The ultimate guide to help you choose between a harness vs collar for your puppy

A question that dog owners often struggle with is which is better for a puppy (a dog under 1 year) – a dog collar or a dog harness. As a pup owner, you’d also have to make this choice. There are multiple reasons to choose one or the other, and there are also reasons to change your choice depending on your dog’s age, breed, or behavior.

In this guide, we’ll provide the pros and cons of collars versus harnesses for puppies, as well as help you identify what other factors you should consider when making the choice such as your puppy’s behavior, age, or breed. 

What is the difference between a dog collar and a dog harness? 

A dog collar is loosely put nylon strap or other similar material put around the neck of a dog. Collars might be used to help restrain your pup, for identification, fashion, or protection. Identification tags, containing the dog’s name, as well as the owner’s contact information, or the pup’s medical information might often be placed on dog collars. Collars are typically used with a dog leash for walking your pup. 

A dog harness is a more complex configuration between straps and other fabrics that better surround the dog’s torso. A dog harness can be used to guide, hold or lift the dog more efficiently than a collar, as well as can better capitalize on the dog’s pulling power. Due to the placement of the straps alongside the chest and stomach, the harness typically reduces tension on the neck during pulling, providing free breathing for your pup during daily walks.

It’s not uncommon for owners to choose both for their pups, leaving the dog collar as a longer-duration wear accessory and identification item, and utilizing the dog harness during walks.

Everything you need to know about dog harnesses

There are many different types of dog harnesses that you can choose from – front-clipped versus back-clipped, safety versus head halter, vested versus webbed,  over-head versus step-in, and so on. 

Check out our article explaining all the different types of dog harnesses and how to select the best one for your pup. 

A dog harness can be a great option for dogs that tend to pull on their leash, as it distributes the pressure evenly across their body and reduces the risk of injury to their neck. Some dogs may find harnesses uncomfortable or restrictive, and they may take longer to get used to than a collar.

Pros of dog harnesses

Let’s first look into the benefits of using dog harnesses. There are several such factors, falling into three main categories: better security, fewer health and injury risks, and better pull control.

Dog harnesses are tougher than collars to escape

One of the main advantages of a dog harness is that they are tougher to escape from than collars. This makes them an ideal choice for adventurous or wily dogs that tend to slip out of their collar. A harness provides a more secure fit and distributes pressure more evenly across the body, making it much harder for your dog to escape.

Harnesses bring fewer health risks

Dog harnesses bring fewer health risks than collars by providing more even weight distribution around the dog’s body. When a collar is used, the pressure is concentrated on the throat and neck.

Harnesses are easier on dogs than collars. A good harness can alleviate back pain and reduce the risk of injury to the neck and throat. Dogs that tend to pull hard while walking are particularly at risk for these types of injuries, which is why a harness is a better option. 

Harnesses are also less likely to restrict your dog’s breathing and circulation, making them a safer choice overall.

Certain varieties cut down on pulling

Harnesses (especially the front-clip variety) can help cut down on your dog’s tendency to pull as you walk. These harnesses are designed to clip onto the front of the dog’s chest, which redirects its forward momentum and makes it harder for them to pull. 

Greater control of the owner during a walk

Because harnesses cover more of your dog’s surface area than a small collar does, the pressure is spread out more, giving you more control as you walk. Harnesses can also provide more control over the dog’s movements, which can be helpful during training. For example, if you are teaching your dog to walk politely on a leash, a harness can help you guide their movements more effectively than a collar.

Overall Reduced risk of injury

Giving the owner greater control and the puppy fewer chances to escape their harness can ultimately make the walk easier for both parties while reducing the risk of injury. 

Harnesses can reduce the risk of injury to dogs by distributing pressure and force more evenly across their body. When a dog pulls on a leash while wearing a collar, the force is concentrated on their neck and throat, which can be harmful, particularly for dogs with certain health conditions or breeds with short snouts.

In contrast, a harness spreads the force of pulling or yanking across the dog’s chest and back, which is a larger and more sturdy area of the body. This can help prevent injury to the neck, throat, and spine, and can also reduce the risk of choking or gagging.

A 2019 research paper has demonstrated that using a chest strap harness or a Y-shaped harness can change the way a dog moves by reducing how much their shoulders can extend during walking or running. The chest strap harness was found to reduce shoulder extension by up to 8 degrees, while the Y-shaped harness reduced it by up to 10 degrees. This suggests that the type of harness selected has an impact on how a dog walks or runs. However, there is currently no research available on how using a head collar may affect a dog’s biomechanics.

