Is a Harness Better Than a Collar for a Puppy?
Harness vs. Collar is a long-running debate in pet ownership circles. However, regardless of what the better option is for your adult dog, is that still the best option for a young puppy? Let's dive into the specialized needs of puppy equipment so you can make an informed choice for your pups.
Key Takeaway
Harnesses are better for puppies as they offer better control and are less likely to cause injury. Collars have benefits too, but are better for older dogs.
Table of Contents
Dog Harness vs. Collar: The Main Difference
In most cases, the dog harness vs. collar debate is just a matter of preference. A dog harness distributes the weight around the dog’s body, while a collar concentrates the pressure around the neck.
Some dog breeds may have specialized needs that make harnesses a better option, but most well-trained dogs should function fine with either walking option.
Harnesses are more versatile. For example, the front clip harness is very useful for leash training. It can also be more difficult for small dogs to escape from a harness than to shrug off a collar. A dog harness also offers more visibility when walking long roads, especially if they are brightly colored.
On the other hand, a dog collar can sometimes be more affordable, as they rarely need to be swapped for a different size as the dog gains or loses weight. They can also be better for long-coated breeds, as they are less likely to snag or tangle in the dog’s fur.
The Pros of Harnesses for a Puppy
While an adult dog may be fine with either a dog collar or a harness, the needs of puppies tend to be quite different. Let's take a deep dive into why a harness might be a good option.
Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Green
Security
As mentioned, a dog harness is harder to escape than a dog collar. Puppies are small, and their size will shift a lot, meaning that it can be easy for a small puppy to wiggle out of a collar instead of a harness.
Safety
Puppies are naturally very excitable and have a short attention span. Since the dog harness will wrap around the dog's chest instead of hanging around the dog’s neck, it will significantly reduce the risk of neck injuries if the puppy runs ahead or gets tangled.
A dog harness also provides control over a situation. A puppy that runs into danger can quickly be lifted and pulled out of harm's way, especially with a back clip harness, without putting any strain on the dog's neck or accidentally choking them.
Specialization
Harnesses can come in a variety of different types to make things more convenient for dog owners. For example, some harnesses have leash attachments that can connect to a car seat and act as a seatbelt for car rides. Others can be high visibility or offer better options for people who want to start training their puppies in sports.
Training
By far one of the most useful things about having a dog harness is their application in leash training.
As we all know, it can take a lot of time to leash train puppies, and they can learn bad habits that can affect them for life. Dog owners can start off strong by getting a front clip harness. This harness wraps around the dog’s body like normal, but has a d-ring on the side and front to discourage pulling.
If you are curious what that looks like, check out Sparkpaws’ No Pull Harness Collection.
When the leash attaches to the side or the front, the puppy is unable to strain against the leash. When the dog pulls, it will only swing itself around to the side, bringing it to a stop. This will allow the owner to discourage pulling ahead and encourage better heel control. They are a good alternative to head halters, which may be difficult to fit on a puppy.
While both a collar and a harness can have side-attaching rings, the harness may be better for a beginner puppy as they start to learn the heel command for the first time.
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Uses for a Dog Collar
While this article is very dog harness-focused, that doesn’t mean there is never a place for a dog collar. There are multiple uses for a dog collar, such as a martingale collar. Martingale collars have an extra loop to prevent the collar from pulling tight against the neck. Many dog collars also have side clip rings.
Owners may want to get their dog used to wearing a flat collar (the typical collar) at home at around 10 weeks old[1]. There is no issue with a flat collar if there isn't anywhere to get snagged on, and it can be worn for longer than a harness without chafing the dog’s skin. A collar also offers options to add identification that may not be available on a harness.
Unlike harnesses, a collar offers more airflow and may be less restrictive in hotter climates. They can also be easier to wear with other dog clothing.
Large dogs may be fine with a collar, as they are less likely to escape and can handle it better. However, this might be different if they are heavy pullers.
