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Dog Collar or Harness? – The Pros and Cons

January 15, 2022

If you enjoy walks with Fido as much as he does, ensuring he wears the most comfortable and maneuverable attire can help make your daily adventures together all the more enjoyable. While collars may be the more traditional and convenient option, some dogs are better off wearing a harness. Read on to find out the pros and cons of dog collars vs harnesses and see which one is best for you and your canine pal.

Things to Consider

If you’re a dog lover, you’ve probably walked a pooch that liked to tug pretty hard on the leash at one time or another. Some dogs will even go so far as to choke themselves on the leash as they try to drag you along. In these instances, getting a harness for Fido may seem like a logical solution to the problem, but this isn’t always the case.

There are a few basic things to consider when determining which device is best for your dog:

His size

His behavior

His comfort level

Knowing the pros and cons of collars and harnesses can help you choose the one that works best for you and Fido.

Pros and Cons of Dog Collars

Pros

Can be worn all the time

Work best for dogs who don’t usually pull on the leash

Available in a variety of styles, such as:

Slip collars that prevent dogs from slipping out of the collar

Choke and prong collars that can be used when training your dog

Cons

May pose a choking hazard for dogs that like to tug on the leash

Can cause neck injury, especially for smaller dogs

May be uncomfortable for dogs with respiratory problems

Can be difficult to control your dog when he pulls hard on the leash

Pros and Cons of Harnesses

Pros

Work great for teaching puppies how to behave on leash

Gives you more control during the walk

Reduced risk of neck injury

Less restrictive for dogs with respiratory problems

Cons

For dogs with long fur, their fur can become tangled and wrap around the straps of the harness

Some dogs dislike wearing harnesses, which makes more work for you

May irritate the underside of your dog’s legs

Not made to be worn all day

If you have more questions or wish to schedule an appointment for your pooch with the vet, please don’t hesitate to call our office in Newburgh, NY, anytime!