Skip to main content

Collar or harness? It depends on the dog

Not everyone has a perfectly well-trained pup. Many dogs pull, jump, tug, and tackle their leashes if they get the chance. It can be difficult to know what kind of walking equipment will work best for your dog. A common debate is the choice between a collar or a harness. There are pros and cons to both depending on the type of dog you have. It is important to take into consideration your dog’s size, temperament, and level of training when deciding between these two items.

Both are great, but one will outshine the other when it comes to picking one out for your unique pup.

Related Videos

Analyzing your four-legged friend

Before you go buying a collar or harness for your dog, it’s important to figure out a few things about your pet. No matter what age, size, or breed your dog is, they are defined by their unique personality.

Some dogs are strong-willed, making them a bit more difficult to train and control. Other dogs are calm and laid back so you don’t have to worry as much about pulling. If you have a professionally trained or well-behaved dog, then you have less pulling to worry about, but you should try to figure out which will feel more comfortable for them — a collar or harness.

There are ample benefits to both. One is not necessarily better than the other, it is just a matter of finding out which one is better for your specific dog.

When to use a collar

Labrador retriever with blue collar
Barbara Rich/Getty Images

There are chain collars, nylon collars, and leather collars. They are blue, pink, purple, green, yellow, and whatever other color you can imagine. The material and color of the collar is something you can decide on after you figure out if a collar is better than a harness for your beloved dog. First, it is important to check out the pros and cons of collars:

Pros
• Lightweight
• Can hold name tags
• Great for dog training
• Discourages barking
• Keeps your dog from running off

Cons
• Puts a lot of pressure on your dog’s neck
• May hurt the neck or spine if your dog pulls a lot
• May be easier for your dog to slip out of

After reading through the pros and cons, it is easy to see why collars are still a great option for your dog. Collars are ideal for well-trained dogs because you don’t have to worry about their necks from excessive pulling. Additionally, collars are great for when you’re just starting to train your dog to walk properly. Collars allow you to pull your dog’s head to look at you so it helps keep them stay focused during training sessions.
Overall, collars are good for dogs that: are well-trained, have calm temperaments, or are in need of beginner training.

Boston terrier on a beach
Tara Gregg/EyeEm/Getty Images

When to use a harness

Dog on sidewalk in harness
Jim Craigmyle/Getty Images

Harnesses are a great alternative to collars. They come in a variety of styles, but they all have the same basic design. They strap around your dog’s chest rather than their necks. Harnesses have many benefits when compared to collars and may be the better choice for your dog. Check out the pros and cons of harnesses before deciding:

Pros
• Great training tool for puppies
• Offer better control
• Put pressure on your dog’s chest rather than their neck
• Discourages pulling
• More secure on your dog than a collar

Cons
• Can feel bulkier/more uncomfortable than a collar
• Can encourage pulling in some dogs

Securing a dog harness may take more effort, but they offer a lot of great benefits. They are better for your dog’s neck, they provide a sturdier hold on your dog, and they often discourage pulling. Harnesses may encourage pulling in overly rambunctious dogs because they aren’t putting any pressure on the neck. Harnesses are great for both large and small dogs.

With large dogs, they offer more support for you to restrain them. With small dogs, you don’t have to worry about hurting their delicate, little necks from excessive pulling.

Overall, harnesses are good for large dogs, small dogs, overly energetic dogs, and dogs that tend to pull.

Beagle in harness on wooden walkway
Johner Images/Getty Images

Harnesses and collars are both great options for your dog. One may just suit your dog’s needs a little better than the other. Harnesses are perfect for if you have a dog who loves to pull. A harness is designed to redirect the pressure to their chests, allowing you to have more control and keep your dog’s neck safe. Collars are great for dogs who are well-trained and don’t pull.

They are also great for training a dog that is in the process of learning how to walk alongside their human. Before you buy one of the restraints, it is important to understand your dog and your goals so you can both walk comfortably each and every day.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Your guide to raising a happy, healthy Shih Tzu dog – find out if this is the perfect breed for you
Shih Tzu dogs: Learn about their physical and social characteristics and more
A white Shih Tzu sits on a porch and looks at the camera

Shih Tzu dogs are as cute as can be — physically and socially. The small, happy pups are loved for their friendly, affectionate personalities. If you’re looking for a small breed pup that's an adaptable dog, it’s worth looking into booking a meet-and-greet with a Shih Tzu.

Still, it’s important to go in with eyes wide open. These small pups have a knack for charming nearly everyone in the room, but they’re not the best breed for every home. Doing your homework and researching several breeds will help you find the best fit for your household. Though every Shih Tzu is unique, consider this guide a good place to start your research.

Read more
Howling dog went viral for sounding like an opera singer — we can’t get enough
This video shows a pup who has mastered the art of music with his perfectly on key howling
A dog lies in the grass and howls at the sky

Many of us think that our dogs talk way beyond the average woofs and barks that we all hear. Some seem to be particularly good at human speech, mimicking our sounds to try to be more like their pet parents. While most beasties never quite make it to speaking to us in our language, others go a step further and decide they will learn to sing too. Singing pups have taken over the internet, and this diva is no different.

If you've ever been to the opera, you know to listen for the tell-tale vibrato, which is really just moving between two pitches very quickly. There's nothing quite like it, and most of us will immediately think of that sound when we listen to this melodious dog.

Read more
50 spring-inspired names for dogs, from Forrest to Petunia
Springtime names for dogs influenced by the season, from Cosmo to April
A black and white Pomeranian sits in front of a tulip field and gives a head tilt

As the snow begins to melt beneath the longer hours of daylight, so many new things are taking form. Flowers are budding, animals are welcoming their young, and everything begins to feel renewed. Springtime is near! It's also an ideal time to welcome a new furry friend into your household. After all, longer days and warmer temperatures will make outdoor activities with your pup much more fun.

If you're planning on adopting a new dog come spring, you'll need to have some good dog names on hand. Of course, you can always opt for one of the classics, but these names for dogs are inspired by one of the most magical times of the year: springtime. These are 50 of our favorites, and we hope you'll love them as much as we do!

Read more