Dogs big and small require exercise, and most of them enjoy their outdoor time. So, what type of restraint do you use when you take your loving furry family member out for a walk?
Some pet owners will choose a harness restraint while others favor the collar and leash option. It’s important to compare a harness for dogs vs. a collar for your dogs. Harnesses are available in the following forms:
- Back-clip harnesses: Harnesses with a D-ring attachment on the back
- Front-clip harnesses: The clip is on the front of the dog
- Dual-clip harnesses: The harness has both a rear clip and front clip, although the rear clip is the dominant one
- Head halters: Head halters have a strap that goes around the neck and another one around the snout
With collars, you have a variety of choices as well:
- Flat collar: This common type of collar sits flat against the neck
- Head collar: The head collar goes across the snout and behind the ears
- Prong or pinch collar: Self-correcting collar that tightens when the dog lunges or pulls
- Martingale: Flat buckle collar and slip collar combination
- Slip collar: Slip collars tighten when the dog pulls on the leash
No matter if you use a harness or collar for your puppy or a harness vs. a collar for your dog, you want to make sure that it’s comfortable for your pet and effective at the same time.
The following will discuss the different restraint options in detail and highlight which ones are better suited for different types of dogs. A harness or collar for a mastiff is going to be different than a harness or collar for a Pug.
Controlling Your Dog
With so many methods available to control your dog when out on walks, you want to use a product that is best suited for your pup.
Collars are used to have a place to hang your dog’s identification tags but also as an apparatus for attaching a leash. In addition, collars are ideal for dog training, discouraging barking, and protecting your pup from running off and getting injured. The downside to the collar is that it might pull on your dog’s neck if they try to pull away from you while you are walking them. Collars can also get caught on items as your dog passes by.
Harnesses are also popular dog restraint items. With a harness you have a restraint option where there’s no tension on the neck, and it helps to control your pet by having the pressure distributed throughout the body. The con to using a harness is that the dog has extra leverage and may be able to pull on the leash more easily.
Although both collars and harnesses provide ways to control your dog harnesses may be more suitable due to their lack of pull and tension on your pup’s neck and the ability to evenly distribute the pressure throughout the dog’s body. Based on the size or your dog, certain harnesses will be better than others.
Small Dog Harnesses
When picking out a small dog harness, you want to keep a few things in mind, including:
- Soft material
- Lightweight material
- Comfort
- Mesh material
- Easy to put on and take off
Some popular brands of small dog harnesses include:
- Voyager Dog Harness by Best Pet Supplies
- EcoBark Dog Harness
- Kurgo Tru-Fit Crash-Tested Dog Car Harness
Medium Dog Harnesses
When you’re choosing a harness for your family’s best friend, you want something that’s comfortable and works well for walks. Select a harness for your beloved canine family member that has the following features:
- Comfortable fabric material
- Sized correctly
- Sturdy
- Coincides with your dog’s walking habits
If you have a medium-sized dog, here are a few popular products to look into for your pup:
Large Dog Harnesses
For larger dogs, you want a dog harness that consists of the following features:
- Well-constructed
- Sturdy to properly protect them
- Accommodates their weight
- Constructed to prevent shifting
Fortunately, there are many dog harness products that cater to larger dogs including:
Harnesses Offer a Safe Way to Restrain Your Pet
When you take your pup out for a run or a walk around the block, you want to be sure that they will be safe and comfortable while doing so. Although collars do provide an effective way to restrain your pet safely, harnesses are often more comfortable as they will evenly distribute the pressure if your dog tends to charge ahead of you while walking.
Whether you have a small, medium, or large-sized dog, a harness is an excellent choice. It provides protection and an easy way to go for walks daily.
Are you looking for other effective ways to keep your beloved family member safe and in good health? Dog insurance is an excellent option to consider. This type of insurance makes it possible to pay for your pet’s veterinarian visits, whether they’re of the routine or emergency variety.
Contact Prudent Pet today for a pet insurance quote and get ready for an easy way to help pay for your pet’s medical needs.