Dog harness vs collar: which is better?

Updated 03/11/23

Some might say the dog harness vs collar is an age-old debate, and with pet parents chiming in on the matter left, right, and center, it can be hard to decide which is best. Whether you’ve been an advocate for one or the other for years or you’re prepping to welcome home your first ever pup (congrats!), we’ll be taking a look at the pros and cons of the harness vs collar and how to decide which one is right for your four-legged friend. 

Harness vs collar: what’s the difference?

Dog harnesses and collars are used for handling four-pawed pals, and are particularly useful when walking them on a leash. Harnesses are secured around the pup’s torso, shoulders, and chest, and are designed to evenly distribute the pressure from leash pulling across the whole body. This can make harnesses a good option for pooch pals with respiratory problems, injuries, or those that pull on the leash. On the other hand, collars are worn around a dog’s neck and are often used for attaching ID tags and leashes. They are widely available and come in a variety of sizes and styles.

Harness vs collar: what are the pros and cons? 

Now you know a little bit more about the difference between harnesses and collars, let's take a look at the pros and cons. 

Pros of dog harnesses

• Harnesses are thought to be more comfortable for pooch pals as pressure is distributed evenly across the body.
• It can be tricky for Houdini pups to wriggle out of a dog harness.
• Harnesses with front clips on the chest area are specially designed to discourage pups from pulling while learning to walk on the leash. 
• Harnesses reduce the risk of throat-related injuries, neck problems, and tracheal collapse.
• As the pressure is dispersed over a wide surface area (the shoulders, chest, and back), harnesses are more suitable for pooch pals suffering from back pain.
• Owners can gain better control of their pups when using a harness, making dog walks far more enjoyable for everyone involved! 
• Harnesses can be more comfortable long bodied breeds, pups with spinal problems, and those with a history of orthopedic disease.
• A harness can be a useful training tool - read our handy guide on how to harness train your dog to find out more.

Cons of dog harnesses

• Harnesses can be long and fiddly to get on and off.
• It can be difficult to find a harness that fits your four-legged friend properly. If it’s too tight it can cause painful rubs or sores and if it’s too loose this can increase the chance of your pooch escaping.
• It can take some time for pups to get used to wearing a harness - the extra piece of equipment can be uncomfortable and distracting to wear! 
• Dog harnesses can be HOT in the summer - would you want to wear one?!
• Choosing a harness with leash attachments at the back may actually encourage your pup to pull on the leash. 
• It can be tricky to display pet ID tags and some pet parents resort to using a collar and a harness together (more on that later).

Pros of dog collars

• There are many different types of collars to choose from with various styles, colors, and materials. Flat collars, slip collars (also known as martingale), and rolled collars are all good options, but prong collars and choke collars should never be used. 
• ID tags can be easily clipped on so information like your pup’s name and contact number is easily visible should your furry friend go walkabouts.
• Collars are easy and quick to put on and take off and fur babies can wear them all the time if necessary. 
• As long as your four-legged friend walks well on a leash, a collar shouldn’t be a problem. 
• Collars can give pet parents more control over their fur babies when walking, depending on the size of the pup. 

Cons of dog collars

• Puppies need to have their collars regularly checked for size, they grow quickly and a collar that is too tight can cause skin irritation, sores or a rash and be painful. 
• Dog collars are made from sturdy material, if your dog accidently becomes trapped on an object by their collar, they can sadly choke to death trying to escape. Using collars with a built in break system that breaks the collar under high pressures can avoid choking accidents. 
• Collars can place a lot of strain on the trachea if your dog pulls a lot on a lead, this can lead to irritation of the trachea and coughing. 

Harness vs collar: which one should you choose?

Once you’ve weighed up the pros and cons of a dog harness vs collar, which one is right for your pup? Generally speaking, if your pooch pal’s a puller, a harness is your safest bet. Harnesses can give pet parents more control over their pups when leash training and reduce the chance of escape. They are safer for fur babies with neck or respiratory problems and reduce the chance of these issues developing, and they are also preferable for small dogs and certain breeds. 

So is a harness better than a collar? While a dog harness is a better choice than a collar in many situations, collars do come with their own advantages. Some pups find collars more comfortable than a harness and ID tags can be displayed easily and clearly. Collars are quick and easy to put on and they work well with pooch pals that are well-trained and exercise in off-leash areas or take part in agility activities. Some dogs have body sensitivity, so will refuse to wear a harness, but will let you use a collar, so you may find your dog's personal preference also plays into your decision making. 

If you’re still unsure whether to get a collar or harness, speak to the vet. They will be able to tell you what’s right for your pup, taking into consideration their breed, size, age, medical conditions, and of course, personality!

Harness vs collar for puppies

For puppies, a harness is generally a better option than a collar. They tend to be more excitable and curious than adult dogs meaning they may be more likely to pull on the leash or try to escape. A harness can help distribute pressure from leash pulling more evenly across the pup’s body and can give pet parents more control when training. As fur babies grow and become more used to walking on a leash, pet parents can gradually introduce them to collars and other types of equipment, depending on their individual needs and behavior.

Collar and harness: using both together

There are pros and cons to harnesses and collars, so why not use them together to get the best of both worlds? This can make it easier to display ID tags and give you extra control over your pup’s movements, especially in stressful situations such as training or walking in busy areas. Here are some tips for dog sitters and pet parents to use a collar and harness together:

1. Put on the harness first and adjust the straps so it fits snugly but comfortably around your pup’s chest and shoulders.
2. Add the collar once the harness is securely in place. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight around your dog’s neck, leaving space to fit two fingers between the collar and their skin.
3. Attach the leash to both the harness and the collar for extra security and control. 
4. Always monitor your fur baby for signs of discomfort. 

So, are harnesses better than collars? Dog harnesses can be great options for many dogs, particularly those that have health issues, pull on the leash, or need extra control when training. Collars can be easy choices for pooch pals that don’t suffer from any health issues and are well-trained, particularly if they spend a lot of time off the leash. Whichever you decide to go for, it’s important to choose a collar or harness that fits your pup properly and is appropriate for their size and breed. If you’re not sure which one is right for your fur baby, your vet will be able to help you decide. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.