06/01/2025
DOG COLLAR VS. HARNESS: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
For centuries, humans have utilized forms of collars and rope to control their canine companions.
Placing a collar around your dog’s neck may seem like the most natural and practical thing to do.
But is it?
While the subject remains controversial and many dog owners become defensive when the conversation arises, there are safety and control issues worth discussing.
Harnesses have numerous advantages including offering better control of your dog…especially larger and heavier dogs. Harnesses also disperse pressure over a larger area of your dog’s body as opposed to the collar’s direct pressure to the neck and throat.
For those wriggling escape artists, collars can easily be slipped off by using a backing motion. Properly secured harnesses are far more difficult to escape from. As a preventative measure, some pet owners secure dog collars too tightly causing pain and/or discomfort to the canine.
Dogs secured/tethered using collars can additionally face strangulation, according to Dr. Barbara Hodges, a veterinary advisor for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Hodges, during a recent interview, indicated that dogs have attempted to jump fences, or perform similar activities, and have been hanged as a result.
The jerking of a chain and collar combination also has the potential to cause severe anatomical damage. “You are potentially damaging the dog’s neck by jerking it,” stated Dr. Hodges. “The neck is a very, very sensitive area.”
Consistent stress to the neck/throat area can lead to damage to the Thyroid and Salivary Glands, nerves and other tissues within the neck area.
Additionally, collars can lead to low-grade irritations on the neck, or skin problems, both causing itching and, if untreated, infection.
Harnesses are available in many styles and materials, many of which are lightweight, breathable and washable. More elaborate harnesses have optional cooling packs, handles and/or quick-release mechanisms that can free your dog in an emergency situation.
For older dogs requiring assistance to stand, harnesses provide the ability for you to aid your pet as he/she attempts to rise.
For safety and for comfort, consider using a harness in lieu of a collar.