Dog Collar vs Dog Harness - Why Your Dogs Need Both

Dog Collar vs Dog Harness - Why Your Dogs Need Both

When it comes to walking your furry friend, choosing between a dog collar and a dog harness can be a tough decision. Both options have their advantages and it's important to understand why your dog might need both. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of both dog collars and dog harnesses and why it's beneficial to have both in your dog's wardrobe.

Why use a dog collar?

A dog collar is a classic tool  that most dog owners are familiar with. It is a simple band that goes around your dog's neck and is typically used for attaching a lead to. Here are a few reasons why your dog needs a collar:

Identification:

A collar is the easiest place to attach your dog's identification tags, which include their name, your contact information, and any other important details. This can be crucial in case your dog ever gets lost and it’s a legal requirement!

Training:

Collars are commonly used for training purposes, as they provide a quick and easy way to give your dog a gentle correction when needed. They can also be used to attach training aids such as Halti Head Collars.

Everyday use:

Collars are lightweight and comfortable for your dog to wear on a daily basis. They are perfect for attaching short for walks around the neighbourhood or quick toilet breaks without taking a long time to put on!

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Why use a dog harness?

A dog harness is an alternative to a collar that wraps around your dog's chest and torso. It distributes the pressure more evenly across your dog's body and offers several benefits:

Reduced strain:

A harness is particularly useful for dogs that tend to pull on the lead. It reduces strain on their neck and throat, which can be especially important for dogs with respiratory issues but also for preventing long term damage to the trachea.

Control:

Harnesses provide more control over your dog's movements, as the surface area is increased. This means you have a better control over larger and stronger dogs. Some harnesses come with additional features such as a handle on the back, which allows you to quickly grab and hold your dog in case of an emergency.

Extra security:

A properly fitted harness is much more difficult to slip than a collar and therefore gives you peace of mind that your doggo will stay secured to that lead whatever you encounter on your adventures!

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Why your dog needs both

While both dog collars and dog harnesses have their individual benefits, using both can provide the best of both worlds for your furry friend. Here's why:

Maximum Control:

The use of a double ended lead with both a collar and harness attached provides two points of contact with your dog. You can both hands, using the end of the lead attached to the collar to give gentle corrections whilst keeping control on the end attached to the harness at the same time.

Comfort and safety:

Using a collar for identification purposes ensures that your dog's information is always easily accessible. On the other hand, a harness can provide added comfort and safety during walks, especially for dogs prone to neck injuries.

Adaptability:

Every adventure is different - Having both options allows you to switch between them depending on the situation. For example, you may prefer using a collar for quieter walks where your doggo might have more freedom and a combination of harness and collar when visiting busy areas where you need more control over your dog’s movements.

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Remember, every dog is different and what’s right for one dog might not be right for another. Ultimately, the best choice for your dog will depend on their individual needs and your preferences as an owner so it’s best to try a few different options, particularly if your dog is a notorious puller or reactive in certain situations.

If you’re looking to give something new a try or just need some advise on what might be best for your pooch. Why not get in touch or pop in to store for some free advice? The team at Riber Pets will always be happy to help with harness and collar fitting for free and we’ll also demonstrate some of our best dog walking tips too!

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