DOG HARNESS VS LEASHES: WHICH IS BETTER?

Deciding which leash attachment your dog should wear for walks can be tricky. Your choice of leash attachment depends entirely on the dog breed, size, attitude, and age. But irrespective of these factors one thing for sure is that they all need to go for their walks. The two main leash attachments are Harness and leash. To some dog owners, it is more convenient walking their dog with a Harness while some a leash.

You need to note that determining what will work for your dog when it comes to Harness or leash may take trial and error as each dog responds to them differently. To make a better choice of which leash attachment to use let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both.

 
HARNESSES

Advantages

It is more suitable for smaller dog breeds.

The brachycephalic breed i.e  dog breeds with short noses and flat faces like Boson Terrier, Chow Chows, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and dogs with respiratory problems can be managed better with a harness.

It provides more control, safety and security for your dog.

The major benefit of Harness is the security it offers your dog. It helps to prevent any form of accident that may occur as a result of pushing or pulling. When it comes to safety and security harness is better generally as it gives you maximum control over your dog. A harness will give full control of your pup when walking as it reduces pulling and jumping allowing your pup to avoid distractions thereby giving his full attention to you.

It is effortless to put a leash on.

It is a suitable way to put a leash on. All you have to do is hook the leash over your dog’s harness and you are good to go.

It helps reduce stress on your dog’s neck and joints.

A good harness helps you gain control over overly excited dogs. Untrained dogs tend to pull a lot which may result in neck or joint injury. As it secures close to the dog’s center gravity, tangling is reduced and helps prevent jumping. It covers your dog’s chest, upper back, and shoulders making it impossible for your dog to slip out.

It helps prevent spinal problems and also helps dogs with orthopedic diseases.

Long-bodied dog breeds like Dachshunds are prone to slipped disks. A harness will help reduce pressure on your dog’s neck and back thereby managing the situation. Orthopedic diseases may make it difficult for your dog to walk around using a harness will help you carefully pick him up and walk him around.

 

Disadvantages.

It may be sensitive for your dog

One major downside of using a harness is based largely on how your dog feels about it. Some dogs especially large breeds may feel constrained having a harness on with a leash clipped to their back. For sensitive dogs like this it is ideal you opt for a harness clipped in front. It might take some period to get your dog used to a harness.

It is less effective in training dogs with big personalities.

When training wild dogs or dogs with the temper you will need to gain full control of your dog and a harness may not give you that.

A harness is less convenient.

Unlike the collar that you just need to slip on your dog harness may take some time to fasten.

Some harness don’t have a place for tag ID

Some harness don’t come with a place for tags so it is better you get one that comes with it or wear a collar with it.

LEASHES

Advantages

Collars are more convenient to use.

Collars can slip on and off much easier than a harness. Your dog can also wear his collars indoors without having to pull it out. There is also a space for dog Identification, your address, your phone number, license, vaccination tags, and tag of the dog registration organization in case your dog gets lost.

It is more effective in training big dogs.

Collars are great for larger dog breeds as they have stronger tracheas and they find harnesses to constraining. Collars like choke collar attachment and other dog training collars can help you train your dog when going for walks and also help keep them behaved outdoors.

You can express your individuality.

You can attach a tie, bow tie, scarf, or a bandana to your collar to express your individuality and style.

Disadvantages

It can lead to a neck or back injury.

If your dog constantly pulls on his collar they can injure themselves by putting too much pressure on their neck and spinal area thereby reducing the amount of air they are getting.

Note: Avoid using a collar on dogs with;

• Neck Injuries
• Glaucoma
• Spinal Problems
• Proptosed Eyes

It is not suitable for smaller dog breeds.

The brachycephalic breeds, toy breeds, and long-bodied dogs like Dachshunds will have trouble using a collar as it will put too much pressure on their trachea and spinal areas.

Note: Collars should not be used on dogs like poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Toy Poodle, Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Chinese Crested.

         These are the obvious purposes of using both a Harness and a leash. Deciding which leash attachment to use depends largely on you dogs attitude, health and vet’s recommendation. But it doesn’t hurt to get both a leash and a harness as both can come in handy.