Dog harnesses have come much more into fashion in recent times as dog owners have come to realise their benefits compared with a collar. But many dog owners still do not really understand the differences between using a collar for their pet or a harness.
In fact, both have pros and cons, so let’s take a look.
A collar has certain advantages, not the least of which is that most dogs wear their collars all the time. They get used to them very quickly. They also mean that if you need to grab your dog quickly for one reason or another then you actually have something to grab rather than a bunch of hair, or in the case of a smooth-haired dog not very much at all.
When you want to take your dog for a walk, all you need to do is to clip the lead on to the collar and you’re off. When you have a harness, you have to fit the harness on to your dog which can take a bit of time and can be a bit fiddly until you get used to it. You should also use an adjustable harness so that it is a perfect fit for your dog. If it is too tight then it can be painful for your dog. On the other hand, if it is too loose it is possible for the dog to escape from it.
The Same Applies If A Collar Is Too Loose
Having said that, if a collar is too loose the same thing applies. If you have a dog that pulls or tries to get free, then a loose collar will oblige. However, if a collar is too tight it can actually cause injuries to the neck if your dog pulls.
When you use a harness, there is no chance of it hurting your dog’s throat, and you also have more control over the dog. An adjustable harness covers a much greater area than a collar and so the pressure is spread out over a wider area rather than just around the neck. Whichever you choose, it is important to adjust it so that it fits – neither too loose nor too tight.
At Goody Paws, we provide both leads and adjustable harnesses. Both are available in our wide choice of different patterns, although the functionality of all of them is the same.