Collars vs. Harnesses: Key Differences

A collar is a band of material that goes around your dog’s neck, while a harness is a device that straps around your dog’s chest, belly, and back. Both collars and harnesses can be attached to a leash, but they have different effects on your dog’s body and behavior. Here are some of the key differences between collars and harnesses:

• Control: A collar gives you more control over your dog’s head and direction, while a harness gives you
more control over your dog’s body and movement. A collar can also help you correct unwanted
behaviors like barking or jumping, while a harness can prevent your dog from pulling or lunging.

• Comfort: A collar can be more comfortable for your dog if it is well-fitted and not too tight or loose,
while a harness can be more comfortable for your dog if it is padded and does not rub or chafe their
skin or fur. A collar can also be easier for your dog to wear all the time, while a harness can be more
cumbersome and restrictive for your dog to wear for long periods.

• Safety: A collar can be safer for your dog if it has a quick-release buckle or a breakaway feature that
prevents choking or strangling if it gets caught on something, while a harness can be safer for your dog
if it has reflective strips or bright colors that make them more visible in low-light conditions. A collar
can also be safer for your dog if it does not put pressure on their neck or throat, which can cause
injuries or health issues like tracheal collapse or eye problems, while a harness can be safer for your
dog if it does not put pressure on their chest or spine, which can cause injuries or health issues like
breathing difficulties or back problems.

Collars: Pros and Cons

Collars are the most common choice for dog owners, because they are convenient, easy to put on and take off, and good for holding ID tags. However, collars also have some drawbacks, especially if your dog tends to pull on the leash or has a sensitive neck.

Pros

• Collars are widely available in different styles, materials, colors, and sizes. You can find a collar that
suits your dog’s personality and comfort level.
• Collars are good for keeping ID tags around your dog’s neck, which can help identify them if they get
lost or injured.
• Collars may give you better control over your dog, especially if they are large or strong. You can use
gentle pressure on the collar to guide your dog’s head and direction.
• Collars are easier to put on and take off than harnesses, which can save you time and hassle.

Pros

• Collars can cause neck injuries if your dog pulls too much or gets yanked by the leash. This can
damage your dog’s trachea, spine, thyroid gland, or eyes. Collars can also restrict your dog’s breathing
and blood flow.
• Collars can be easily slipped out of by some dogs, especially those with narrow heads or thick fur. This
can pose a risk of escape or injury.
• Collars can be uncomfortable or painful for some dogs, especially those with sensitive skin or short
hair. Collars can also cause matting or bald spots on your dog’s coat.