My mini dachshund Walter has acquired more collars, leashes and harnesses over the past six years of his little life than I can count. Whether he grows out of them or “we” feel it’s time to make a new fashion statement, our stash continues to grow. Yet, every time we head out the door, I still debate whether it’s best to grab a harness or collar.
“I’ve learned that this choice can make a huge difference in both your dog’s safety and your daily walking experience,” says Dr. Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, a doctor of veterinary medicine and director of veterinary affairs at ABCs Puppy Zs in Coppell, Texas. “[But] the right choice isn’t just about the equipment — it’s about understanding your dog’s specific needs and behaviors.”
So when should you use a dog harness vs. a collar? Here, experts compare the pros and cons of collars and harnesses, plus how to know which one is best for your pup’s particular breed, personality and the lifestyle you share.
Pros and cons of dog collars
The biggest pro of using a standard collar that fastens with a single click or snap is the convenience it provides owners, according to experts. “Collars are what most of us think of first when it comes to walking our dogs,” Fernandez-Lopez says. “They’re simple, easy to use and great for ID tags.”
But your basic collar does have a few cons, according to Fernandez-Lopez:
- They concentrate all pulling force on your dog’s neck.
- You may have less control over strong dogs.
- They can cause injury for dogs who tend to lunge or pull suddenly.
Beyond the basic version, however, there are two other collars with distinct differences that have a separate set of pros and cons for your pup:
The martingale collar
“A martingale collar is very different from a regular collar as it tightens when the dog pulls away so [the collar] cannot slip over the head,” explains Sally Grottini, a canine behavior expert for JustAnswer based in Danville, Pennsylvania. It looks like a basic collar, but it reduces the risk of your dog getting out of it on a walk.
Keep in mind, experts only recommend using a martingale collar on walks and for training purposes. When you are not with your dog, you should always take off any type of collar, Grottini notes, since it can pose a choking hazard if it gets caught on something. This rule is even more important with a martingale collar since it will tighten around your dog’s neck if they are forced to try and pull to free themselves.
The head collar
A head collar, also called a head halter, has not one, but two loops: one that goes around a dog’s nose and another that goes around their neck. This design controls the dog’s head, much like the halter of a horse does, Grottini explains.
“Head halters can be useful for training purposes because they allow an owner to redirect the dog’s eyes to look at the owner for commands and cues,” says Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “But they are not good for dogs with neck injuries.” Many dogs also don’t like the feel of head halters, Teller adds, so training is required to get them comfortable.
Pros and cons of dog harnesses
Because harnesses wrap around your dog’s body, they’re especially good for dogs who pull or lunge since they provide more support, Fernandez-Lopez says. Harnesses typically offer more advantages than disadvantages for dogs, and these are the biggest pros:
- They distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders.
- They often provide better control for the owner.
- They can help prevent neck strain.
- Front-clip options can make training easier..
Harnesses aren’t without their limitations though. Figuring out how to put on a dog harness can be cumbersome as they may have multiple straps and clips. Also, they may affect the level of control you have on your dog. “When you use a harness, I believe that the harness straps wrapping around the whole muscular body of a dog allow the dog more force to pull you,” Grottini says. This can make it harder for owners of strong dog breeds to keep their pup from taking charge.
Fernandez-Lopez also advises owners to be aware of the following harness cons:
- Chafing under front legs if not fitted properly.
- Potential shoulder restriction with certain designs.
- More pulling on the leash during walks if not trained properly.
- Matting in long-haired breeds if the harness isn’t removed regularly.
Harness vs. collar: How to know which is better for your dog
“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dog collars vs. harnesses,” Teller says. “Many times, the better choice depends on the dog’s breed or health issues, or on the owner’s strength and ability to control the dog when walking on a leash.”
With this in mind, here’s how to decide when it’s best to use a collar and when to use a harness, based on your dog’s unique traits and safety needs:
Consider your dog’s breed
“It’s actually a myth that big dogs need harnesses more than small dogs,” Fernandez-Lopez says. “In fact, small breeds are often more vulnerable to throat injuries, making harnesses especially important for them, as weakness of cartilage rings or tracheal collapse is more of a risk.” These dog breeds may benefit most from using a harness to prevent injury or health concerns, according to our experts:
- Small breeds, including dachshunds, chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers and any breeds prone to tracheal issues.
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced or short-nosed) breeds, including pugs, bulldogs, Boston terriers, Cavalier King Charles spaniels and shih tzus.
