subject: Dog Harnesses - Better Than Dog Collars? [print this page] If you plan to take your dog out of your home, it is important that you have a safety device to keep him restrained. This will help to keep him out of harmful situations such as running out in front of a car. It will also prevent him from jumping on other people, which can cause damage or injury to the person and a lot of apologies from you. Most cities have a mandatory leash law which requires you to keep a device on your pet at all times. Dog harnesses and collars are the two options you have for keeping your pet and other people safe.
Dog collars can be useful when you are attempting to train your dog or teach him new tricks. They are also effective in holding an ID tag in the event that your puppy is lost. When used with a leash, they generally provide the appropriate constraints for walking your dog or taking him to public areas such as the park. However, with some small dogs, a collar can cause serious injury to the neck if your pet tries to pull away from you. Other dogs may get too excited during outdoor adventures, and harm themselves trying to become free from your grasp. For these canines, dog harnesses may be the better choice.
The reason that dog harnesses can be more beneficial than collars for some dogs is that some pooches despise being restrained around their neck area. They will attempt to break free from the collar and its attached leash. Dogs that have fragile bone structures or that are strong in fighting the collar and leash can easily harm themselves while trying to become free. Harnesses, however, fit the dog in several areas of the chest and back, preventing such injuries. Many dogs that do not care for collars feel more comfortable in a harness due to the better fitting and position that harnesses can offer. Anxious dogs learn quickly that they cannot get loose from a harness, and will generally not harm themselves even when they try.
When choosing between dog harnesses and collars, the choice is ultimately up to you. Dog collars, when paired with a leash, can provide adequate restraints for your pet when taking him out in public. However, there are some dogs that do not like collars and will attempt to get free. These canines generally do better with harnesses. All in all, you know the tendencies of your pet, and it is important to consider his actions when determining whether a harness or collar is the best device for him.
