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?

[naomi24]

Harness every time. Much more comfortable for the dog.

[Vagus]

It was our vet who advised a harness, nothing to do with being ‘fashionable’ or lazy in training our dog.

[Meaghan27]

The whole point of a half check collar is to train your dog not to pull. He pulls, gets checked, does not like the feeling so eventually learns 'No' and 'Heel'. At this point he should be obedient in a normal collar or a harness. Any dog that swings off a normal collar or pulls like mad on a harness has not been trained to heel. It does not matter where or what the dogs background is, positive affirmation works ie don't pull, come to heel you may get a treat etc. Too many people we see give excuses for their dog's bad behaviour, when it's a lack of discipline on the part of the owners. You'd be surprised how many Vets and Vet Nurses get bitten by dogs trying to treat them, and the owners have an excuse for them every time.

[Meaghan27]

Vagus I'm interested, why did your Vet recommend a harness?

[Vagus]

I honestly can’t remember, dog is six now. Maybe something to do with not hurting his larynx perhaps??

[Meaghan27]

Vagus, yes that could be it, if he had problems with his larynx.

[DarceyK123]

I would like to say he does wear a harness in the car to protect himself and us but a normal collar otherwise.

I suppose im 'old School' as years ago with my previous dog we competed in obedience and Agilty where harnessess where strictly not allowed.

[Meaghan27]

Darcey I wish more owners were 'old school'. Many now treat their animals like children who can do no wrong.

[RATTER15]

If a dog pulls, a harness is the last thing you need, look at sled dogs, they wear a harness because it makes it easier for a dog to pull. My dogs weigh 70+ kgs each, I use a head collar attached to a normal collar. That corrects a dog immediately as you can steer the head but at the end of the day just train your dog to walk correctly!

[Raidergal2022]

I always use harnesses on small dogs as the tugging on a collar can damage their trachea. It happened with my parents terrier so if possible I would use a harness.

[Redhelen72]

I have used a harness but much prefer a collar

[Canary42]

So that's why Scott got to the South Pole too late - he used harnesses on his dogs which obviously stopped them pulling according to the wisdom being cited on this thread LOL.

[Xeronema]

I think it's worth mentioning the type of harness as well - not all are the same, some are very cheap and aren't fit for purpose. I've seen people lifting their pets in poorly manufactured and designed harnesses.

There are many variables to consider with which is best - I think all of those variables have already been mentioned. Some dogs can't be rehabilitated and may only be able to be controlled by one or the other. Most of my experience comes from working with rescued dogs, mostly in a rescue environment.