It is one of the most common questions when a dog arrives home: should I use a harness or a collar? The answer depends on how your dog walks, their size, and their health. Here is a quick guide.
When a harness is better
- Dogs that pull on the leash: the harness distributes the force across the chest and does not put pressure on the trachea.
- Brachycephalic breeds (bulldog, pug, boxer), which already have difficulty breathing.
- Small dogs, with more delicate necks.
- Dogs with neck, back, or cough problems.
- Sports, hiking, or car travel: the harness allows for better control and can be attached to a seatbelt.
When a collar is enough
For dogs that already walk without pulling, the collar is comfortable, lightweight, and the ideal place to carry an ID tag or a tracker. Many owners use both: a collar at home for the ID tag, and a harness for walks.
How to measure your dog
Use a sewing tape measure, with the dog standing and calm.
- Neck: measure where the collar would sit and add two fingers' worth of space.
- Chest: measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the key measurement for a harness.
- Back length (for clothing only): from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
If your dog is between sizes, choose the larger one and adjust it. A properly fitted harness does not leave marks, does not chafe under the armpits, and cannot be pulled off over the head.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by weight instead of by measurements.
- Leaving the collar so loose that the dog can escape, or so tight that two fingers cannot fit.
- Using no-pull harnesses or training collars to correct behavior: it is better to work on walking with treats and patience. Our treat bags and training accessories will help you.
In our harnesses, collars, and leashes section, you will find a size chart on each product page, from padded models for small dogs to leather harnesses for large breeds. Free shipping throughout Spain.