{"id":13376,"date":"2023-01-24T13:57:25","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T13:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=13376"},"modified":"2023-03-13T16:26:49","modified_gmt":"2023-03-13T16:26:49","slug":"harness-vs-collar-for-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/harness-vs-collar-for-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Harness vs Collar for Dogs (Pros and Cons)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Big or small, pure or mixed-breed\u2014all dogs need to be taken for walks. But which leash attachment should you use? Harness or collar?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are a new pet owner and don\u2019t know which one to go for, or have been one for years and need a change, take a look at the pros and cons of both and settle the harness vs collar for dogs dilemma once and for all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='harness-vs-collar-for-dogs-which-is-better%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harness vs Collar for Dogs: Which is Better\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a harness better than a collar<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Not necessarily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truth is that whether a harness or a collar is the right choice <\/span><b>depends on your dog\u2019s size, age, breed, health issues, and activity level.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, a harness would be better suited to dogs like pugs who are known to have breathing issues, wher<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eas a collar may be a better choice for overexcited dogs since it provides more control for the owner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The purpose is another definitive factor. While harnesses, which take off excessive pressure from a dog&#8217;s neck, can be a great choice for walks, collars are more convenient for owners who leave pets in the yard\u2014you can attach an ID tag on the collar, or even a GPS tracker, making it easy to locate a missing, lost or stolen pet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is a closer look at the pros and cons of both collars and harnesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='dog-harness-pros-cons'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog Harness: Pros &amp; Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A harness is like a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">body collar for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, covering their chest, shoulders, and upper back. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best harness for a dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is usually either:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A<\/b> <b>front-clip harness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014a great choice for dogs that pull, or<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A body harness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014typically used on smaller breeds and puppies whose delicate necks and spines cannot handle the strong tug of the collar.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-13377\" src=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Harness vs Collar for Dogs (Pros and Cons)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-1024x683.jpg 1024w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-300x200.jpg 300w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-768x512.jpg 768w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-380x253.jpg 380w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-800x533.jpg 800w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-1160x774.jpg 1160w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness-140x93.jpg 140w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Harness.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/2GuNc3jOALQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Image source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id='pros-of-a-harness-for-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros of a harness for dogs<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='more-comfortable-for-dogs%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More comfortable for dogs\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the biggest <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">benefits of a dog harness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that it <\/span><b>distributes pressure over a larger area of the dog&#8217;s body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rather than just its neck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This way, if a dog moves abruptly, like when it starts to chase after something or jump on people, you can halt its progress by gently pulling on the leash rather than giving a hard tug on its neck that can cause discomfort, pain, or even injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='can-discourage-pulling'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can discourage pulling<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With collars, dogs pull and move forwards, but with harnesses all pulling does is get the front legs off the ground, making them especially useful for owners who have <\/span><b>overexcited dogs <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(such as puppies or smaller breeds).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that only no-pull harnesses (or front clip) can achieve this effect\u2014a back-clip harness can actually encourage pulling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='more-secure-than-collars'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More secure than collars<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harnesses are <\/span><b>fastened more securely around a dog&#8217;s body<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, meaning that agitated pups are less likely to slip out of it than a collar. This in turn lowers the chances of your dog getting into dangerous situations, such as running off in traffic or getting lost on a hike.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='easy-on-dogs%e2%80%99-backs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy on dogs\u2019 backs<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.handicappedpets.com\/blog\/ivdd-recovery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vets recommend harnesses for dogs with spinal issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or breeds prone to slipped discs, such as dachshunds and other long-bodied canines. Similarly, older dogs with bad hips and <\/span><b>orthopedic problems<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> might feel more comfortable with a harness since it could help them get up and move with less effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='easy-on-dogs-trachea'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easy on dogs&#8217; trachea<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harnesses are a better option for canines with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pets.webmd.com\/dogs\/tracheal-collapse-dogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">collapsing trachea<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, neck problems, restricted airways, or other <\/span><b>breathing issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> where pressure on the throat can make the condition worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, using a harness on a dog that is prone to these conditions can stop them from arising.