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Arch Creek Animal Clinic
Call us today! 305-945-1223
Give us a call today! 305-945-1223

15372 W Dixie Hwy, 
North Miami Beach,
FL 33162

Dog Collar or Harness? – The Pros and Cons

January 3 2022

Your daily walks with Fido are so special to him and hopefully enjoyable for you. Ensuring he wears the most comfortable and maneuverable attire can help make your daily adventures together even more enjoyable.

Dog collars have become the more traditional and convenient option. However, some dogs are better off wearing a harness. Read on to find out the pros and cons of dog collars vs harnesses and see which one will work best you and your canine companion.

Things to Consider

At one time or another, all dog lovers have probably walked a pooch that liked to tug hard on the leash. Some dogs will even go so far as to try to drag you along while choking themselves in the process. Getting a harness for Fido may seem like a logical solution to the problem, but this isn’t always the case in these instances.

When determining which device is best for your dog, consider these few basic things:

  • His comfort level
  • His behavior
  • His size
  • By knowing the pros and cons of collars and harnesses, you’ll have a better idea of which one will work best for you and Fido.

    Pros and Cons of Dog Collars


    Pros

    Works really well for dogs who don’t tug on the leash

    Fido can wear it all day

    Available in a variety of styles, such as:

    Slip collars to prevent your dog from slipping away

    Choke and prong collars for training your new pup

    Cons

    Can be hard to maintain control of your dog when he tugs hard on the leash

    May pose a risk for choking, especially with dogs that pull aggressively on the leash

    Dogs with respiratory problems may be uncomfortable

    Risk of neck injury, particularly with smaller dog breeds

    Pros and Cons of Harnesses


    Pros

    Allows you more control during the walk

    Great for teaching puppies how to behave on leash

    More comfortable for for dogs with respiratory problems

    Less likely to cause neck injuries

    Cons

    Not made to be worn all day

    With long-haired dogs, their fur may become tangled up in the straps of the harness

    Some dogs just hate wearing harnesses and this makes more work for you

    Can rub up against and irritate the bottoms of your dog’s legs

    If you have more questions or want to schedule an appointment with the vet, please don’t hesitate to call our vet office in North Miami, FL, anytime!