Whether you plan to go collar or harness, you want to stick to a harness for early leash training, and until you are able to trust your puppy to not be reactive or pull ahead on walks. Unlike collars, harnesses are just better for walking inexperienced or small dogs.
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How to Choose a Good Harness
Choosing a harness for a puppy is not that different from choosing a harness for an adult dog, but there are still some things to consider. You will need to know the needs of your puppy well.
Size
The biggest difference when buying a puppy is that their size is likely to change rapidly, but you can’t get too loose, or they will slip out. Measure your puppy’s chest girth as well as their length from shoulder to tail tip.
Look for a harness that offers a lot of adjustment points so that you can slowly loosen it and adjust it as your puppy grows and gains muscle. It should fit snug, but not so tight on your dog’s skin that you can’t fit two fingers between them and the harness.
A dog harness may be a necessity for some large or small breeds, regardless of whether they are puppies or adult dogs. Dog owners should do extra research to determine if their puppy is the type of dog that needs a dog harness for life or not.
Some large dogs may also be working dogs that are used to pulling; a no-pull harness may reduce the effort needed to walk strong dogs. Small dogs and teacup breeds may also struggle in collars and can easily be accidentally choked.
Type
For very small puppies, you may want a vest-style encompassing harness. However, most puppies will do well with a Y-style or H-style vest that allows for a lot of shoulder movement without chafing.
If your dog pulls or if you are still leash training, then you will want to look for harnesses that have multiple attachment points so you can switch between them for better control, depending on your training level.
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Comfort
Puppies get tired easily. When using a dog harness, you will need to look for something lightweight. Puppies, especially brachycephalic breeds, should not have harnesses that put pressure on their necks or throats.
Your furry friend should be able to move around easily in the harness without it chafing or sliding around too much. The material should also be breathable, especially in a vest-type harness. Even when they are comfortable, puppies should not wear harnesses for extended periods.
Your puppy should be able to take potty breaks without the harness getting in the way. A dirty harness will put them off and make them uncomfortable.
Safety
It's a good idea to make sure to test if the harness is escape-proof at home before going on a walk. Choosing a bright, high-vis option is your best choice. Small puppies can be difficult to see from a car, and it may help you spot them better if they manage to run.
Some breeds don’t do well with a dog collar and need a harness for safety reasons - like whippets and greyhounds - where the dog’s head is a similar width to their neck, and they can easily escape.
Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs) like pugs and bulldogs are also required to have a dog harness that sits lower on their chest, as their flat faces and short necks put them at risk of neck injuries that can disrupt their breathing[2].
Easy to Clean
A harness should have strong stitches that can handle some rough play as well as some dirt from a playful, dirty puppy. For this reason, it's better to avoid leather or other difficult-to-clean materials until the puppy is older.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right harness for a young puppy is essential for safe, comfortable walks and early training. Compared to collars, puppy harnesses distribute pressure across the chest instead of the neck, reducing the risk of injury for puppies who are still learning..
Harnesses also offer better control, are harder for puppies to escape. Front clip and side clip designs can greatly help when training, as they prevent pulling and offer more control.
When choosing a puppy harness, you should focus on finding a good size, adjustable straps, lightweight and breathable materials, and a secure, escape-proof fit. Collars have a number of benefits, but are normally better suited for older dogs (1+ years).
If you are interested in browsing some different harness options, check out Sparkpaws’
Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Collection.
FAQ
Is it better to train a puppy with a collar or a harness?
While getting used to a collar is important, a harness is better and safer for leash training a young puppy.
Do vets recommend collars or harnesses?
Many vets recommend a collar for ID and a harness for walking. Identification is important, but a harness may prevent more injuries.
Why do dog trainers not recommend harnesses?
Back-clipping harnesses can sometimes increase the desire to pull, and the control of a harness should not be used as a replacement for training good leash manners.
What are the disadvantages of a dog harness?
Harnesses can be difficult to fit correctly and can cause discomfort and chafing if worn for a long time, compared to collars.
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