Deciding on an adjustable dog harness or dog collar can be tough. There are multiple things to think about when it comes to the best option for your dog. In this blog, we will explain the pros and cons of both to help you make the best choice for your four-legged friend.
| Pros Of Dog Harnesses | Pros of Dog Collars |
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| Cons of Dog Harnesses | Cons of Dog Collars |
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Pros of Dog Harnesses
Gives you more control
Dogs may pull while walking for several reasons, including behavioural problems and excess energy.
A harness can help to give the owner better control of a dog that is pulling without causing pain or injury to its trachea.
A harness covers a much larger surface area than a collar, including the strongest points on the dog's body (it's chest, shoulders, and upper back) which allows for better control of the dog without causing pain or injury.
Additionally to this, with our adjustable dog harnesses we feature a D-ring on the front AND back to allow you to clip on a double ended training lead for added control.
They Relieve Pressure On Your Dogs Neck
A dog's strength can be a problem if you're not careful. With many breeds stronger than their owners. Whilst we recommend correct training from the get go (by teaching them to walk at heal), adjustable dog harnesses can be a good accessory choice for a dog that pulls.
A collar will put pressure on your dog's trachea and make it hard for him or her to breathe and cause discomfort.
Our adjustable dog harnesses sit further down and across the dogs chest, opposed to the neck because of the positioning they distribute the force across the chest equally instead of just around the neck.
This can help prevent neck and airway problems in dogs, which can be very beneficial to dogs with breathing issues.
More contact points = More Security
A harness secures the dog by wrapping around its chest, front legs, and back increasing the points of contact. Our adjustable dog harness design allows you to adjust in 3 places (either side of the neck and around the belly) allowing for a more personal fit because dogs come in all shapes and sizes (even within the same breed).
We have put the security to the test and asked some serial wigglers pawrents what they thought of the security with our harness, here is what they said:
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Cons Of Harnesses
Missing Space For An ID Tag
It is a legal requirement to display an identity tag on your dog. Some harnesses only feature one d-ring to attach your lead and no room for an ID tag. An ID tag is a must-have for your dog to wear at all times, even when they’re at home - in case they escape. If your dog escaped or got lost, it’s the easiest way to identify they have an owner and are not a stray. The ID tag should include the owner's name and contact number at a minimum. However, here at Pretty Pup London we thought about this when designing our adjustable dog harnesses and added a D-ring to the front too so if you don't want to wear a collar you can clip your identity tag onto the front of our harnesses.
They Can Be Bulky
Most harnesses are made of stronger, more durable material than collars and therefore they tend to be bulkier and heavier. But this is a good thing: it means that your dog will be safer when wearing one! In fact, many dogs wear their harnesses every single day, just like their collars. That's why it's important to choose one that's lightweight.
Pretty Pup London have designed our harnesses for ultimate comfort and for wearing long periods. The durable polyester combined with breathable padded mesh lining ensures your dog doesn't miss out on either comfort nor style.
In addition to all this, our harnesses are machine washable and fast drying too!
They Can Be Too Hot In Warmer Weather
When choosing a harness for your dog, be sure it is lightweight and breathable.
The last thing you want is your dog overheating in the summer months and having to swap to a collar only.
Pretty Pup London's harnesses are made of breathable mesh material which allows air to freely flow through.
So... When Is A Harness 100% The Best Option?
There are several situations in which a harness is preferable to a collar for your dog.
For example, if your dog is brachycephalic (flat-faced), it may benefit from a harness rather than a collar because it distributes pressure evenly across the chest instead of neck. Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus are examples of brachycephalic breeds.
In some dogs, there is a condition known as tracheal collapse in which the trachea folds in on itself, causing breathing problems and coughing. If your dog has this condition or is at risk for developing it, then a collar would not be recommended; instead choose a harness for safety reasons.
Pros Of Collars
Convenience
Collars are a convenient and universal way to keep dogs leashed during walks, but since harnesses are not typically worn continuously, clipping them on and off can be a hassle for pet owners especially if your dog doesn't like harnesses going over their head. Collars are a great and easily alternative to the above.
They’re Designed To Hold ID Tags
Collars have been specially crafted to fulfil their unique needs. Each one features a metal d-ring to accommodate identification tags, as well as a leash so their pooch can easily be identified and reunited with its family in the event it ever gets lost.
They are lightweight and comfortable
When selecting something your pup will don day in and day out in all types of weather, it is paramount to choose something both snug and charming. Who said basics must be mundane? We are passionate about crafting essentials for your four-legged friend that are both handy and snug as well as fashionable. Our cozy cushioned collars, crafted from tough polyester, are both resilient and lightweight. On top of that, they wash easily and are quick dry!
Cons Of Collars
They’re Not Safe For All Dog Breeds
Certain breeds of dogs may be predisposed to medical issues, so selecting a collar might not be the wisest choice. Glaucoma, neck trauma, spinal deformities, and brachycephalic dogs are especially at risk, making harnesses a preferable option. Before making a final decision, we strongly advise seeking your vet's advice to ensure your canine is fit enough for wearing a collar.
They Can Get Easily Stuck On Things
In the news recently there has been a lot of reports of dogs sadly losing their lives due to collars being worn inside when unattended. The collars can easily get trapped or latch onto items to which the dog doesn't understand that if they run away from it will pull tighter. Collars can also get lodged onto branches when out on walks too which can cause issues.
Our quick release dog collars were designed with this in mind and they feature a fast release side buckle so you can unclip your dogs in an emergency situation quickly.
They’re Dangerous For Dogs That Tend To Pull
When dogs tug against their collar, they can hurt themselves or constrict their breathing. This tendency may stem from behavioural issues, getting overly hyped, or being too large for the owner to handle. A harness balances the strain across the neck, back, and chest, easing the tension from the lead and lessening the harm that could occur over time.
When Is A Collar Your Best Option?
Going on a quick stroll or popping out of the house can be a lot quicker with a collar on your dog. Although, it's best to get the opinion of a veterinarian before wearing a collar for longer walks continuously every day.
Additionally to this, a dog walker might find it easier to walk your dog on a collar than a harness due to the set-up time.
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Making the ultimate decision on which harness or collar to choose for your pup is entirely up to you. Before you make your purchase, we advise researching your dog's behavior and health background to ensure you are making the most appropriate selection. To make the process simpler for you, Pretty Pup London offers an extensive selection of collars and harnesses in different sizes, materials, and designs for you to choose from.
Contact us to discuss your dogs requirements in more detail!