Which One Would Be a Better Fit: A Collar or a Harness?

We all need to walk and breathe in the fresh air, and so do dogs. If you have got a new canine friend and are thinking of taking it out for a walk for the first time, you must ensure it is harnessed not too tightly or too loosely, as that may cause it discomfort, and if it breaks loose, it may create quite a ruckus in public.

To prevent all that from happening, you should carefully choose its strap to keep it safe and secure. This post enumerates the pros and cons of pet collars and harnesses to help you pick one that makes your pet happy and relaxed.

Dog Harnesses and Collars: Benefits and Downsides

Before we dig into the dog collar vs harness debate, an important fact that you should know about dogs is that they are driven by their instinct and tend to react swiftly. For instance, if they find someone or something suspicious, they instantly start barking and try to chase the suspect. This may cause you a great deal of embarrassment and inconvenience if you are in a marketplace and they become uncontrollable. 

This responsive and impulsive behavior of dogs explains why their owners need to be conscious when deciding whether a dog collar or harness would make a better choice to keep their pooch under control.

Dog Collars: Benefits

  1. If you wish to hang an ID tag, a tracking device (such as AirTag), or a waste bag, a dog collar would make a better choice.
  2. Collars require less effort to walk pets than harnesses do.
  3. If you want to train your pooch to walk on a leash, a flat collar with a four-foot-long strap may be a good start.
  4. Collars are easier to put on and remove.
  5. Speaking of aesthetics and durability, you are likely to lean toward collars. But then, it’s all about your liking.

Note: Collars are available in a range of styles and shapes. The following three are the most widely used ones.

Flat collars: These are the most commonly used type. Like we just said, they are an ideal choice for the start. They are usually made of leather, nylon, or rubber and have a metal ring or loop in the middle for hanging tags and bags.

Martingale Collars: Also known as non-slip collars, they make an ideal choice for dogs with a small head. Another collar type might slip off, but this one wouldn’t.

Moreover, if your pooch gets naughty and tends to pull the leash, this band can also give you better control when your naughty friend refuses to listen to you.

The collar is tied immediately below the jaw, so every time the dog pulls the leash, it tightens around its neck, causing it slight discomfort so it can stop misbehaving. However, no incident of choking occurs as a result of using this type of collar.

If you are like a strict parent who thinks stern behavior coupled with tender love can do the trick and bring the tyke back into line, this is the right choice for you.

Rolled Collars: Unlike flat collars, they have no edges and are round like a rope. If a flat collar irritates your dog because of its edges, you can go for it. It, otherwise, has the same function as a flat collar.

Dog Collars: Downsides

  1. Your dog can easily break free from it if it is too loose.
  2. In case it’s too tight, it may cause the dog pain and leave marks on its neck.
  3. While it’s least likely to result in asphyxiation, it may damage the dog’s throat.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Dog Collar

If you have made up your mind that a dog collar is what you want, you need to make a few important considerations before you pick one, because this is just not what you like on your dog but also what keeps the wearer safe and secure.

Size: Dog body collars are available in different sizes, so always remember to find out the exact size of your dog’s neck when making a purchase.

Material: The material should be soft enough not to cause any skin irritation or any other form of discomfort. Nylon straps are the toughest and usually the cheapest ones. You can wash them anytime, and they won’t tear or wear away. Rubber collars are ideal for dogs that like to swim, and leather collars are the most appealing ones, but not as comfortable as the other two types.

Buckle/Clasp: Most collars have a plastic or metal clasp. Make sure the clasp can easily be undone in the event of an accident.

Attachment for the Leash: Collars typically come with a metal ring for attaching the leash. Make sure the ring is made of some strong material so that it doesn’t break easily when pressure is applied.

Embellishments: Fancy collars are embellished with prongs and studs. Make sure these embellishments don’t cause the dog any irritation.

Dog Harnesses: Benefits

Like a dog collar, a dog harness has its own pros and cons. Here are the pros:

  1. It puts less strain on the dog’s neck, as it covers its entire body.
  2. It’s less likely to slip off.
  3. It makes a better choice for puppies, as they have softer necks that may be rubbed hard by a collar.
  4. The leash doesn’t get under the dog’s legs as often as it does in the case of a collar.
  5. The dog will feel discouraged to pull the leash and try to break free.
  6. It’s less likely to cause the dog throat damage or back pain.

Dog Harnesses: Downsides

  1. It may be more difficult to put on and remove.
  2. It may require more effort from you to walk the dog.
  3. If it’s too loose, the dog may slip out.
  4. If it’s too tight, it may cause the dog pain and discomfort.
  5. It may cause the dog irritation and discomfort on a hot day.

Note: Like a dog collar, a dog harness has different types. The three most common ones are:

Standard: The standard dog harness covers the neck as well as the midriff and has clasps and size adjusters.

Step-in: A step-in harness is the easiest one to put on. The dog just slides in. It doesn’t normally have a clasp.

Front-Clip: A front-clip harness has the leash attached to the front.

Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Dog Harness

You need to consider almost the same factors when buying a dog harness that you do when choosing a dog collar.

Size: If you can easily slide one or two fingers between the dog’s skin and the harness, it’s the right size.

Material: The material shouldn’t be harsh or stiff.

Buckle/Clasp: If the harness has a clasp, make sure it’s good-quality and can easily be undone.

Attachment for the Leash: The ring given for attaching the leash should not be easy to break.

Embellishments: While embellishments make a dog harness appealing, they should not be the cause of any kind of discomfort.

Harnesses and Collars You Would Love to Buy for Your Dogs

Your canine deserves some pampering in return for the love it gives you. Here are some pet accessories to show your love for your pooch.

Leather Pet Collar with One Row Spike Studded

Leather Pet Collar With One Row Spike Studded-RBS
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Crafted from high-quality, soft leather, this collar is perfect for male dogs – especially the sober type. It will make them look decently stylish.

Pick one that best matches your buddy from the five available colors, or get all to have a variety.

Rhinestone Harness Bow Ties with Quick Side Release Buckles

Rhinestone Harness Bow Ties With Quick Side Release Buckles
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Does your friend like to party and look stylish? Gift this cute rhinestone-studded harness to it. It would love this bling-bling. 

The harness is designed for small and mid-sized dogs. If you have got a pup or a growing pooch, this harness is the best option you can go for.

Rhinestone Dog Collar with Flower Crystal

Rhinestone Dog Collar With Flower Crystal
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This pretty pink collar with a large pink flower will make your dog look only more adorable. Made from soft leather and studded with fine crystals, this collar will help you express your love for your little friend.

Rhinestone Chain with Diamond Bone Dog Necklace

Rhinestone Chain With Diamond Bone Dog Necklace
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If you like to lavish your pup with care and affection and are in the mood to splash out a little, get this beautiful chain with a bone-shaped pendant.

The chain is made of pure copper and is highly resistant to corrosion.

White Pearl with Bow Necklace Chain for Pet

White Pearl With Bow Necklace Chain for Pet
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Your pet deserves to look stylish just as much as you do. This pearl necklace with charms and a bow is another beautiful necklace you can buy for that little girl.

The Rhinestone Belt Store has a lot more beautiful pet collars and harnesses. If you are looking for beautiful yet high-quality dog harnesses and collars, visit the store here.