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a <\/span><b>brachycephalic breed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, like a bulldog or French bulldog, a harness is a must. These breeds have flat faces and are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/care\/why-flat-faced-breeds-need-dog-harnesses-instead-collars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more prone to respiratory problems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hat might be managed better with the use of a harness than a collar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='cons-of-dog-harnesses%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons of dog harnesses\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='they-have-to-be-removed-daily%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They have to be removed daily\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike collars, harnesses are more <\/span><b>complicated to fasten<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and take more time. As a result, it might be hard to fit a harness on a nervous dog without <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/is-cbd-oil-good-for-dogs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">calming it down<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> fir<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">st. What\u2019s more, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petmd.com\/dog\/care\/surprising-dog-harness-dangers-avoid\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a dog cannot sleep in a harness <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">since it poses a choking risk, so, unlike a collar, you will have to remove it and put it back on every day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='there-is-no-place-for-a-dog-tag'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no place for a dog tag<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ID tag is essential when your dog is out\u2014whether in the yard or on a walk. Since harnesses <\/span><b>don\u2019t have a convenient place for a dog tag<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you will have to buy an extra ring or use a collar and a harness (although this might make your pup feel irritated).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='they-might-feel-uncomfortable%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They might feel uncomfortable\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since a harness covers a wider area of your dog\u2019s body, it can get a tad uncomfortable<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">especially in <\/span><b>hot weather.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In fact, some harnesses are not recommended for use in summer since they might cause chafing or a skin reaction on more sensitive dogs. Using a harness for a prolonged period of time can also lead to tangles and matted fur in long-haired dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='when-should-you-use-a-dog-harness'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When should you use a dog harness?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owners of canines prone to <\/span><b>breathing issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or who have a history of tracheal collapse, <\/span><b>spinal issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or orthopedic disease should definitely go for a harness rather than a collar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='when-is-a-harness-not-a-good-idea'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When is a harness not a good idea?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs who have<\/span><b> sensitive skin or a skin condition<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should avoid harnesses as they might cause chafing and overheating, worsening their condition. They are also not a good choice for prolonged use, particularly no-pull harnesses, as they could <\/span><b>interfere with the natural walking gait<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your dog.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='buying-a-harness-what-to-remember%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a harness: What to remember\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To ensure your dog\u2019s comfort, as well as the effectiveness of a harness, it <\/span><b>must fit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Even though most have adjustable size options, you should try the harness on your dog at least once before buying it to see if their natural range of movement isn\u2019t restricted.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might take some time for your dog to<\/span><b> get used to the harness<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Reward him every time you successfully take a walk with the harness on or try enticing him with a treat to get him to put his head through the neck hole. It\u2019s a little sneaky on your part, but it works.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure you <\/span><b>know how to put on a harness properly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Do a few test runs before you take the dog out and check that everything is attached.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='dog-collars-pros-cons%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog Collars: Pros &amp; Cons\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collars are an essential accessory for every dog owner\u2014the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best collars for dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are versatile, convenient, and incredibly affordable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, they are the easiest way to show that the dog has an owner. They allow for easy attachment of identification tags, while some models come with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GPS tracking integrated in the collar<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> enabling you to find your pet no matter where they are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-13378\" src=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Harness vs Collar for Dogs (Pros and Cons)\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-1024x683.jpg 1024w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-300x200.jpg 300w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-768x512.jpg 768w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-380x253.jpg 380w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-800x533.jpg 800w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-1160x774.jpg 1160w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars-140x93.jpg 140w, \/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Pros-and-Cons-of-Collars.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/BhEdzl8kyaU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Image Source<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<h3 id='pros-of-dog-collars%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros of dog collars\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='more-convenient%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More convenient\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As opposed to a harness, a dog&#8217;s collar can be <\/span><b>left on your pet all the time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It will not irritate the dog&#8217;s skin or coat, nor will it interfere with its natural movements\u2014a harness, however, can easily get caught in the pup\u2019s legs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if you choose to take the collar off, it is easier to snap it back on in an instant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='id-tags-can-easily-be-attached'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ID tags can easily be attached<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A metal ring on collars makes it easier to <\/span><b>attach your pet&#8217;s ID tag<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which contains your address and phone number. This will ensure that your pet is returned to you safely if it ever gets lost or stolen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='they-require-less-physical-strength-from-the-owner'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They require less physical strength (from the owner)<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A collar can give you <\/span><b>better control<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of your pet. What\u2019s more, walking a pet with a collar requires less strength on your part than walking a dog with a harness since the leash is fastened around the neck giving you more leverage.