Harness vs. Collar: What is Best for Your Dog?

When deciding between a collar and harness, there are three key aspects to consider:

• Design and style.
• Size and breed of your dog.
• Safety and function.

We hope to make the Team Collar vs. Team Harness decision a little easier by breaking down everything you need to know before you buy.

So, let’s dive in.

Pros and Cons of Harnesses

Pros of Harnesses

New and innovative styles - If you’re looking for the most versatility and an option that can grow with the needs of your pup, a dual-clip harness, like the Essentials Harness in Sage Green, is your go-to option. This harness comes with a versatile dual leash placement with an O-ring at the chest and a D-ring at the back, which allows you to hook the leash from the front or the back.

The Essentials Harness is made of vegan leather with a nylon interior and zinc alloy logo hardware. It is available in various colors and is adjustable to fit a wide range of urban pets. 

Perfect for training - Harnesses do not put pressure on your dog's neck, since they fasten over the dog's chest and not around the neck, they do not put pressure on the trachea.

This makes them ideal for puppies, dogs that pull, and dogs with collapsing trachea, or restricted airways, says Arndt. A harness can also help prevent these issues from arising.

Ideal for long walks - A harness is for you if you take your pup on long walks. Dogs carry 60% of their weight on their front limbs. Since harnesses cover the dog's chest, shoulders, and upper back, they disperse pressure over a greater area so it can be more comfortable for your pup. 

Safer for dogs with breathing issues or orthopedic disease - If you want to decrease pressure on your dog's neck and shoulders or have a dog prone to breathing limitations or problems like a Pug or Bulldog, a harness will help them walk without risking harm. 

Cons of Harnesses

Time-consuming - More time consuming to put on than a collar. Harnesses are put on for the duration of your walk and removed after, compared to collars which can be worn all the time.

You Want a Harness If...

A harness is an excellent choice for puppies, dog training, and long walks with your four-legged BFF. Sure, a harness may take a bit longer to fasten, but over time, and with the right technique, you can place a harness on your dog faster. 

Pros and Cons of Collars

Pros of Collars

Timeless style - The flat collar is worn around the neck and is what you typically think of when you imagine a dog collar. Vegan leather dog collars by KOSTON are flat collars designed for urban pets with style. 

Keep your pup’s ID on them to keep them safe - Collars provide a comfortable place to hold your pet’s ID and rabies vaccination tags. 

Convenient - Collars are easy to put on and can be left on at all times, making them an excellent choice for everyday use.

Cons of Collars

Not safe for dogs who pull - With excessive pulling on a collar, you run the risk of restricting your pet’s airway.

Not safe for all breeds - The size of your pooch matters. Toy breeds, like Chihuahuas, and dogs with known breathing issues, such as French Bulldogs, are not suitable for a collar as it may affect their airway. 

You Want a Collar If….

You want a convenient place to hold your pup’s ID,  you go for short walks, or if you have a dog who doesn’t pull excessively.

Key Takeaways

Whichever you decide, know you’re not limited. What works for your puppy may not work for your adult dog, and what works for a walk to the local coffee shop may not be best for your next beach day or hike adventure. With Pets at KOSTON, you have options. 

And don’t forget - your pup deserves the whole kit! Collar or harness - pair your choice with Montreal Leash and Essential Bag Holder. 

Use the hashtag ​​#KOSTONPets on Instagram to let us know if you’re on Team Collar or Team Harness!