Some dogs always wear a dog harness, while other four-legged friends only wear a dog collar for a walk through the woods and meadows. Time and again, people ask the question: which is better: a dog harness or a dog collar? Since there is no clear answer to this question, but every dog is different and has different requirements, the following article will mainly provide you with information about collars, but will also give you an overview of the many different types of dog harnesses. You will learn what types of collars are available, what to look out for when buying, what materials are available and how to get the best fit. I wish you a pleasant reading.
Is a dog harness really not much better than a dog collar?
As mentioned in the introduction, every four-legged animal has its own specific requirements. While some dogs have a strong pull and always keep their stubborn heads, there are also some dogs who always come to their owners effortlessly even without a leash. For dogs with a strong pull, a dog harness is advantageous, because otherwise there is a risk of injury in the throat area. Even when using a leash, you should always choose to use a chest harness, because the great efforts required and the results associated with a long leash can cause considerable injuries. For all other situations and dog types, a collar is also a good solution.
Why should you use a dog collar or harness?
Collars and harnesses mainly indicate that the dog has an owner and is not a stray. You should also affix a tax stamp from the municipality where you live.
Different types of dog harnesses
In principle, dog harnesses can be divided into Y- and H-harnesses as well as Norwegian and saddle harnesses. H-harnesses and Y-harnesses (also called safety harnesses) offer a wide range of adjustment possibilities and can be worn around the shoulders, chest and abdomen, while Norwegian and saddle harnesses are less flexible around the chest but are particularly easy to wear. The latter harnesses usually have only a horizontal chest strap and a relatively narrow belly strap. From simple nylon harnesses to padded and padded harnesses with chest straps or reflectors to elegant leather harnesses, there is a wide range of harnesses for every price point, from XXS for Chihuahuas to XXL for Ridgebacks. Other keywords here are power harnesses, soft harnesses or training harnesses.
Pros and cons of different types of dog harnesses at a glance:
Y- and H-harnesses: There is a risk of error when adjusting these harnesses. An ill-fitting harness can cause pain, pressure points and long-term consequences for your pet. On the other hand, these harnesses are extremely escape-proof due to their snug fit. Therefore, these harnesses are also particularly suitable for cycling and jogging.
Norwegian and saddle harnesses: The lack of a belly strap on Norwegian and saddle harnesses can cause them to slip out in rare cases. At the same time, these harnesses offer a lot of freedom of movement and are quickly accepted by the wearer. They are also very easy to put on and can be put on in just a few steps.
When choosing a harness, always make sure that there is enough freedom of movement for the front legs and that there are the best possible adjustment options that are as simple as possible. Dog harnesses should not cause chafing but should provide the wearer with a sense of security and comfort. The general advantage of dog harnesses is that, for example, they do not stress the neck muscles when pulling hard, as this requires force, but rather distribute the pressure evenly over the chest and back area. With the loop on the chest (front loop) or the loop on the back, the four-legged friend can be easily led in a dog harness or even strapped to the car using special systems of various designs.
Different types of dog collars
In addition to the most diverse designs, you can now choose from a wide range of collar materials, colors, patterns and closure technologies. The following collar types are the most common:
Collars with buckles
Collars with snaps
Collars with adjustable length
Martingale collars / pull-stop collars
Luminous collars
The following points should be taken into account when buying a collar
Correct width:
It is better for the collar to be wider, not too narrow. Only in this way can the pressure be optimally distributed, thus preventing the dog from getting hurt (e.g. throat injuries) and uncomfortable wearing sensations. The size of the dog also plays a role. Small dogs prefer narrow collars.
Combination with leash:
It is also recommended that the collar has a ring for hanging the leash. D-rings or round rings are suitable. Most leashes are equipped with a carabiner for fastening, so a ring or other loop is very practical. Most dog owners also want a matching set consisting of collar and leash. The availability of the set should also be considered when buying a collar.
Stable closure for safety:
The buckle must be of the right size and reliable; this is very important for large dogs. If the dog pulls hard, the buckle must be secure. Strong buckles and pin buckles are particularly suitable. Only in this way can road traffic safety be guaranteed.
Fit:
It is not easy to find a collar that fits your dog. The collar should be wide enough not to restrict the dog or hurt it, but tight enough to prevent your four-legged friend from slipping off during a walk. A good rule of thumb is that there should be 1-2 finger widths between the collar and the dog when trying it on. The good news is that most common collars can be resized in different steps. If you have a size chart, it is recommended to use a looser size instead of a smaller size to measure the size range of the neck circumference. At the same time, it is important to note that some materials, such as leather, will widen over time.
Comfort:
For optimal wearing comfort, you should make sure that the edges of the collar are soft and slightly rounded, especially on the inside, and the material should be as soft as possible to avoid chafing marks. You should also avoid too many metal parts, as these can get cold in winter and hot in summer, and they can also negatively affect the flexibility of the collar. In addition, more metal parts mean extra weight on the dog's neck. Sufficient freedom of movement is another decisive factor. In the next point, you will learn which dogs deserve a padded collar.
Greyhound collars:
Because greyhounds have long, narrow necks, they usually wear wider, padded collars. Therefore, if you are a sighthound owner, you will quickly find sighthound collars as well.
Specific collars for puppies:
There are very few specialized puppy collars. However, a collar that is suitable for puppies and young dogs is one that is easily adjustable in length. It is best if the collar can "grow" with the circumference of the neck, so that you as a dog owner do not have to constantly buy new collars during the growth stage. For young dogs, continuously adjustable collars are particularly practical, and the length can be adjusted effortlessly.