Some harnesses are also designed to provide extra support or protection to specific areas of the dog’s body, such as the chest or hips. For example, a mobility harness may be used for dogs with mobility issues or disabilities, providing support for their hind legs and helping them move more comfortably.

Cons of dog harnesses

Of course, dog harnesses aren’t perfect, and not all dog harnesses are made equal. Here are the disadvantages of harnesses. 

Finding the proper fit for a dog harness can be tough

Finding the proper fit for your dog’s harness can be difficult and time-consuming. A properly fitting harness will not only be secure, but comfortable for your pet. Finding a harness that is too large could allow your dog to escape, but one that is too small can be very uncomfortable and painful. 

Even once you find the correct fit, some dogs need time to adjust to the feeling of having a harness on. Therefore it is important to make sure the harness fits correctly and take your dog on a trial run to become accustomed to it, before going on the first journey.

Check out our guide on how to properly fit a harness on your pup.

Some harnesses may encourage pulling

Front-clip harnesses are designed to (and are proven to in a research environment)  limit a dog’s sense of pulling, while harnesses that clip on the back might actually promote pulling tendencies. This is especially true for breeds of dogs that have a natural inclination to pull, such as the Siberian Husky. In her book, Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

Alexandra Horowitz explains that this behavior is inherent more broadly in breeds that are closer descendants of wolves, who more easily learn this behavior as they do a lot of pulling on things like pray in their natural habitat. 

Due to the inherent drive in certain breeds, the pull of the harness clipping upward can enhance the strength of any urge to pull the dog might feel. As a result, owners of these breeds should consider front-clip harnesses in order to dissuade pulling and maintain a good level of control.

Pet ID tags are tougher to wear

Pet ID tags are an important way to identify your pet if they become lost, so finding a way to wear them when using a harness can be challenging. This is one of the main reasons why owners often opt for a collar or a collar in combination with a harness. Alternatively, another way to resolve this is to attach an extra ring to the harness to wear the ID tag. To alleviate this disadvantage, and in addition to all of the tactics proposed above it’s also critical to have your pup microchipped, as this is another, more secure way to identify them, regardless of whether you use a harness or a collar.

Dog Harnesses can cause discomfort to some breeds

Some dogs may find harnesses to be a source of discomfort, especially long-haired breeds, due to their fur getting easily tangled and stuck in the harness loops. Additionally, an ill-fitting harness can lead to chafing, a highly uncomfortable experience for many dogs. To select the right fitting harness for the individual dog, it is important to consider the size, shape, and hair length of the dog. Only then, can a comfortable harness be achieved that does not cause any irritation or discomfort for the dog.

Dog Harnesses can be too scary to put on for some pups

Putting a dog harness on can be a daunting task for some pups. Some may even find the process intimidating or overwhelming due to unfamiliarity or discomfort. In order to make things easier on your pup, it is important to start off slowly and create a positive association with your pup’s harness. Begin by giving treats while you make it part of their daily routine. Gradually add more components such as adjusting the straps and buckling it, allowing them to get more comfortable with the harness itself as time goes on. Patience and reinforcement are key in order to get both you and your pup to enjoy the process.

Everything you need to know about dog collars

A dog collar is a classic choice that many owners prefer. They are easy to use and can be customized with your dog’s name and information. However, some dogs may pull too hard on their collar, which can cause injury to their neck and throat.

Pros of dog collars

Dog collars have many advantages. They provide owners with an easy and convenient way to keep track of and control their dog’s whereabouts, as well as to identify them if they get lost. They also provide a way for dogs to safely display tags displaying their owner’s contact information. Collars also provide an easy way for someone to be able to show off their dog’s look and style by accessorizing them with fashionable collars. Finally, collars can also be used for training, as they can include features like prongs and vibrating components.

Dog collars are easy to wear

Dog collars are the most common accessory for canines as they’re easy to wear and convenient – both for the owner and the pup. They make it pretty easy to just grab a dog leash, clip it, and head out. This process is a lot easier than putting on a harness and can be less stressful for some breeds.  

There are many varieties and fashion choices for dog collars 

A variety of collars are available for purchase, ranging from flat, limited slip, to rolled collars that won’t cause tangling in your pet’s fur.

Dog collar variety is a benefit for dog owners because it allows for a selection of a collar that best suits the lifestyle, needs, and personality of your pup. Having the option to choose from a wide range of colors, designs, sizes, materials, and closure types allows for customization — something that no pet parent can achieve with just one single collar. The variety of dog collars also allows owners to safely identify and track their dogs, ensuring they have a secure and reliable way of finding their pets should they ever become lost or separated.

