Dogs - Collar Or Harness?

[DarceyK123]

Having recently got a dog after quite a few years gap since my last one I've noticed there seems to be more dogs on harnessess than traditional collar.

In fact, i think mine is the only dog i know who wears a collar and lead and not a harness. Am i missing something?

Does anyone have any views on which they prefer and why?

[lankeela]

I have never used a harness on a dog in over 50 years and unless a dog has a physical reason to need one ie sensitive throat I would not do so. Far too many have back problems because the owners lift them up by the harness in the middle. They are no good for stopping pulling which many people think, in fact you use a harness on a sled dog to allow them to pull! It is far better to train a dog not to pull on a collar and lead - and I always use an adjustable half check collar which has a triangle of chain and only tightens slightly when the dog pulls, whether it is a GSD or a little breed.

[DarceyK123]

Yes, i always think harnessess are for people who's dogs pull and they can't be bothered to train it otherwise.

I've trained my boy to walk nicely on the lead and collar but just wondered why they are not popular anymore.

[barry1010]

I think harnesses are popular because it makes it easier to secure the dog in the car on the way to walkies

[tomus42]

Think about what you'd prefer to he lead around by if you had the choice. A collar around the neck that got yanked every so often, or a chest harness.

[barry1010]

Many dogs won't tolerate a harness, not always suitable for long haired dogs.
I prefer to use collars unless the dog has a similar size neck as his head.

[ladybirder]

Darcey here is a copy of an answer I received on a similar question to you from theprof.

//.For me, a simple harness that clips over the dog’s back is much more sensible than any collar. These are made of strong webbing, probably nylon, with an O-ring on each side. Buckes allow for size adjustment. (There are full harnesses but they are, IMHO, over the top.) With a harness, there is, of course, no danger of compressing the dog’s windpipe, which a collar can do in extreme circumstances.

We only use ours for walking and going out in the car. There is an additional benefit when in the car as one of the side rings can be attached by a strap with a loop through which it is attached to a seat belt. In the case of a crash, the dog cannot go flying around the car and can’t be strangled which a collar might do. \\

[Vagus]

We prefer to have a harness for our dog. He was very quick to train not to pull when his lead is attached to it.
As Barry says, we clip him into the car using his harness, both in the boot or on the back seat. I think I’m right in saying dogs should always be secured in a car, by law, but I could be wrong.
The only time his lead gets clipped to his collar is when he’s taken into the garden to do a wee before we leave him while we go out. He knows exactly what to do, does his wee almost immediately.
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong, personal choice.

[Meaghan27]

This is a difficult one. Its not advisable to start training a pup with a harness, it encourages the dog to pull, which is the last thing needed.
In our practice we see young dogs with neck and shoulder problems due to being put into a harness before they are fully developed. The same goes for dog halters. We recommend a half check collar with a small curb type chain insert and a normal clip and using two leads to train the pup to come to heal. Once the dog is trained to heal harnesses are ok if used sensibly, but unfortunately, they seem to be a fashion statement at the moment.

[lankeela]

Tomus leads are not attached to a harness at the chest, they are invariably attached in the middle of the back and if yanked then you are pulling the middle of the back up which is going to cause problems for the dog. A dog taught to walk properly on a collar and lead should not need yanking but in a harness they have already moved forward with their front legs before the lead pulling in the middle of the back kicks in so you are not helping the dog and in fact causing more problems. Its why you see so many dogs scrabbling in front of their owners while wearing a harness.

[Dagman]

I agree Meaghan27, our collie was 8 months when we got him, always had a harness, pulled like a train taking the full lead in all directions, tried for weeks to stop him pulling, watched Graham Hall, bought books, tried collar, same! Bought a halti type that shares anchor with soft nose loop and collar, like a new dog, couldn't believe how well it works, walks beside me, head up, slack lead, doesn't even think of pulling now.

[ladybirder]

I see plenty of dogs being yanked on their leads as well. Especially when they are waiting eagerly on the kerb to cross the road and the owner keeps yanking them back.

If you are putting a coat on your dog in this cold weather it is difficult to get one with the lead opening in the right place.

[fitdarren]

My dog has a harness. We both prefer it to a collar and he doesn't pull, never has. In fact when out walking with him, I see more harnesses than collars.

[lankeela]

Please remember though that neither a lead nor a harness will prevent a dog pulling - only training can do that and no dog is born knowing not to pull. As for seeing more harnesses than collars it is as said above the fashion and pet shops make more money selling you a harness than a collar! (I know, I sold pet supplies for many years but always recommended a half check collar and often demonstration them when owners wanted to buy a harness as they wanted to stop their dog pulling and thought a harness would do it.)

[ToraToraTora]

Depends on the dog, certain breeds suit a harness. My 2 just have a standard collar.

[chanel5]

If your dog pulls a lot I think a harness is best.
I have two dogs - one pulls constantly and if a collar and lead is used, he chokes, coughs and does not enjoy the outing. So I use a harness for him, which helps to control the pulling and doesn't harm him.
My other dog walks sedately and a collar and lead are fine with him.

[chanel5]

I've just read your comment that harnesses are for people who "can't be bothered to train their dogs".
Just want to say that my dog was found wandering and terrified three years ago. He had to be caught in a humane trap as no one could approach him.
I adopted him, and brought him home. Vet assessed him at two years old.
He was totally unsocialised, terrified of everything and needed many months of TLC before I could even begin to try training him.
After three months I started taking him to training classes with a reputable, experienced trainer. It helped him, but he will never be perfect. He is excitable, over-eager when out for a walk and still pulls on the lead.
I use a harness on him - not because I "couldn't be bothered to train him" but because no amount of training made up for two years of neglect and abuse that he suffered before I adopted him.
Please don't make assumptions about people until you know the full story.

[choux]

Darcey, I read an item in Metro yesterday where a man had gone into a river to rescue a sheep on its back in the water. Apparently the sheep had been chased to the bank by a dog which had slipped its leash.
https://metro.co.uk/2022/12/06/unknown-hero-jumps-in-icy-waters-to-save-sheep-from-drowning-in-river-17885893/
I think the choice of a harness may be more than a fashionable idea.

[maggiebee]

Bought my son's dog a (quite expensive) harness with her name on as a Christmas present last year. She hates it but loves her collar.

[DarceyK123]

Chanel - i know there are exceptions, of course, but the amount of times i get complimented on how well my 6 month old walks by people who tell me "he pulls so i have to put him on a harness" about their dog is almost daily.

[choux]

Bless you, chanel5. Hope your rescue improves somewhat in time.