Dogs can be tough to control sometimes, and it’s important you have the right collar or harness for them. In the past, it’s been recommended that dogs wear a collar so they can be easily identified. However, harnesses for dogs have become more common over the years, especially since more companies have started selling them online. Let’s look at their advantages and disadvantages compared to collars.
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Positives Of Dog Collars
Right off the bat, it’s important to note that most dog collars have an identification tag. This is one of the most obvious reasons they have become so popular. If your dog gets away from you while wearing a collar, someone can take them directly to your home, preventing any further damage from happening.
Collars are also more convenient and typically come with a built-in D ring and leash attachment. This makes them easy to snap on or take off your dog. A bonus is collars come in many different colors and designs, so finding one that is unique and matches your pet’s personality shouldn’t be a problem!
Negatives Of Dog Collars
A major downside to collars is that they don’t tend to fit dogs comfortably. Additionally, if you have a dog that pulls on the leash when walking or running, then collars can be quite bothersome and painful since they give your pet very little control over how tight it’s worn. Plenty of owners report their pets even having trouble breathing while wearing their regular collars! Another issue is most collars consist of narrow straps. There isn’t any flexibility in terms of sizing adjustments, so you can’t add or subtract any room for a better fit. Choosing the wrong size collar is an easy mistake to make and leads to discomfort for your pooch!
The last drawback is safety-related. Collars aren’t completely safe in the case of emergencies. There’s always a chance your dog could slip out of its collar. While you should take every possible precaution and be aware of this possibility, there’s no surefire way to prevent accidents from occurring, unfortunately.
Positives Of Dog Harnesses
There are as many advantages to using a harness as there are for wearing a dog collar when it comes to pros. The biggest question you’re probably asking is how they compare in terms of control. While collars can help you control your pet’s head and neck area more than a harness, the latter is much easier when it comes to turning and moving in different directions. They also don’t come off nearly as easily if they get stuck on something. Harnesses also offer better back and spine support for dogs which helps keep them upright and alert without any issues.
If safety is your main concern, you don’t have to worry about neck injuries or even death since they wrap around the chest area instead. You also won’t have to worry about back or spine injuries since the harness will evenly distribute their weight instead of just on your dog’s neck. Another perk is most people find harnesses much more comfortable and pleasant for their pets than collars, which leads to a less stressful walk overall!
Negatives Of Dog Harnesses
On the other hand, there are plenty of disadvantages to using a harness rather than a collar. The biggest issue is that harnesses don’t have an ID tag. This means you’ll need to purchase something else if your pup gets loose and you are having trouble finding them. However, most harnesses will allow you to add an ID tag if needed.
Another concern is some dogs won’t like adjusting to something new and may take time getting used to the feeling of wearing a dog harness instead of a collar. While many pet owners find this isn’t an issue, some pets struggle with adapting and become uncomfortable when working with a new type of accessory.
Lastly, it can be quite difficult for larger or larger dogs, in particular, to get used to using a dog harness since they’re typically made with smaller breeds in mind. If your pup is on the portly side and struggling while learning how to walk better with their new harness, there are plenty of options available that offer more sizing choices, but this still may be an issue for a larger dog.
Specific Situations
A collar might be great for a walk that will be shorter and won’t include a lot of turning around. On the other hand, a harness might be a better choice for a long walk in which your dog is likely to get distracted by smells and other dogs more often. If you’re looking for more control over your pet’s head, neck, and spine area, you can use either one. Since collars are better for controlling this area, however, they’re typically the more popular option when it comes to walking and exercising your pet. Another situation where harnesses may be better is if your dog needs medical treatment or has a condition that doesn’t allow for collars.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, you should choose whatever makes your dog the most comfortable, and you feel is best for their needs! Whether that’s a harness or a collar is entirely up to you and what you know your pup prefers. The best option depends on your pet’s individual needs and personal preferences, so there’s no right answer when it comes to which one to get! However, if you’re still struggling with determining which one will work best for your pup after reading this article, give them both a try and see which one works the best for you and your puppy!
