What is better a dog collar or harness? This question is asked by the owners of dogs of different breeds who were faced with the choice of the appearance on the market of new interesting dog accessories for our smaller brothers. How to answer it?
When we decide to have a dog, we must reckon with the need to provide it with the necessary dog accessories. A full bowl of good food, a cozy lair and a bunch of toys are not everything. You also need professional dog walking accessories, such as a dog leash and that’s actually the question - should my dog wear a collar or harness? What is better for a dog a collar or a harness and what to choose so that dog walking be safe and pleasant?
What is safer and better - harness or collar?
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to give a definite answer to this question. Both dog harness and dog neck collars have their loyal followers. A lot of rumors circulate about both these dog accessories, in particular, about their possible harmfulness to the health of a dog. For example, many owners claim that the stitches can provoke excessive pressure on a dog’s chest, deform the ribs and even cause bulging shoulders. Others point to a number of dangers is associated with wearing a dog walking collar. In their opinion a dog collar squeezing a dog's trachea, threatens a dog's health and even life.
Such an abundance of conflicting information can cause complete confusion in thoughts.
So what is better for a dog a collar or a harness, what is better for our beloved pet - fashion dog harness or old-fashioned dog collar? First of all, we must remember that properly selected dog accessories in both cases do not harm a dog. Regardless of which scope of application we choose, we must measure a dog accurately and select the model that is perfect for its size. In addition to the size of a dog, we must also pay attention to dog's temperament and habits while walking. It is also necessary to take into account the purpose for which a dog harness or collar will be used. Is it just dog walking in the park or intense dog training or running a bicycle? All this is of great importance when choosing a "right" dog accessory.
When Should A Dog Wear A Harness?
Both a dog harness and collar will be a good choice if we adapt them to a dog's size, dog's temperament and the nature of a walk. However, there are many situations in which a dog harness is still much better than a dog collar. First, a dog harness is just more comfortable than a collar. Nothing presses a dog, it feels more comfortable. It is especially recommended to wear harness for dog breeds with a delicate structure of a neck and cervical spine (for example, Yorkshire) or dogs who like to pull a leash heavily while walking. Both are subject to abrasions to a neck or painful pressure on the trachea.
When is a dog harness better than a dog collar? It is also perfect for sports accompanied by a pet. A dog wearing a harness may run with us or near our bike.
How To Choose A Dog Harness?
Choosing a dog harness, you should carefully measure neck circumference at the base, as well as the width of the chest in the widest place. The width of the straps is also important. The general rule says that the larger a dog, the wider the straps should be. For a large dog, it is better to choose a harness with straps not less than 4 cm wide. For small breeds, these straps should be, respectively, thinner.
You also need to avoid all sorts of additional hardware and fitting that can interfere with your dog walking or cause abrasions. It is worth choosing padded dog harness on a soft fleece or felt. Padded dog harness is even more comfortable and does not provoke any abrasions or skin inflammation.
When Should A Dog Wear A Collar?
A dog collar is suitable during dog training, for example, training a pet to walk nearby. When practicing obedience, you should choose a collar that provides the best contact between a dog and a guide and the ability to correct a dog's behavior.
Dog collars are better suited for large and strong breeds that are harder to handle. A dog harness does not give the owner enough control over a large, agitated pet that is rampant at the sight of a cat or other dog. Thanks to a dog collar, it will be easier to divert the attention of a dog and direct it to something else.
How To Choose A Dog Collar Size?
When buying a dog collar, be sure to know the neck circumference. A dog's size is evenly important. This is the same principle as when choosing a dog harness: the larger the pet, the wider the accessory. We are talking about the correct distribution of pressure on a dog's neck in the case when a dog begins to pull the owner for a walk. A small dog collar is suitable for a collar about 2 cm wide, while medium and large - from 2.5 cm to 4 cm and even 5 cm.
Thus, it is difficult to answer the question categorically, whether a dog collar or harness is better for this or that dog. Choosing a dog collar or a dog harness, we must remember that we are responsible for the comfort and safety of a pet. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the material and quality of a dog accessory. Do not buy things that seem not very durable and reliable at first glance. For the sake of a pet, it is worth investing in good quality accessories that will provide your dog with maximum safety and convenience regardless of what has become the choice - dog harness or dog collar.
Our online dog store proposes a rich choice of dog harnesses and collars for all the needs of dog owners and to any taste. You are welcome to get the best dog accessories at the most reasonable price from the producer directly.