How to Choose Dog Collar or Harness

There were times when choosing a collar or harness for your furry friend was pretty simple. There were standard designs, and you only had limited options to choose from. Whereas, today, there are as many options as there are different breeds of dogs. I may have exaggerated a bit, but the fact that you are here to know about the best collar or harness for your dog supports the argument.

Let us see what things you need to consider before purchasing a dog collar or harness.

What Type of Collar or Harness Is Best for My Dog?

Different varieties of dog collars, leashes and harnesses are made according to the needs of different dog breeds. If your dog is well-behaved, socialized, and medium-sized, then you just need a standard collar and a leash. However, for other dogs, the more special gear may require.

We have a study conducted by Shih et al. (2021) which supports the use of a harness as it puts less pressure on the neck, preventing tracheal collapse and throat compression.

Let us see why different dogs need different designs of collars or harnesses.

Small dog/Puppy

Small dogs or toy breeds of dogs are very delicate; you don't want your collar or leash to cause any harm or injury. A standard collar may cause an injury to the neck or crush the trachea. That is why you better choose a dog harness that doesn't put pressure on the neck of dogs like a pooch.

In addition, harnesses don't slip out as collards do. The harness that can properly fit enough that your dog can't wiggle out and doesn't cause any discomfort is the best harness for your small dog. You can also have a lightweight retractable leash that allows your furry friend to roam within a safe boundary.

Large Dogs

Large breed dogs have different needs that can be satisfied with a collar and leash. Unlike small dogs, large dog breeds require heavy-duty collars that fit well on their neck. The collars need to be thick, easily put and removed without being broken. 

The material should be strong and durable such as leather dog collar or woven nylon dog collar. You need to ensure that the collar fits tightly enough to prevent the head from slipping out. At the same time, it should not be too tight to hurt your dog. You can ensure its tightness by placing two fingers between your dog's collar and neck. 

Like the heavy-duty dog collar, your dog needs a heavy-duty leash. The leash should be made of leather or woven nylon and be thick, strong and durable. If your dog is habitual of chewing the leash, you can choose a chain leash.

Dogs that pull

Dogs with an anxious nature or easily distracted may try to pull around with them. These dogs have high energies, and they are mostly impulsive. You need something that puts some pressure on their chest to make them feel that they need to stop.

 A front clip harness can be a solution because a leash attached at the front puts extra pressure on the chest. It gives a cue to your dog to slow down. Along with this, a standard leash can work best according to your dog's size and weight. 

Adventurous dogs

If you are an adventurous person who used to go on hiking or off-road trips along with your dog, you need some special preparations. For an off-road trip, you need a harness or a vest that has a handle on the back. You may face sticky situations there while crossing a steep patch or lifting your dog on a large rock. 

Just be sure that the harness you are going to use is strong and durable. Harnesses made for outdoor trips often possess pockets in which you can keep some of your dog’s stuff. Before starting your trip, your dog needs to be habitual of carrying extra weight. 

This kind of harness will be suitable with a short, rugged leash to prevent your dog from roaming too far. You can clip the leash with your belt to make your hands free.

Training dogs

A slip lead is used for dogs in training. It is not recommended for everyday use and should be used under the supervision of a dog trainer. A slip lead is a two-in-one structure; it is both leash and collar in one. Its purpose is to get your dog's attention with one quick tug. 

A slip leash tightens itself whenever you give a tug, or your dog pulls. It is used to train your dogs on commands and avoid distractions.

Dogs who walk at night

The best thing a dog gets is a lighted collar that enables them to walk in the dark. A LED Dog collar provide the best visibility at night. Besides this, you can use clip-on LED lights that can easily attach to your dog's collar.

Another option is to have a collar made of material reflecting light. Car drivers can easily spot a dog wearing light-reflecting collars. Along with this, lighted leashes are also available. If you pair a lighted leash with a lighted collar, your dog will be more visible.

Dogs with special needs

What if your dog doesn't fall in the general categories I have mentioned above? There are dogs with special needs who require special solutions. For example, dogs with shortened or flattened faces have difficulty in breathing. A neck collar can exacerbate the situation, whereas a dog harness can be helpful.

If your dog faces mobility problems, it is better to use a harness with a handle on the back. It can help assist them. You should not use a leash and a collar for dogs with elongated necks, such as greyhounds or dogs who suffer from tracheal collapse. Instead, a harness can prevent neck injury or tracheal pressure.

Final thoughts

You might get confused with different types of leashes, collars and harnesses. To make it easy, you just need to know your dog and the purpose of a collar or harness. Knowing these two things allows you to select the best suitable collar or harness for your dog.