash has an impact on the good posture and good health of the dog's skeleton over the years. Since all breeds have their particularities, choosing the right one to use is an investment in the health and safety of your dog.

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The dog collar: advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of the necklace

The collar is the traditional equipment for walking a dog. Easy to put on and adjust, it offers great freedom of movement to your pet.

1. Ease of use : The necklace is very practical for everyday use, as it is easy to put on and take off.

2. Lightweight and space-saving : Compared to the harness, the collar takes up less space and does not hinder the dog's movements.

3. Ideal for well-trained dogs : For dogs that do not pull on the leash, the collar may be enough to ensure pleasant and relaxed walks.

4. Identification port : A collar allows you to easily attach an identification tag with the dog's name and your contact details, an asset in the event of loss.

Disadvantages of the necklace

Despite its advantages, the collar also has disadvantages, especially for certain types of dogs or in specific situations.

1. Pressure on the neck : When the dog pulls on the leash, the collar puts direct pressure on its neck. This can cause injuries to the trachea or thyroid glands , for example, especially in small or short-nosed dogs like bulldogs.

2. Not suitable for dogs that pull : If your dog tends to pull on the leash, a collar can quickly become uncomfortable or even dangerous to his health due to the shocks caused by frequent pulling.

3. Strangulation Risk : In some cases, a dog can become trapped or strangled by its collar, especially if it is left tied up unattended.

 

Dog harness: advantages and disadvantages

Benefits of the harness

The harness is increasingly popular with dog owners, especially those who have more active animals or those who pull on the leash.

1. Pressure distribution : Unlike a collar, a harness distributes pressure across the dog's entire body, avoiding the delicate neck area. This makes it particularly suitable for dogs that pull on the leash.

2. Better control : With a harness, you have firmer control over your dog. It is harder for him to escape or pull you suddenly.

3. Comfort for long walks : The harness is often more comfortable for extended walks because it does not compress the dog's neck.

4. Injury Prevention : By better distributing pressure, the harness reduces the risk of tracheal injury, especially in brachycephalic breeds.

Disadvantages of the harness

However, the harness is not without some drawbacks, depending on the situation or the dog.

1. Less convenient to put on : Compared to the collar, the harness can be a little more complicated to put on, especially if your dog is not used to it. It will be more difficult for the dog to get used to a harness than a collar since it is more imposing on its body.

2. Less freedom of movement : Depending on the model, the harness can hinder the dog's natural movements, especially when running or jumping.

3. Risk of friction : If the harness is poorly fitted or of poor quality, it can rub against the dog's skin and cause irritation, especially under the armpits.

 

Which equipment to choose: harness or collar?

Choosing between a collar and a harness depends mainly on your dog's size, breed, and behavior. Here are some criteria to consider to help you make the best decision.

1. Your dog's behavior on a leash

If your dog is well trained and does not pull on the leash, a collar may be sufficient. On the other hand, if your dog tends to pull or is difficult to control, a harness will give you better control while avoiding injuring his neck.

2. Your dog's breed

Some breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs (bulldogs, pugs, etc.), are more susceptible to respiratory problems due to their anatomy. For these dogs, a harness is often recommended to prevent pressure on their trachea. For larger, more powerful breeds, a front-clip harness may also provide better control.

3. Your dog's physical activity

If you engage in sports activities with your dog, such as running or hiking, a harness will generally be more suitable. It provides better control of the animal while reducing the risk of injury.

 

The different types of harnesses and collars

There are several types of harnesses and collars, suitable for different needs:

1. Back-Mount Harness : Perfect for dogs that don't pull on the leash.

2. Front-Attach Harness : Ideal for dogs that tend to pull, as it redirects their force towards you.

3. Classic Flat Collar : Simple and effective for well-trained dogs.

4. Choke or prong collar : Not recommended except in specific situations under professional supervision as it can cause injury.

 

Conclusion: Harness or collar, which is the best choice for your dog?

Whether you choose a collar or harness depends on your dog's specific needs and your walking habits. If your dog is calm and well-trained, a collar may be a good choice. On the other hand, if your dog is more active, pulls on the leash, or you do sports together, a harness may be a better choice.

In any case, take the time to properly adjust the equipment and regularly monitor the condition of your dog's skin and coat to avoid irritation. You can also consult a veterinarian or dog trainer for additional advice on choosing the right equipment.

• Complete your reading with this article from sevetys.com presenting veterinary advice on choosing a collar or harness.