Collar or harness?

New dog owners often wonder which is better for walking their furry friend: a collar or a harness. There’s no clear-cut answer, and in some cases, it’s best to use both.

Puppy Collar
It’s good to get a lightweight basic collar for a puppy, which can help them get used to wearing one indoors. Start by having the puppy wear the collar for short periods, gradually increasing the time as they become more comfortable with it. Initially, they may try to shake it off or scratch it with a hind leg, but in time, they’ll barely notice it.

When putting the collar on for the first time, you can encourage the puppy to come near it by offering treats through the collar. Once the puppy is comfortable, slip the collar over their head. Practice this daily until they’re used to the collar and allow you to put it on and remove it calmly. Dogs are smart; they soon learn to associate the collar with going outside, and they’ll eagerly await walks when they see the collar come out.

Adult Dog Collar
When choosing a collar for an adult dog, consider how it will be used. Will the dog be able to roam freely, or will it stay on a leash? Also, consider the dog’s behavior, neck and head structure, and coat thickness. A lightweight, fabric or nylon collar is ideal for dogs that are off-leash, as it allows for easy grabbing if needed. If the dog is leashed, it’s better to use a wide, padded collar. A width that spans two of the dog’s neck vertebrae is recommended.

A collar isn’t ideal for very lively or strong-pulling adult dogs, as tugging can strain their neck vertebrae, larynx, and surrounding areas, leading to health issues. In these cases, a harness is the right choice, as it distributes pressure more evenly on areas that can withstand it better than the neck.

Dogs with very thick fur, such as Collies, may have trouble keeping a collar on, as their narrow, tapered heads and thick neck fur can cause the collar to slip off with even a slight pull. In such cases, a harness is the best choice for walking.

Some breeds, like Greyhounds with narrow necks, often require specialized collars, such as the extra-wide Greyhound collar.

Benefits of a Harness
While a collar is quick and convenient for walks, it’s not always the best option as the only walking tool. Some dogs and situations make collars less ideal. If a dog suddenly pulls on the leash, it can cause a quick stop that puts strain on their neck, shoulders, and back. Externally, this can cause damage to their coat and skin, and internally, the muscles, vertebrae, trachea, and other neck structures can suffer from the strong tug. If a dog tends to pull on the leash or is very excitable, a well-fitting harness is a much safer, more ergonomic, and comfortable option than a collar. Training a dog not to pull deserves its own blog post!

Types of Harnesses
There are many types of harnesses designed for different purposes, including basic, pulling, running, and anti-pull harnesses. Basic harnesses are used for regular walks. Some popular options include:

T-Harnesses: These have a chest strap running horizontally across the dog’s chest. T-harnesses are traditional and popular and work well if properly fitted. In an improperly sized harness, the chest strap may shift upwards, pressing against the dog’s trachea.
Y-Harnesses: These have a Y-shaped strap running over the chest and between the front legs, allowing for freedom of movement in the shoulders and legs, making them suitable for active walks. The pressure is evenly distributed across the chest.
Mesh Harnesses: In these, the dog is “dressed” in the harness, which is made mostly or entirely of durable fabric.
Mesh Light Harnesses: These work similarly to mesh harnesses but have less fabric coverage.

The last two types are particularly designed for small dogs.

Other Walking Accessories
There are also pulling harnesses, running harnesses, anti-pull harnesses, head collars, and metal chain collars. Each of these has its specific purpose and is not a substitute for a basic collar or harness.

It is worth noting that products that cause pain, such as prong collars or shock collars, are prohibited according to the animal protection law of Finland and many other countries.

Check out FINNERO’s collars and harnesses!

Frequently Asked Questions – Collar or Harness?

Which is better for a dog: a collar or a harness?

There is no single correct answer. A collar can be a perfectly suitable option for a dog that walks calmly on a leash, while a harness is often a more ergonomic and safer choice for dogs that pull or are highly active.

Can a puppy wear a harness?

Yes. Many puppies use both a collar and a harness. Lightweight, properly fitted harnesses distribute pressure more evenly across the puppy's body and can be a comfortable option for longer walks.

When is a harness a better choice than a collar?

A harness is often recommended for dogs that pull on the leash, lunge suddenly, or participate in active outdoor activities. With a harness, leash pressure is directed to the chest area rather than the sensitive structures of the neck.

What type of harness should I choose?

A harness should fit correctly and comfortably. Y-shaped harnesses are a popular option because they allow the shoulders and front legs to move naturally while distributing pressure evenly across the chest.

Does my dog need both a collar and a harness?

For many dogs, yes. A collar is quick and convenient for short outings, while a harness may be more comfortable for longer walks or active adventures. Many dog owners choose to use both depending on the situation.