Looking after our dogs is big business, and there are lots of differing opinions going around as to the best way to look after your dog to keep them healthy, happy and thriving. As such, you’ve probably come across plenty of opposing ideas that may be making it difficult to decide on what is right for your dog. You need to remember that - just like their owners - no two dogs are the same, and what works best for one might not be at all suitable for another.
With this in mind, you should take the things you learn about walking your dog using a harness or leash and collar into consideration when deciding on which will be best for you and your dog. There are benefits and drawbacks to both, and sometimes it might take a bit of work to find the best approach. Furthermore, if your dog is not used to walking with you when on a leash you will have to take the time to train them a little to increase their confidence and obedience.
As mentioned above, there are two main options for pet parents looking to take walks with their dog. More traditionally, there is the classic collar and leash combo that is used to lead a dog via their neckwear. Alternatively you could choose a harness that fastens around your dog’s chest, and these will usually have an attachment point at the back behind their shoulders, or in the front over their chest. You will also need to take into consideration your dog’s age, breed, size and activity level to help you make the right choice.
The benefits of harnesses or collars and leashes
As mentioned above, using a leash attached to a collar is the traditional way to walk your dog and there are many benefits to choosing this. Collars and leashes are recommended for puppies in training, but are also the best way to help reactive dogs because they can more easily pick up on the non verbal cues you send through their leash. They can be considered the most basic training tool for your dog and they come in a wide range of specifications.
Most dog owners will swear by high quality leather dog collars because they are long lasting, easy to clean, and more importantly, they are strong and secure. They are also very convenient and don’t take up a lot of space when they’re not in use, and furthermore, you can leave a collar on your dog at all times if you wish. To give yourself some peace of mind, look for a quick release collar that can be instantly removed in case your dog gets stuck.
Collars and leashes are not for every dog, though, and you need to be aware of the limitations. For example, if you are unable to train your dog to stop pulling on the leash then you might want to reconsider using a collar and leash because it can put a lot of stress on the delicate organs and structures in your dog’s neck. Some dogs, such as lurchers and pugs, have a head that is as wide as their neck which makes it easier for them to slip out of the collar. If your dog falls into this category you might want to use a harness or a martingale collar.
Harnesses, on the other hand, have plenty of benefits that you and your dog can enjoy. They make it easier to control dogs that are strong pullers, especially when they have an attachment point at the front, and are also a way to protect your dog’s neck if they do insist on pulling. This is because they redistribute pressure across the chest rather than focusing it on the throat. Many people prefer to use a harness and leash for this reason, and also because it makes it easier to control your dog when out on walks.
Harnesses are a little less convenient for a dog’s human owners purely because they take a little longer to put on your dog, and they are also bigger and bulkier than a collar and leash combo. A poorly fitting harness can also rub the delicate skin under your dog’s legs so it’s absolutely vital that you choose the correct size to prevent this and make sure they’re comfortable.
Resources:
Leash - Buy Me a Coffee
Dog Leash in Hong Kong - Journo Portfolio