Dog Collars Vs Harnesses: Which is Better?

• Dog collars and dog harnesses can be used separately or together: which is best will depend on your dog's temperament, size, breed and activity level. 
• Puppies should be taught to tolerate a collar (for legal reasons) and a harness (better suited for leash training) so when they're older, you can choose which suits best!
• Remember the "Two-Finger Rule" - You should be able to fit two fingers between your dog's collar or harness and their skin for the most secure and comfortable fit. 

Dog collars have been around almost as long as dogs have been domesticated. They're a simple bit of kit, usually made from a strap of core material (such as leather, woven materials, nylon, etc) and fastening. 

When choosing a dog collar, you should consider: 

• Your dog’s size (smaller dogs will need a longer lead to accommodate the distance) 
• Your dog’s behaviour (dogs that pull can hurt themselves by pulling on a collar) 
• The collar's material (dogs with skin sensitivities can have reactions to certain materials, while other materials may rub or cause irritation) 
• Your dog’s health (dogs with breathing difficulties can be hindered further by having something around their neck) 
• How the collar fastens (some buckles are designed to break to prevent choking, meaning strong dogs can break free easily) 

Some dog collars have a metal buckle fastening, like this Ancol® Timberwolf Leather Dog Collar, which tend to be more durable, but are also harder to release in an emergency. Other collars use quick-release buckle fastenings, like this Doodlebone Padded Dog Collar, which are easy to put on and remove, but offer less security if your dog tries to slip free or pulls really hard. 

All dog collars are fitted with a D-ring for a dog leash to attach to and are easy to fit with ID Tags or GPS trackers, AirTags, health trackers or even little charms to add some spice to your dog’s style. 

There are arguments both for and against dog collars, so we’ve set out the pros and cons of using a collar vs harness below: 

• Simple and easy to put on 
• Perfect for well-behaved and heel-trained dogs 
• Can be worn for long periods 
• Well tolerated by most dogs 
• Can be used with ID Tags, or GPS trackers (e.g. Airtags) 
• Much cheaper than dog harnesses 

• Puts pressure on your dog’s throat 
• Has the potential to cause tracheal collapse in some dogs 
• Can hinder breathing for dogs with respiratory issues 
• Easy to slip off, making them not ideal for leash training 
• Can get caught on branches or other things while free roaming, increasing the risk of choking 

Teaching your dog to wear a collar is essential because it is a legal requirement for dogs to be wearing a collar with ID tags when out of the home, as per the Control of Dogs Order 1992. This way, should your dog get loose or lost, whoever finds them will know they have an owner. Having contact details on your dog's ID tags can increase the chances of your dog being returned. 

Other reasons to choose a collar over a harness are: 

• If your dog has had surgery, many dog recovery cones are designed to fit onto your dog's collar.
• If your dog needs to wear ID tags for an extended period (such as at a doggy day care)
• If your dog is well-behaved and has good leash/heel training. 

Of course, your dog can wear both a collar and a harness at once (you can even get them a matching collar, lead and harness set), so it doesn’t need to be one or the other. 

Unlike collars that are just designed to go around your dog’s neck, a harness is made of adjustable straps that go across your dog’s back and chest, securing under their armpits.

A fitted harness offers much more control over your dog while evenly distributing pressure across their neck, chest and back. This allows for unrestricted breathing and complete control while walking.

There is also much more variety with dog harnesses available to suit your dog’s size, activity, and behavioural targets, such as: 

• No-pull dog harness - discourages pulling while on the leash
• Soft or quilted dog harnesses - simple and comfortable, ideal for puppies and small dogs
• Car dog harnesses to keep your dog safe and secure while in a vehicle
• Heavy-duty dog harness - intended for active, large or strong dogs for additional security
• and more! 

Before deciding what type of dog harness you need, make sure to consider: 

• The size of your dog – some designs are only suitable for smaller or larger dogs, respectively. 
• Your dog’s Coat – Long-haired, curly-haired, or wire-haired dogs can suffer tangles or mats from wearing a harness 
• Your dog’s skin sensitivity – more points of contact mean more chances of rubbing or itchiness. 
• Your dog’s temperament – some harnesses are built to aid behavioural training, while others are simple and designed for comfort 

As with dog collars, there are arguments both for and against dog harnesses being better than collars, which we explore below:

• Offers more control over your dog 
• Distributes pressure more evenly 
• Good for dogs that pull 
• Great for leash and heel training 
• Hard to slip out of 

• Can be intimidating for nervous dogs or dog’s not used to wearing them 
• Can cause itching and rubbing if poorly made or ill-fitting 
• May cause tangling or matting in long-haired or curly-coated dogs 
• Can be more expensive 

Both collars and harnesses are essential bits of kit for any existing or prospective dog owner. Which is best, however, depends on your dog and their age, size, temperament, and breed.

Generally speaking:

• Harnesses are best for young dogs still in training, or for dogs with breathing difficulties (e.g. brachycephalic breeds)
• Collars are ideal for well-behaved and leash-trained dogs.

When it comes to puppies, our advice is to try both!

Puppies are young and still learning about the world around them. Introducing them to puppy collars and harnesses early allows them to get used to both before their first walk. That way, they can focus more on the wonder of walkies and learning how to behave outside. 

While training your puppy, using a puppy harness can reduce pulling and help maintain control while they learn their manners.

Once your pup is all grown up, you can decide for yourself whether a collar or harness is more suited to them, but until then, both are best!