Dog collars are easier to wear than harnesses

Studies suggest that walking a dog with a collar and leash may require up to 20% less effort than walking with a harness. There is a theory that walking a dog with a collar and leash produces lower peak and average shoulder forces compared to walking with a harness. A study from 2019 reviewed pre-published research, and concluded that “no studies were found relating to the biomechanical effects of head-collar usage”. 

Interestingly, in 2021 academics revisited tested pulling behaviour for dogs when wearing a a harness versus collar, and found that: 

“Dogs tend to pull stronger and more steadily when wearing a back-connection harness compared to a neck collar to reach the food treat but not the toy.”

These results demonstrate that by choosing a collar and leash for their pet and using proper form and body mechanics, dog owners can reduce the physical strain associated with taking their pet for a walk for specific behaviors.

Cons of dog collars

Difficulty Balancing Collar Adjustment

Regardless of whether you own a puppy, an adult dog, or a senior canine, dog collars are not without their pitfalls. One major concern arises when a collar is not properly adjusted. A loose collar may enable your furry friend to make a swift escape. Conversely, a too-tight collar can lead to discomfort or even pain. Achieving an optimal collar fit, similar to the precision required when adjusting a harness, is crucial for your pet’s safety and comfort.

Dog collars can Potentially Aggravate Preexisting Health Conditions

Dog collars could potentially worsen certain preexisting medical conditions in your pet. This is particularly applicable to dogs already suffering from back issues, glaucoma, or neck and trachea-related problems. A study published in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association in 2006 found that pressure generated when dogs pull while wearing these collars raises the pressure in the eye. Consequently, for dogs with a condition such as glaucoma, this increased pressure can worsen the condition.

The choice of a collar should always be made with caution, bearing in mind the individual health profile of your dog.

Dog Collars can lead to the emergence of new health complications

Even for dogs that are currently in good health, collars can present a risk. Continued use of a collar can lead to back pain or throat damage. This risk is significantly heightened in dogs that tend to pull excessively during walks.

Some Veterinarians may Advise to Avoid Certain Collar Types

Taking your veterinarian’s advice into account is critical when choosing the right collar for your dog. Some types, such as choke and prong collars, could potentially inflict serious damage on a dog’s neck, leading professionals to often recommend against their use. 

Numerous reputable sources, such as animal welfare organizations, veterinary guides, and professional dog trainers, frequently advise against using choke and prong collars due to their potential for causing harm. According to the Humane Society of the United States, choke chains and prong collars are designed to punish dogs for pulling by inflicting discomfort and pain. If used incorrectly, they can injure the trachea and the neck. They also discourage the use of these types of collars. 

Remember, the primary goal of wearing a dog collar is to ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved pet.

Harness vs Collar: Which is Optimal for Puppy Training?

Typically, initiating leash training for puppies with a harness, rather than a collar, is recommended. Puppies, in their learning phase, tend to pull on the leash which may result in undue pressure on their trachea if a collar is used, potentially causing damage. Starting with a back-clip harness can help manage this behavior by minimizing pulling. 

After your puppy has learned to walk on a leash without pulling, courtesy of positive reinforcement training, a gradual shift to collars can be considered.

The Breed Factor: Do certain breeds do better with harnesses or collars?

Certain dog breeds may benefit more from a harness due to their specific physiological characteristics. For instance, small toy breeds, with their delicate structure, may reduce potential throat injuries by using a harness. Similarly, any dog with a history of neck or throat problems, or brachycephalic breeds with shorter snouts, are better suited to a harness.

Breeds predisposed to back issues, such as Dachshunds, also need the support of a harness given their vulnerable back structure. Eye health can also be a determining factor. Dogs with glaucoma or similar conditions should utilize a harness, as collar pulling could escalate ocular pressure, as discussed earlier in the article.

Key Takeaways: Which is better, a harness or a collar?

There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both harnesses and collars. If adjusted too tightly, either can cause discomfort or pain. Similarly, an overly loose fit can provide an escape opportunity for your dog. Regular fit assessments are vital, irrespective of the choice between a collar and a harness.

However, certain breeds, like toy breeds and those with flat faces, are generally advised against using collars due to the associated risks. Dogs with a history of back, throat, or eye problems should also lean towards harnesses.

The choice between a collar and a harness is far from being a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s often dependent on specific factors related to the individual dog, and the advice of a veterinarian is crucial in making an informed choice. Their recommendation might vary depending on the purpose of the leash – be it a brief bathroom break or a long wilderness trek. Always remember, the safety and comfort of your dog should be paramount in this decision.