Dog accessories have become a style statement these days. But, when it comes to choosing between collar and harness, there’s more to consider than just fashion and style. Practicality and comfort are two other major factors that need to be considered when choosing the best leash attachment for your pooch.

Since both collars and harnesses are widely used, choosing between the two can be a little tricky for many dog parents. Knowing the struggle, we decided to offer a little help. Below, we’re going to highlight the pros and cons of dog collars and harnesses, plus the factors you should consider when choosing between them. Read it before making a decision to ensure you’re choosing the best walking accessory for your dog.

Dog Collar vs. Harness – Which is the Best Option for Dog Walking?

Dog collars have been around since forever and are a staple in dog training, whereas harnesses have readily grown in popularity lately. Both have pros and cons, making it a bit difficult for many dog owners to choose between the two. Let’s take a look at the major pros and cons of each to get a better idea.

The Pros and Cons of Dog Collars

Pros

• Dog collars are more convenient; they are easier to put on and take off and can even be worn at all times.
• They have space for attaching the dog’s ID tag.

Cons

• Can cause discomfort and even pose a risk for injury, especially to dogs that tend to pull on the leash.
• May not offer enough support for retaining large dogs.
• Some dogs (the naughty ones) can learn to wiggle out of collars.
• Aren’t ideal for dogs with respiratory issues, spinal malformations, or neck injuries.
• Aren’t recommended for brachycephalic and toy breeds.

The Pros and Cons of Dog Harnesses

Pros

• Provide better control
• Do not put pressure on the dog’s neck
• Help reduce pulling
• Offer better support and tend to be more secure than collars; your dog can’t slip out of a harness.
• Suitable for all types and sizes of dogs.

Cons

• Aren’t as convenient to slip on as collars.
• Since harnesses are bigger and cover more area of the dog’s body than collars, your dog may find it a little uncomfortable in the initial days (they may take some time to get used to it).
• May not always have a place for an ID tag.

What More to Consider When Choosing Between Dog Harness and Collar?

While you may have likely made up your mind by looking at the pros and cons of dog collars and harnesses, here are a couple of more factors that you should better consider before reaching a final decision:

• The size of your dog
• The level of training your dog has
• The level of control you’re looking to have over the dog
• The length of your daily dog walks (collars may work for shorter walks, but a harness makes a better option for dogs that enjoy long walks)

The Verdict

Harnesses seem to make a better walking accessory for dogs, which is why they are increasingly becoming popular among dog parents. But it all comes down to your dog’s comfort and happiness. If he/she seems to be doing fine with a collar then that would be obviously the better choice for them.