When to use a harness vs collar?
A body harness typically wraps around the dog's torso and has a leash attachment spot on the back or Read More
Do vets recommend collars or harnesses?
Camren Boyer
2025-06-14 06:49:17
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I often get asked by my clients “which is best, a collar or a harness?
Collars give you better control and require less physical strength to walk your dog, especially true for large, strong and boisterous dogs.
They are easy to put on and take off, and are comfortable, durable, cheap and adjustable for growth.
However, collars can be easy for your dog to escape from.
Harnesses on the other hand can be safer, secure, and more comfortable than collars.
They are low risk for dogs to escape from and help to avoid damage to the delicate structures of the neck.
Personally, I use a harness for my smaller dogs, and a collar for my larger stronger dog.
If you’re unsure about which is best to use for your four-legged friend, we always recommend seeking advice from your vet to find out which is best suited to your dog’s breed, size and behaviour.
Andreanne Green
2025-06-02 04:58:10
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Yes, many veterinarians recommend harnesses over collars. This is particularly true for dogs with respiratory issues or breeds prone to tracheal collapse, such as pugs and bulldogs. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), harnesses reduce the risk of neck injuries that can occur with collars. Many trainers recommend dog harnesses as they provide more control during walks, all without putting unnecessary pressure on a dog's neck. Even the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) supports the use of harnesses for their comfort and effectiveness during training. Studies have shown that harnesses can minimise the risk of injury associated with collars, making them the preferred choice out of the two. Walking a dog with a harness is often considered better than using a dog collar. Harnesses distribute pressure in an even way across a dog’s chest and shoulders, spreading out the pressure and reducing strain on the neck.
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Maye Gleichner
2025-06-02 03:37:42
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Your dog should still wear a collar with an ID tag when on walks, even if the lead is attached to a harness. Whilst collars are fine to use on a walk, a correctly fitted harness reduces the risk of neck injury and maximizes your dog's comfort. The Dogs Trust recommends the use of flat, fixed collars, which do not tighten or constrict around your dog’s neck. If you're unsure what style of collar works best for your dog, make sure to seek advice from your vet. Different breeds may require different types of collars, for example, for breeds where the head is narrower than the neck, a martingale collar may be the most suitable. You should make sure your dog is introduced gradually to a harness to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable. Older dogs may already have a preference, some rescue dogs may have only ever been walked on a harness, so you may wish to continue with this to keep them comfortable with what they are used to.
Stefan Eichmann
2025-06-02 02:39:46
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If your Dachshund has had a neck injury, your vet may recommend using a harness rather than a collar to exercise your dog. If your Dachshund has had an IVDD incident with one of the cervical discs, ask your vet whether it would be more appropriate to use a harness than a collar, for walking your dog. Harnesses can cause back issues, poor musculature, over developed neck and shoulder muscles, joint problems and poor foot balance. In our survey, we looked at dogs over the age of 3 that were exercised wearing harnesses were 2.3 times more likely to have suffered an IVDD incident than those exercised in collars. It, therefore, seems unlikely that walking a Dachshund in a collar increases its risk of back problems.
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Is it better to run with a dog in a harness or collar?
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Hope Balistreri
2025-06-02 02:37:36
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Collars have known detriments to them.
There’s nothing worse than when I see a dog choking on a collar, so detriments include nerve damage, increasing intraocular or eye pressure, as well as for dogs who have tracheal conditions, pressing that trachea is so detrimental.
So I can’t stress enough the importance of walking on a good harness and what I love about the Pug Life Harness is that it also attaches on the side so you’re not pulling from the back.
Dog necks are similar to that of humans, they house the trachea, thyroid gland, esophagus, jugular, lymph nodes, and spinal column.
Because of this, using a collar can be extremely harmful because of all the pulling that causes pressure on the areas of the neck.
High risk and potential injuries include Neck Injuries, Eye and ear problems which is another effect of pressure to the neck, Hypothyroidism, or inflammation of thyroid cells leading to the deficit of thyroid hormone, Nervous system complications, Heightened behavioral issues.
Last thing you want to happen is a collapsing trachea for your dog.
So if you haven’t made the switch to a harness from a collar, we understand that it’s a matter of dog parent preference, but we implore you to consider the long term effects and take the word of a veterinarian like Dr. Lisa.
Una Brown
2025-06-02 00:42:34
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Many dog trainers recommend that you begin leash training with a 4-foot leash and flat collar. For puppies who are just learning to walk on a leash, it’s best to stick with a standard dog collar. Collars may give you better control and require less physical strength from you as you’re walking your dog than harnesses, depending on your dog’s size. However, dog collars aren’t the best option for all dogs. If the fit is too loose, your dog may be able to wiggle out and escape. If your dog tends to tug on their leash when walking, a dog harness may be a better and more comfortable option. Harnesses can be a more comfortable option for your dog. Plus, if your dog tends to pull or tug at their leash, harnesses can discourage pulling and help prevent your dog’s leash from getting caught under their legs.
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Jadyn Stoltenberg
2025-06-01 23:52:43
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To avoid painful eye problems, switch from a collar to a well-fitting harness. The collar rests on the area of the neck where pressure is applied to the lymph nodes, mandibular and thyroid gland as they are pushed against the trachea and oesophagus. When a dog’s collar is too tight or jerked, the pressure could damage the windpipe, the thyroid gland and the immune system enough to pose a very big risk to the dog’s health. It only takes one jerk to start causing damage. My advice would be to buy the very best harness you can afford and think about your dog’s comfort rather than making a fashion statement. My own choice of harness is the Perfect Fit, it has a Y shaped front which means no pressure on the dog’s neck, biceps muscles or supraspinatas tendon. The Y shaped harness allows the dog to move freely, it’s super comfy for the dog and gives owners peace of mind.