Dog collar vs dog harness: Pros and con

Dog collars vs. Dog harness! I am sure you would like to know the pros and cons of both pieces of equipment before splashing the cash. Well, first off, I would like you to know that they both work for different situations and pups. 

With a dog collar, you may find your pup tugged hard on the leash, and you might think he would choke to death. Seeing this can make you want to get a harness instead because it won’t place your dog in harm’s way. 

Well, you are right about your decision. But before you get that dog harness, or abandon that dog collar, know the pros and cons. You can read before choosing that best dog harness or dog collar.

What You Need To Know Before Choosing Dog Collar

We are going to discuss the pros and cons of dog collars. But before we do that, here is a little about dog collars that every dog owner needs to understand. 

You see, walking a pup is an essential activity. It keeps dogs happy. And from a medical point of view, exercise makes dogs healthier and fit. 

Collars are a wise choice for those seeking to walk their dogs. They are also available in a range of styles and offer several benefits. Dog collars come in diverse designs. So, as a dog owner, you can decide which is ideal for your pup.

For instance, you will find collars designed to constrict or cause some discomfort to dogs intentionally. The aim is not to harm the dog but to help train and control unwanted behavior. 

However, I will not recommend using the above type of color as a training tool. 

Is it advisable to use traditional collars for dogs without respiratory issues? Yes, it is, as long as they do not constrict. In addition to not having respiratory problems, you also should ensure that your dog isn’t the type that pulls on leashes often. 

Another widely used collar for dogs that do not slip out of their traditional collars is the slip collars. The name alone would tell you that this collar is designed to prevent such from happening. 

The slip collar does help ensure that dogs don’t get loose. They also come designed to provide that your dog doesn’t choke when it back up or pulls. 

What type of dogs are slip collars ideal for? Bulldogs and Greyhounds! They are also suitable for other breeds, particularly those with thicker necks and slim heads. 

Pros and Cons of Dog Collars

So you plan to purchase a collar for your pup? Cool stuff! However, you have to glance through the advantages and disadvantages of using one. Then you can compare to using the harness and be in a better position to make an informed decision. 

Pros of using a dog collar:

• Comfort: Are collars comfortable for dogs? Yes, they are. Dogs feel a bit more comfortable wearing a collar. Think of humans wearing only a tie with no shirt on. Your body will receive fresh air and feels calm. So dogs might feel a bit more comfortable wearing a collar, I mean only it. 

• Ease of wearing: It takes less time and energy to wear the collar on a dog, something people who lead busy lives will be comfortable with. You can put the collar on and off your dog at will. This also gives you the chance to change the collar whenever you feel like. 

• Holds important info: Collars come designed to be versatile and more useful – and dog owners are taking advantage of that. You can have important info about your dog hung on the collar in a captivating way. These include city tags, the dog’s identification number, and so on. 

• Function and visibility: I just mentioned how important a collar is for holding the dog’s info. And I would like to add that collars make putting a tag on dogs a breeze. You will also not break a sweat to take the collar off your dog.

Cons of using a dog collar: 

• Neck injury: Think of a tie in one’s neck, with someone on one side pulling the tie – will that not lead to neck injury? Of course, it might. Let’s not forget that the anatomy of a dog’s neck is the same as humans. So dog collars can severely hurt your dog’s neck, and that could cause you to spend more money on treatment at the vet. So, dog collars are not the best for training because pulling can increase the chances of developing a neck injury. 

• Eye problem: Many might be wondering how a collar that is worn on a dog’s neck can create an eye problem. Well, the thing is, it could and might even be more severe than one might be thinking. Dog collars can create eye pressure, thereby worsening any previous eye problem the dog might be having. An example of such a problem could be glaucoma. 

• Damage to the thyroid gland:  Another thing you need to be worried about is your pup’s thyroid. The collar might damage your dog’s thyroid gland and create room for regular visits to the vet – this situation can also force you to spend more money. 

• Tangle in the leash: Every dog owner using collars knows this because it is a common problem. It is common for dogs to get tangled in the leash when wearing the regular dog collar – and this can be a bit stressful for a dog owner to loosen up. 

What You Need To Know Before Choosing Dog Harness

 There is an explanation for the popularity of harnesses among dog owners. The benefits of harnesses are visible for all to see. They are ideal for training dogs on how to behave appropriately on the leash. Harnesses also give dog owners more control during dog walking. 

One of the things that set dog harness apart is that it discourages pulling. Plus, you can prevent your dog from jumping on visitors or strangers without choking or harming her.

You will also find different varieties of harnesses. These include dual-clip harness, back-clip harness, front clip harness, step-in harness, and head halter.

Let’s start with the back-clip harness. It has a D-ring attachment, as seen on the back of the dog. The rear attachment of the back-clip harness helps to get the leash away from the dog’s trachea. This makes it ideal for smaller-sized pups that have delicate throats. 

The back-clip is also a basic harness for dogs and considered comfortable for a range of breeds and easy to use. However, an advantage it has is that it doesn’t provide better control over the dog. Furthermore, it does not discourage pulling. 

Next is the front-clip harness. It is not as common as the back-clip but offers several benefits. The front-clip harness is recommended for dogs that pull. The tension helps to pull the dog towards you (the dog owner), not forward. 

So, the front-clip harness makes it harder for pups that enjoy pulling to have their way. It gives the dog owner more control. 

But there is a warning for people who intend to go for the front clip harness. Though it offers better control, one must ensure the harness is fitted correctly on the dog. Otherwise, it could affect your pup’s gait and cause severe injury or pain. 

The dual-clip harness, on the other hand, offers the best of what the rear and front-clip offer. The only disadvantage is that it is quite expensive. But if you need that extra control and have the financial power, you will enjoy having the dual-clip harness on your pup. 

Pros of using a dog harness

Better control: Most dogs behave aggressively, making it difficult to control them while you are out walking. So, your best bet is to use a harness. It offers better control in this type of situation. 

Easy to use: Do you hate to find your dog tangled in the leash? Then harness would make an ideal option. Dogs do not get tangled as easily when wearing a harness. 

Reduced neck injuries: Pulling can cause neck injury, which can make your dog uncomfortable and become inactive. And this can result in an avoidable visit to the vet for treatment.  

 Superior training tool: Every dog owner wants to have a well-behaved dog. But that doesn’t happen with most pups automatically, unless via training. And unlike dog collars, harnesses make better training tools. 

Avoid leash pulling: Harness can discourage your dog from pulling – and invariably help to avoid neck injuries that dog collars might create. Even during training, it can handle leash pulling better than dog collars. 

Cons of using a dog harness

Most dogs disapprove of the leash: Most dogs do not fancy the idea of wearing a harness. So you have to play a significant role in making them feel comfortable in it. Keep in mind that it will take a while for your dog to adapt to wearing a harness. 

 It can be uncomfortable for pups with longer fur: Dogs that have long hair might find it a bit challenging to wear a harness. There is a possibility of the fur wrapping around the harness’s straps, which can be painful for the dog. 

 It can be costly: Harness, mainly the dual-clip harness, might be too expensive for some dog owners. So, even if they are useful, most dog owners would be put off by the hefty price point. 

Conclusion

Now that you have seen this comparison, I hope you can make an informed decision. Whatever you end up buying, ensure your dog’s health and happiness come first. By that, you need to avoid putting anything on your dog that could cause neck injury, discomfort, or other health problems. You have the power to prevent a regular visit to the vet by making the decision now.

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