HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLAR OR A HARNESS FOR MY DOG AND HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE IS BEST?
Choosing the right collar or harness for your dog is important for their safety and comfort.
Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
Purpose:
What is the purpose of the collar or harness? Is it for everyday use, training, or walking? Is your dog a puppy that is still growing and whose body shape as well as size will change over time? Each collar and harness is designed for different purposes and different ages and stages of your dog’s life.
Breed, Behavior, Size, Fit:
It's important to choose a collar or harness that fits your dog and the size they’re at the particular point in time that you are buying the collar/harness, and choose it properly. Measure your dog's neck for a collar or chest for a harness to ensure a proper fit. A collar or harness that is too tight can cause discomfort, while one that is too loose may slip off and your dog could escape or get caught up on something. * Most all collar/harness manufacturers will include the correct way to measure your dog in order to buy the correct fit/size of their individual products, so best to follow their guidelines.
Breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs may have trouble breathing in a collar, so you may want to choose a harness for them.
Breeds from the Spitz group like Huskies, Malamutes, American Eskimo Dogs and Samoyeds were literally ‘bred to pull’ as in ‘pull a sled’ , so you may want to not only consider a Harness rather than a collar for them, but consider looking for the ‘type’ of harness that has a ‘Martingale’ type attachment for their leash to attach to in front on their chest,https://a.co/d/66KOG2e
rather than a harness where you can only hook the leash to a place on the harness at the back of their shoulders. *Dog breeds that are bred to pull will ‘instinctually’ do so when Hooking a leash to a harness that has a hook on the back of the shoulders. That’s not going to be a nice, easy walk for either of you. We would suggest a Harness with a ‘martingale’ front like the ‘Easy Walk Harness’ from a brand by the name of Pet Safe, or something like the The ‘Front Range Harness’ from Ruffwear https://a.co/d/1dySoUP , which is a padded everyday dog harness that is easy to put on like a vest and comfortable for dogs to wear. Ruffwear says it is ’ A key piece of gear for canines embarking on a life of adventure with their humans.’ All of our former pups wore the Easy Walk harness and the little pup we have now wears the Ruffwear brand ‘Front Range’ harness. *This harness features two leash attachment options: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog's back for everyday walks, and a reinforced front clip webbing at the dog's chest to ‘redirect’ dogs that pull on leash, like some of the breeds we mentioned above. This Ruffwear harness even has an ID pocket which keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible, and the reflective trim and light loop for The Beacon™ boost visibility in low-light conditions. *Harnesses are generally recommended over collars these days as so much research has been done to confirm that attaching a leash to a collar; which is obviously worn around the neck, and then jerking the leash - either you or the puppy/dog pulling on the leash can oftentimes cause neck and spine issues. Harnesses do not cause these types of neck and spine issues as they distribute pressure more evenly. So unless you are prepared to set up regular visits to a canine chiropractor for neck and back/spine adjustments, we’d recommend starting off with the appropriate type of harness rather than a collar.
Material: Collars and harnesses are made from different materials such as leather, nylon, and neoprene. Consider your dog's age, activity level and behavior when choosing the material.
Comfort: Choose a collar or harness that is comfortable for your dog. Look for features like padding or a wider band for added comfort. https://a.co/d/49BhQVs
Safety: Your dog's safety should always be a top priority. Consider features like reflective materials or a quick-release buckle in case of emergency and dual clasps like one at the front of the chest and one on the top of your dog’s shoulders for choices to attach their leash to.
Ultimately, the choice between a collar and a harness will depend on your dog's breed, size, behavior, and specific needs. Consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer for further guidance.
Ultimately, choosing between a collar and a harness for your dog depends on a variety of factors including breed, size, behavior, purpose, and training. *Consider all of these factors before making a decision, and consult with your veterinarian or a professional dog trainer if you need additional guidance. In our experience we have also found that there are many knowledgeable people working at the more reputable pet supply shops who are often willing to help you choose the correct collar or harness for your pup and some will even help you get them properly fitted. * Just be considerate and go at a time when they are not super busy. That way they will be able to devote more quality time and attention to you and your pup when choosing such an important items as a harness and you will all be alot more stress free.
