Dogs are always taken out for a walk with a leash. Well, these days, most people use either a collar or a harness for that. But which one is better? Let’s take a look and compare, shall we?
Collar
The advantage of a collar is that it provides stronger control. If you pay attention to the dogs on the shows, you will notice that they wear a very thin chain, which can be used to stop them immediately if they misbehave. If we choose a collar for our dogs, they will be quickly tamed, as the neck is the most sensitive part of their body. A little force can restrain their behavior and assist in training them to behave properly.
However, the only "disadvantage" of a collar is that wearing it for a long time can easily damage the fur around the neck of long-haired dogs. Therefore, we should choose a good quality collar, such as a leather one or a cotton one with soft wrapping material. This type of collar is breathable and can greatly reduce damage to the fur. If you have to wear a collar for a long time, avoid using plastic or other hardly breathable materials, which can not only damage the fur but also cause damage to the skin.
It’s a good idea to get your furry friend used to wearing a collar when they’re just a pup. This way, they will be comfortable with it as they grow up. If you wait until they are used to a harness, they might not want to switch to a collar.
If your dog’s been using a collar since they were a pup and they are not going out much, it’s best to let them wear it as little as possible so their fur doesn’t get messed up. And for those large dogs who gotta wear a collar for a long time, it’s a good idea to take it off every day and comb out the fur around their neck to keep them looking and feeling healthy.
Harness
One of the great things about harnesses is that they distribute the force over a wider area, which is a huge plus. Nobody wants to see their pup get choked by a collar, right? So, if you're worried about this, a harness is a great alternative. However, be aware that dogs trained with harnesses may not be as obedient as those trained with collars. it's something to keep in mind, but don't let it discourage you from using a harness. Harnesses are particularly suitable for certain types of dogs, such as small Chihuahuas, Miniatures, or dogs with chronic throat diseases. They're a great option for these dogs and can make their walks much more comfortable.
On the downside, harnesses provide less control and put pressure on the chest. So, if you have a dog that likes to run around and be wild, a harness may not be the best option. Excited dogs can be hard to train, and a harness only serves to restrain, not to train. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in obedience, which is not what any of us want.
Make sure to use a leash with a width of at least 1 centimeter, which can relieve pressure. Don't forget to remove the leash when you come back home. For puppies that are still growing, don't think that a collar will work, and don't use a leash either, as the pressure can deform their bones.
Let me show you some common types of dog collars and harnesses, and what makes them special.
Leather strap dog collar
Pros: These collars fit snugly around your pup's neck and should be pretty comfortable for them. Cons: For dogs with longer hair, the collar can easily get tangled up in their fur and cause matting.
Cylinder-shaped leather dog collar
Pros: This type of collar addresses the problem of matting because it has a smaller contact area with your dog's neck, which allows it to roll around more. Cons: When you pull on the leash, your dog may not feel as comfortable due to the collar's small contact area.
Nylon dog collar
Pros: Nylon collars are lighter than leather ones and often come in bright, attractive colors and patterns. Plus, they're easy to clean! Cons: Nylon can create static and be thick to make it sturdy. Additionally, the material is often made with thick nylon threads, which can easily snag and fray.
Metal chain dog collar
Pros: These collars are great for larger dogs with lots of strength. They're tough and can withstand a lot of force without tangling up your dog's hair. Plus, the chain is thin enough to hide in their fur. Cons: Some people think they look too strong and aggressive. Also, if you don't take care of it, rust can develop and stain your dog's fur.
Buckle style leather collar
Finally, let's talk about different buckle styles. There are two main types: the pronged buckle and the plastic snap buckle.
pronged buckle
Pros: The pronged buckle is super sturdy and great for strong dogs. Your pooch can pull all they want and the collar won't budge. Cons: Over time, both the leather and nylon versions can become deformed around the holes. The metal ring on the nylon collar can also fall off after a while, which doesn't look too cute.
Plastic snap buckle
Pros: This type of buckle is often used for smaller dogs and comes in lots of fun colors. They're easy to snap on and off. Cons: They're not as strong as the pronged buckle, so they may not be suitable for larger or stronger dogs.
So there are a few different types of dog harnesses out there, each with their own pros and cons. Let me break it down for you:
First up, there's the 8-shaped harness. It's easy to put on and take off, but it's not great for smaller dogs or dogs with short legs since they can wiggle out of it pretty easily. Plus, since it goes around the dog's chest, there's a risk of hurting them if you're not careful. So, if you do use this type of harness, be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend to make sure they don't get hurt.
Then there's the H-shaped or cross-shaped harness. This one is adjustable at five different points to fit your dog's body, and the chest strap is shaped like a V. The best part? Your dog won't feel like they're being restrained, which is great if they're not a fan of feeling constricted. Plus, you can use it as a seat belt in the car and it'll keep your dog from getting too excited and jumping around while you're driving.
Lastly, there's the T-shaped or Easy Walk harness. This one is designed to keep your dog from pulling on the leash too hard by putting the fastening loop on the front chest strap. That way, when you pull on the leash, the force is directed forward and your dog will instinctively stop. This type of harness is great for preventing choking or coughing since the strap sits below your dog's breastbone instead of around their throat. Just be aware that it's a bit pricey and shouldn't be used all the time or when you're not around to supervise.
In most cases, a dog harness is better than a collar. That being said, the best one is the one that suits you and your dog, not one that is better than the other.
