Lifestyle

Harness Or Collar: What's Best For Your Dog?

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The age-old dilemma: collar or harness? Choosing a collar or harness for walking your dog depends on you and your dog's needs. And we're here to help.

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Source: @tantetaat_jewelryDogs come in all shapes and sizes so their needs and personalities may vary. We've compiled a list of pros and cons of collars and harnesses so that you're fully equipped to make this decision.

Harness Pros:

  • They provide better control over dogs that pull and lunge excessively.
  • It's an effective training tool, particularly for puppies.
  • They are less likely to put strain on the neck and throat which could potentially be harmful over time.
  • Dogs with short noses, like Pugs, benefit from harnesses because of their predisposition to breathing complications and tracheal collapse.
  • Front-attaching harnesses are often more effective for larger dogs as they offer more control.

Source: @azazbala

Harness Cons:

  • Dogs may find the feeling of a harness uncomfortable and too constricting.
  • They may take longer to put on your dog.
  • If you choose the wrong type of harness, it might actually be more painful than effective.
  • Back-attaching harnesses are preferred for smaller, toy breeds as they are more sensitive to pressure and therefore the back-attaching harness has less of a tightening effect on their chest.

 

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Source: @taniatoss

Collar Pros:

  • They’re good for pups who like to feel more comfortable or who dislike the feeling of a harness.
  • Dogs often adjust more quickly to wearing a collar.
  • They are easier to slip on and off.
  • They are handy for attaching your dog's identity tag.
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Source: @brit_kptn

Collar Cons:

  • They provide less control for dogs who are difficult at walks, ie. lunging, pulling, barking at other dogs.
  • They’re not ideal for training.
  • If your dog pulls on their collar, they have a higher risk of damaging the sensitive throat area as well as increasing eye pressure.
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Source: @doggie_flairThere are benefits to using both collars and harnesses. Whatever happens, your dog should always wear one for visibility and identification purposes. We hope this has helped steer you (and your doggy) in the right direction.

Featured image:@pack_of_five

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