There are some things we must take into account when choosing a harness or collar for our dogs. There are numerous variables on the market with colors and shapes that can make us dizzy towards the right choice. We have to keep in mind which will be the least harmful at the time of the walk.
On our site we are going to analyze and answer the eternal question of which is better, harness or collar for dogs. We'll weigh the benefits and drawbacks so you can choose the one that's right for you and your dog.
The necklace
Really, collars have better marketing and antiquity, so people don't consider the harness option. But for some years there has been talk of whether it is good enough for animals or if, on the contrary, there are better alternatives.
There are various reasons why collars are less and less chosen by owners, advised by their veterinarians and/or ethologists. The collar is located in the animal's neck, a region that houses a series of very important structures that, if injured, will cause pain and something else. Within physical damage that we can find, we will highlight: contractures, spinal cord clamping, neurological conditions due to vessels and nerves, thyroid problems, breathing disorders such as cough chronic since the trachea passes in this area, etc.
These damages usually appear when the dog pulls a lot on the leash or when we use punishment tools, such as the choke or semi-choke collar, totally discouraged and even prohibited in some countries.
Furthermore, reactive dogs that attack other dogs end up having a bad association with the walk or the collar and it is that pulling on the leash or the short leash with a subsequent negative experience will end up conditioning our dog's behavior with greater aggressiveness, nervousness or even fear. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are reluctant to want to go out or put on the leash with their collar, because it causes discomfort or pain.
On the contrary, the collar can be indicated for dogs that walk well, in this case it can be considered an ornament or a good tool and not an element of torture as in the cases mentioned above. Also, for those who decide to put a collar on their dog anyway, they should know that there are some with less harmful materials or padding on the surface in contact with the animal that can help.
The Harness
The harness for dogs is not the solution to all problems, but it is less harmful and more advantageous than the collar, since that prevents major physical damage, such as those mentioned above.
Of course, there are also considerations that we must keep in mind when choosing the right one for our dog, for this we must choose the one that does not cause physical damage: its material must be soft, that does not cause injuries in friction areas such as the armpits and chest, it must be made of breathable material and the attachment ring to the strap must be at the back so that the force is distributed throughout the body and do not focus on the forelimbs.
We must know place it correctly, never immediately behind the elbows so that it does not rub against the armpits, it must not compromise the free movement of our canine must go on the chest or sternum and never on the neck.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the harness is more appropriate for dogs regardless of size or age. They are very useful for fearful, aggressive animals or with a behavior problem. On the other hand, we recommend it since it is the one that will cause the least aversion to the external environment in our dog and will give it greater comfort.
If you still prefer a collar, here are some recommendations for choosing it: make it wide, make sure the strap is loose on the walk, without chains or spikes, and as padded as possible.
