Dogs are playful by nature and like to roam freely in open spaces. But to keep them safe and in control during their outdoor adventures, accessorising them with appropriate products like collars, leashes, harnesses, ID tags etc is necessary. One of the most common questions that pet parents encounter is, what would be the best option for their beloved pooch’s outdoor affairs, a collar or a harness?

In this article, let us walk you through the characteristics of different types of dog collars and harnesses available and the benefits and drawbacks of using them:

Dog collars

The simplest to use and stylish dog collars have been popular amongst pet parents for a long time. When you attach an ID tag to it, a dog collar can be used for identification purposes. It comes with a buckle for easy attachment of a leash while taking a canine outside for a walk or play. Dog collars are available in different materials and styles.

Types of dog collars

• Flat collar A flat collar is a simple collar made from comfortable-to-wear material with a buckle to fasten it, and a ring to hold an ID tag and a leash.


• Martingale collar This collar is made with a unique mechanism featuring two loops. The larger loop adjusts to dog’s neck and the smaller one tightens when your dog tries to pull and stops at a present point. It is designed with the purpose of preventing dogs from escape.


• Rolled collar Ideal for dogs with sensitive skin or wrinkles, rolled collars are usually made of leather that is rolled and stitched together.


• Choke collar Choke collars are designed to prevent dogs from pulling on a leash as they are hurt when they do so while wearing this collar.

Benefits of using dog collars

• Ease of use Dog collars are readily available in different varieties and are lightweight. They are easy to wear and can also be taken off without much trouble. These collars are convenient option for everyday use.


• Perfect for identification Dog collars come with a ring to attach an identification (ID) tag to it which is beneficial in ensuring the safety of your pooch.


• Comfortable to wear Dog collars are made from skin-friendly material and come with adjustable buckles for comfortable fitting. Besides, they cover comparatively a lesser part of the dog’s body and do not cause irritation to them.

Drawbacks of using dog collars

• Fitting problems If the collar does not have an appropriate fit, your dog may escape out of it while trying to pull hard during their outside adventures.


• Painful & irritating Sometimes the collar can strain your furry pal’s neck and may cause pain and injury. Also, wearing a collar all the time can irritate them or may cause allergies.


• Not suitable for all Collars are not the right option for brachycephalic breeds and toy breeds having delicate neck structures. Using collars on dogs having pre-existing medical conditions like glaucoma, tracheal problems, or back issues is also not advisable.

Dog Harnesses

Dog harnesses are designed to distribute the pressure created through the leash due to pulling by dogs across a larger area of a dog’s body. They are very helpful in reducing the strain and proves to be an ideal choice for the initial training of puppies. Dog harnesses are available in various materials and styles.

Types of dog harnesses

• Vest harness Designed mostly for providing comfort and enhancing style, vest harnesses are generally used for service dogs that are already trained.


• H-harness The shape of this harness is designed specifically to support the shoulders and front legs of your dog.


• Front-clip harness With a leash attached to the front of the harness, Front-clip harnesses are the best for controlling avid pullers without harming their neck or shoulders.


• Back-clip harness Ideal for well-trained dogs that do not pull while on leash, Back-clip harnesses are the most used ones.

Benefits of using dog harnesses

• Tough to escape Harnesses fit on the larger area of your dog’s body. Dogs need to put in a lot of efforts to get out of them. This makes it difficult for canines to escape from harnesses.


• Comfortable fitting Harnesses cover the chest, shoulders and back to provide proper support to the whole body and distribute the pulling pressure. So, harnesses are comparatively comfortable to wear for your furry buddy.


• Lesser health risks As the strain of pulling does not come on your dog’s neck or throat when wearing a harness, it is a comparatively safer option for dogs with certain medical conditions. A properly fit harness can also help alleviate back pain in dogs.

Drawbacks of using dog harnesses

• Difficult to attach ID tags Harnesses usually do not have any additional ring or clip to attach ID tags.


• Less convenient to use Making your pooch wear a harness or taking it off is a bit difficult as compared to fitting and removing a dog collar. Besides, harnesses may cause tangling issues and discomfort for dogs with long fur and thick coats.


• Finding a perfect match is a task If the harness your furry buddy is wearing is too big for them, they can slip out and escape from it. On the other hand, if the harness is too tight, it can be painful for your furry companion and they may find it difficult to make easy movements.

To conclude

Both dog harnesses and dog collars are helpful training and control tools for pets. Each of them has special features to meet the specific needs of pets and their human companions. For pet parents, it should not be about selecting between getting a dog harness OR a dog collar for their furry family member. Rather, the right choice would be to go with the combination of a dog harness AND a dog collar depending upon the purpose for which it is needed.