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='lots-of-choices'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lots of choices<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are options with harnesses, collars are known to come in <\/span><b>tons of varieties<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, from style, material, color, and design. Plus there are several different types of collars from martingale collars (no-slip collars) to rolled collars that stop the fur from tangling or becoming matted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='cons-of-collars-for-dogs%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons of collars for dogs\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='they-may-hurt-your-dog%e2%80%99s-neck'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They may hurt your dog\u2019s neck<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A narrow collar can se<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">riously <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7386734\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">injure your dog&#8217;s neck<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or back and pose major trauma due to sharp tugging or pulling. Put simply, a collar is not a good choice for dogs that pull, dogs that suffer from tracheal collapse, or ones that have fragile necks and spines.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should always<\/span><b> check with a veterinarian<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before using a collar, especially if your dog has had back and breathing issues in the past.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='not-very-secure'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not very secure<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some dogs can easily <\/span><b>slip out of their collars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if the fit is not tight enough\u2014a common issue with breeds like greyhounds and whippets, whose necks are bigger than their heads.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h4 id='collars-are-not-suitable-for-certain-breeds%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collars are not suitable for certain breeds\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned above, canines of certain breeds should not use a collar. These include, but are not limited to <\/span><b>toy breeds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (chihuahuas, toy poodles, or Yorkshire terriers) and <\/span><b>brachycephalic breeds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (pugs, bulldogs, and boxers).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='when-should-you-use-a-collar'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When should you use a collar?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A collar is a good choice for short walks or dogs that <\/span><b>spend a lot of time outside<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014they don\u2019t restrict your doggo\u2019s movements and are generally more convenient for owners and dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='when-is-a-collar-a-big-no-no'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When is a collar a big no-no?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Toy breeds, puppies, or dogs with <\/span><b>back and neck issues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> would be much better off with a harness as it won\u2019t put pressure on dogs\u2019 throats and spines or interfere with their breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='buying-a-collar-what-to-remember'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a collar: What to remember<\/span><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The collar must be the <\/span><b>right size<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> just like the harness\u2014too tight and it will be uncomfortable, too loose and your pet might easily slip out. If you have a small dog make sure that there is room for one finger between your dog\u2019s neck and the collar, or two for bigger dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Choke collars and prong collars<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (so-called<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.peta.org\/about-peta\/faq\/what-are-the-dangers-of-using-choke-and-prong-collars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">corrective collars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can lead to injury or strangulation, so make sure to avoid these.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go with a standard collar made of <\/span><b>leather, nylon, or cloth<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014these are the safest and most comfortable for your pooch.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='harness-vs-collar-for-dogs-the-bottom-line%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harness vs Collar for Dogs: The Bottom Line\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both types of equipment have certain advantages and disadvantages so which one you go for mainly depends on your dog\u2019s breed and health issues. If you can\u2019t decide which is better for your dog, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">talk to a licensed veterinarian<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014they will advise you on the best choice based on your pup\u2019s weight, size, temperament, and health requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faqs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<h4 id='why-are-harnesses-bad-for-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why are harnesses bad for dogs?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although they are harder to fit on a dog and might cause mild discomfort, especially for dogs with sensitive skin, harnesses are not bad for dogs. That said, harnesses should not be worn all day as prolonged use might impact your dog\u2019s natural posture and gait. Similarly, a dog should not sleep in a harness as it poses a choking risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='are-dog-harnesses-safe'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are dog harnesses safe?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, harnesses are absolutely safe. In fact, many experts recommend using a harness for everyday walks rather than a collar. Puppies should also be trained using a harness instead of a collar. With a collar, the force of the pull is on the neck and spine which can hurt or damage these delicate areas in young doggies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='is-a-harness-good-for-small-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a harness good for small dogs?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A harness is suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds, but it is particularly recommended for toy breeds like Yorkies and chihuahuas whose necks and backs can be hurt when pulling on a leash with a collar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 id='is-a-harness-or-collar-better-for-puppy-training'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a harness or collar better for puppy training?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog trainers and experts recommend a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">harness for puppy training<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Coupled with positive reinforcements and possibly<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a retractable leash<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a harness makes it easier to encourage your puppy to walk by your side. What\u2019s more, using a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">harness vs collar for your puppy <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will stop it from pulling on the leash too strongly and injuring its neck or back, which is a real possibility with a collar. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Big or small, pure or mixed-breed\u2014all dogs need to be taken for walks. But which leash attachment should you use? Harness or collar? Whether you are a new pet owner and don\u2019t know which one to go for, or have been one for years and need a change, take a look at the pros and [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/harness-vs-collar-for-dogs\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Harness vs Collar for Dogs (Pros and Cons)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":13378,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13376","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13376"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13376\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}