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Dog Harness vs. Collar – Is a Harness Better Than a Collar?

Posted on by Andrea Sickenger
Harness vs collar blog
08
Mar

Regardless of the type of dog you have, dogs need to go on walks. Leashes attach to either a collar or a harness—and while collars have been used for decades for walking your dog, harnesses are also a popular choice. 

There are benefits and drawbacks to walking a dog on a collar vs a harness, so it is important to understand the pros and cons of each to make the best decision for your pup. Check out some frequently asked questions and learn when to use a dog harness vs when to use a dog collar below.

Are Harnesses Better Than Collars?

While collars are best for everyday wear, a harness can be the safest option for dog walks and outdoor activities. The overarching point of this debate is whether a harness or collar works best will depend on your dog’s personality.

A harness may make a dog more tempted to pull worse. It’s a myth that ALL dogs will succumb to their opposition reflex. Some breeds are more prone to pulling, especially those trained to do so. A dog that wants to pull will do so with a harness and a collar.

pug dog harness

Harness vs Collar: The Pros & Cons

Understanding the pros and cons of dog collars and harnesses can help you determine when to use a dog harness vs when to use a dog collar, what the best option is for your dog, and how to keep your pup as safe as possible. Check out the benefits and drawbacks of each below.

Dog Harnesses

Pros of Dog Harnesses

Some benefits of dog harnesses include:

  • Disperses pressure over a larger surface area
  • Easier to control the dog
  • More secure than collars
  • Harder to slip out of 
  • Better at preventing accidents
  • Helps prevent the leash from getting caught or tangled
  • Does not put pressure on the dog’s neck
  • Best for dogs with health issues

Cons of Dog Harnesses

Some drawbacks of dog harnesses include:

  • Less convenient and more time consuming to secure
  • Not as comfortable as collars, especially for every day wear 
  • Can take time for the dog to adjust and get used to wearing
  • Can be harmful and cause pain if not fitted properly
  • Does not typically have a place for customization, personalization, and identification
  • Can encourage some breeds like huskies to pull harder if they were bred for that.

 

Harnesses are great for dogs with respiratory issues or a history of tracheal collapse, breeds with risk factors for spinal problems, and large dogs with orthopedic problems—among others.

Is a Collar or Harness Better for a Puppy?

Harnesses are great options for puppies, especially puppies that haven’t learned to walk on a leash yet and tend to pull or back out of their collars.

Harness in pixel
'Brandy' Designer Dog Leash

Dog Collars

Pros of Dog Collars

Some benefits of dog collars include:

  • Simple way to identify if a dog has an owner
  • Easy and convenient to put on
  • Variety of styles, materials, and options available 
  • Generally more comfortable for dogs, especially for every day wear
  • More options for attaching or incorporating identification and other important information

Cons of Dog Collars

Some drawbacks of dog collars include:

  • Unsafe for dogs with certain medical issues
  • Not as safe for dogs that escape their collars
  • Can cause pressure resulting in neck and spine damage
  • Should not be used for certain breeds like toy breeds, brachycephalic breeds, and more
  • Possibility of getting caught on things resulting in injury to the dog
  • Can be harmful and cause pain if not fitted properly
  • Certain types of collars—can cause neck injury, pain, and even strangulation

Main Types Of Dog Collars [Compared]

  • Flat Dog Collar: A flat dog collar is a standard, adjustable collar that fits around a dog’s neck, used for everyday wear. Unlike a dog harness, it doesn’t distribute pressure across the body.
  • Martingale Collars: Martingale collars fit dogs with narrow heads that can slip out of normal collars. These collars tightens when the dog pulls on it. Many people don’t use them correctly, they allow the dog to choke itself and learn not to pull the same aversive way a prong collar or choke chain is used. 
  • Fi Compatible Collar: Fi collars have a GPS tracking system, escape detection, LED lighting for night visibility. Mimi Green’s engraved ID collar buckles are Fi compatible. For walks, you can pair an Fi compatible dog collar with a dog harness. 
  • Head Collar: A head collar, also known as a head halter, is a training tool designed to provide better control over a dog’s movements. They’re commonly used for dogs that pull on the leash

Which Is Better For Training?

Neither a harness nor a martingale collar will “teach” a dog not to pull. Proper training does.

Here are some tools/tactics that may help:

  • Clicker: Using a clicker is like switched from bribing your dog into doing things to rewarding them for their obedience.
  • Target Training: Target training teaches dogs to touch a specific object, like a hand or stick, on command to facilitate behavior training.
  • “Watch Me” Training: “Watch me” training teaches dogs to focus on your face or eyes on command, improving attention and obedience.

Harnesses are good for dogs that are prone to panic because they’re easier to control. If your dog panics, then feels a marrtingale collar tighten around their neck, this qualifies as aversive training.

Do Harnesses Encourage Pulling?

Harnesses don’t encourage pulling, your behavior does. If you let your dog walk into any direction they want, you’re telling them, “If you want to go somewhere, pull in that direction.”

Our Conclusion: The Best Of Both Worlds

If you’re reading this article, you have a doggie in training or a dog with neck problems.

Our Conclusion: You can have the best of both worlds by using a collar for identification and a harness for walks.

Even if your dog walks nicely on a lead, if something happens to startle them, you’d rather they pull on a harness. A harness can make a dog feel like they have more power to pull, but that is 100% a training issue and not a tool issue. Always set your dog up for success. 

Customizable Harnesses With ID Tags

While many harnesses do not offer ID tags or customization, all of the harnesses we make at Mimi Green do! Each and every Mimi Green harness is washable, safe, and made in the USA—with the ability to choose your favorite buckle type and add an engraved buckle, name plate, or hand embroidery.   

Ready to purchase a dog collar, harness, or both? When you shop with Mimi Green, you are supporting a small, woman-owned business with beautiful, handmade products. All Mimi Green dog collars and harnesses are handmade, unique items designed with quality materials and care to keep your dog safe and fashionable.
Andrea Sickenger