Dog Collar vs. Dog Harness: Which Will Fit Your Pooch Best

Dog collars are generalized, tried and tested. But dog harnesses are making a case for themselves by showing their benefits. So, the question has to be asked — is a dog harness better than a dog collar? That’s what we’re going to discuss in this post. 

The Advantages & Disadvantages of a Dog Collar

When we talk about dog collars, we are talking about a piece of material — most commonly leather or nylon — wrapped around the dog’s neck. The collar does not have any moving parts and is pretty simple as far as dog clothing goes. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of a dog collar?

Dog collars are easy to use. A collar is designed to wrap around your dog’s neck and fasten with a buckle or hook. It is the most inexpensive way to keep your dog under control. Collars can come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can personalize them for your dog. They are usually made of durable material that can last for years.

On the flip side, dog collars can be dangerous in certain situations. If a leash is attached to your dog’s collar and your dog begins to pull, the collar can cause a severe injury from the choke collar effect. Furthermore, collars can also get caught on objects and can further harm your dog.

There are also some dogs that can easily remove collars, often leaving you with a collar that you have to replace frequently. Additionally, if you have a dog that continues to chew on its collar, these accessories can turn into a hazard.

Dog Harness Advantages & Disadvantages

Now, let's move on to dog harnesses. A dog harness has straps that go around your dog’s chest and attaches to a leash. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of a dog harness?

Very little choking is possible if a dog harness is used. The leash attaches to the chest strap and around your dog’s back. Therefore, it is the safest way to walk your dog. The leash always attaches to the chest area, leaving no chance for neck injuries. With that, harnesses do not restrict blood flow or breathing, and they have a lesser chance of getting caught on something over collars.

If you're one of the dog owners who often struggle because your dog can remove their collar on their own, you don't have to worry about it with a dog harness. This is because harnesses can be difficult for some dogs to remove. Finally, harnesses are a good training tool because they can help your dog become more comfortable with a leash.

Harnesses can be more expensive than dog collars, so if you want something cheaper, then dog collars may be the best option. However, dog harnesses are worth the price. Another minor disadvantage of harnesses is that they are trickier to put on and take off than dog collars.

Nevertheless, this inconvenience also makes it difficult for the dogs themselves to get loose accidentally.

The Better Option

When it comes to walking your dog, dog harnesses and dog collars may not seem like that big of a deal. However, after reading this article, you’ll discover that there is much more to consider when choosing which one is best for your pooch.