As for collars? Dog breeds with heads the same size or smaller than their necks, like greyhounds, for example, may benefit from a martingale collar to avoid slipping out of it while on walks, Teller explains.
Assess any health issues or risks
Veterinarians often advise owners of senior dogs or dogs with certain respiratory or spinal medical conditions to use a harness rather than a collar since it minimizes any stress on the neck. “Dogs with a collapsing trachea, cervical disk disease or other neck problems will benefit more from a harness,” Teller says.
Take note of your dog’s temperament
“Harnesses may seem more comfortable for a dog. However, if your dog has a fearful temperament, [harnesses] are easy for the dog to slip out of and run away from you, causing a dangerous situation on walks.” Grottini says. In such cases, she recommends using a martingale collar.
Assess your dog’s favorite activities
If your dog loves a leisurely walk on a regular basis, a collar may be the ticket. But if your dog is an athlete? “Dogs that run with their owners may benefit from a harness, especially if they reach a high speed and may get jerked when they reach the end of the leash,” Teller says. “A harness would allow for the force to be dispersed over a greater surface area than a collar around the neck.”
Consult with your veterinarian
For any dog owners still unsure on whether to go with a dog harness or collar, Teller advises to always speak with your vet. “Each dog is unique, and your veterinarian can review specific medical concerns that may make one a better choice than another. Your veterinarian can also advise you as to things to look out for regarding your dog’s conformation and let you know if a front-clip harness, a back-clip harness, head halter or a martingale collar may be the best choice.”
Can a harness or collar affect how much a dog pulls on a leash?
Both a harness and a collar can contribute to pulling behavior if the owner makes a habit of moving with the dog when they pull against the harness or collar, according to Christoper Pachel, a doctor of veterinary medicine and board-certified veterinary behaviorist based in Portland, Oregon. This behavior will likely need to be addressed through appropriate reinforcement-based training, Pachel notes.
Harness vs. collar: Which is better for puppies?
There is a time and a place for both a harness and a collar in a puppy’s life, according to experts. When walking a puppy, it’s best to use a harness rather than a collar, says Pachel. “Harnesses are safer for young dogs because they distribute pressure across the chest and back, instead of focusing it on the neck,” he explains. “This reduces the risk of injury to the delicate trachea and neck structures, which is especially important for puppies still learning to walk on a leash and [who] might pull or lunge.”
As for collars for puppies? There are perks of using a standard collar for training purposes, Grottini explains. Wearing a collar at home under your supervision can help your puppy get used to the feeling of something on its neck, she says. Also, it’s typically easier to put a collar on than a harness, which is helpful if your puppy has to get outside quickly to go to the bathroom.
Keep in mind, however, that both collars and harnesses can get caught on things, which can put a puppy — and any older dog as well — at risk of injury. Therefore, they should never be left on your dog when it is alone in the house or in a crate, Grottini says.
How to make sure your dog is safe in a harness or collar
“Whether using a collar or harness, it is very important to make sure it is of the appropriate size and fit,” Teller says. “They should be snug, but not overly tight. If they are loose, a dog could slip out and put itself in harm’s way. If they are tight, they could restrict breathing or mobility or rub lesions on the skin, causing hair loss and inflammatory lesions.”
Since harnesses are more complex, it is important to try them on and make sure each strap can be fitted appropriately without any given strap being too tight or too loose, Teller notes.
And once you’ve made your pick? “Keep observing your dog’s response to whatever you choose, and don’t hesitate to make changes if something isn’t working perfectly,” Fernandez-Lopez says. If your dog is walking calmly with a collar and has not developed any breathing or throat issues, it’s likely safe to use. If you spot these signs, however, your dog may be safer in a harness:
- Constant pulling during walks.
- Tendency to lunge at distractions.
- Slipping out of a collar due to pulling.
- Coughing or gagging when the leash is pulled tight.
The bottom line
The best option when it comes to harnesses vs. collars depends largely on a dog’s training, behavior and health, Pachel explains. “For example, well-trained adult dogs who do not pull might be comfortable wearing a collar,” he says. “However, if a dog continues to pull on the leash, a front-clip or no-pull harness is likely preferable, regardless of age, to prevent strain on the neck and encourage better walking behavior.”
Experts recommend taking into account your dog’s your dog’s individual needs to decide if a harness or collar is best, then speaking to your vet if you are still unsure.
