Collar vs. Harness: Which is Better for Your Dog?

Did you just get your first dog and find yourself overwhelmed by conflicting advice about whether to choose a collar or a harness?

That was exactly how I felt when I got my first puppy at 19. With no prior experience with dogs, I called a few trainers for advice, only to get mixed opinions. Some trainers swore by harnesses, while others firmly believed collars were the way to go. Their prices ranged from $700 to $2,000, and I was left more confused than when I started.

Fast forward to now—I have two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Golden Sammy, and enough experience to confidently say that collars work best for my dogs.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both collars and harnesses so you can decide what’s best for your pup.

The Basics of Leash Training

When you first get a puppy, leash training is often uncharted territory for them. Puppies instinctively pull against the leash—it’s just their natural reflex. It’s our responsibility to teach them that the leash is not something to fear. Positive reinforcement, like using treats, is a great way to create a positive association with wearing a leash.

Cons of Collars

Collars aren’t for every dog, especially if they’re strong pullers or have certain physical traits.

Pressure on the Neck: If your dog isn’t trained to walk without pulling, a collar can put significant pressure on their neck. Over time, this might lead to discomfort or injury.
Breed Sensitivity: Smaller breeds like Yorkies or Poodles are more prone to neck injuries from even mild pulling. Similarly, breeds with little or no hair, like Pit Bulls, may find collars uncomfortable or prone to slipping off.

Cons of Harnesses

While harnesses may seem like the safer option, they come with their own set of drawbacks.

Encourages Pulling: Harnesses give dogs more control over their movement, which can make them feel more powerful and harder to manage during walks.
Potential Health Issues: Constant pulling while wearing a harness can lead to spinal or neck problems, even though the pressure isn’t directly on the neck.

Why Collars Are Better for Training

When it comes to training puppies to walk on a leash, collars give you more control over your dog’s movements. A collar helps establish that you’re leading the walk, not them—a crucial part of leash training.

In my experience, for everyday walks, collars work best. However, for longer hikes or more intense outings, I use both a harness and a collar. This way, I can switch between them depending on the situation. If my dogs start pulling too much, I temporarily use the collar to discourage pulling.

Finding the Right Solution

It’s important to note that pulling is a common behavior in young dogs. Most dogs grow out of excessive pulling by the time they’re about three years old. If you find that pulling is causing your dog significant discomfort, don’t force yourself to use a collar. Instead, opt for a supportive harness that gives you control without compromising your dog’s well-being.

Training is a gradual process, and patience is key.

My Go-To Recommendation

If you’re ready to start training with a collar, I highly recommend Xolo collars. They’re durable, high-quality, and stylish. Both of my dogs wear Xolo collars, and not only do they look amazing, but they’ve also held up beautifully over time.

Check out Xolo’s collection today and find the perfect collar for your pup!