Collar or harness?

URI-1 an-spitz nain gris loup-poms de la lézardière

Collar or harness?

The choice between these two accessories should be based on your dog’s individual needs: health, behaviour and well-being.

If your dog has neck problems or pulls on a lead, you should opt for a harness to make him more comfortable on walks.

Some dogs don’t like wearing a harness and make this clear. They move more slowly or not at all.

These two accessories offer a number of advantages:

The positive points of the dog harness :

The harness distributes pressure more evenly over the dog’s body, which can be more comfortable, especially for dogs with neck or breathing problems.
They offer better control for dogs pulling on a lead, as they reduce pressure on the neck and allow the dog’s movements to be better managed. It is often used to train puppies to walk on foot.
It is generally considered safer than a collar because it reduces the risk of injury to the neck or throat, particularly for dogs of brachycephalic breeds or dogs suffering from tracheal flaccidity.

The positive points of the dog collar :

Collars are often used to attach identification tags with the owner’s contact details.
They are easy to put on and take off.

By following this advice and taking your dog’s individual needs into account, you can choose a harness or collar that’s just right for him, making your walks that much more enjoyable!

harness

It is positioned on the dog’s chest and back. As a result, the owner’s force is better distributed over the dog’s body, making walks gentler and less painful for your pet, unlike a collar that pulls at the neck.

Small dogs with a fragile trachea, some of which have respiratory problems, will tolerate a harness better than a collar. This fastening system frees up the neck and provides better support for the shoulders and back. That said, you should try several harness shapes, X, Y or T, to see which one suits your dog best.

How do you choose your dog’s harness?

Choosing the right harness is essential for your pet’s comfort and safety. Here are 6 tips to help you make the best choice

It’s important to choose a harness that’s right for your pet’s size. Measure your dog’s chest and neck size and check the size guides provided by the manufacturer. Be aware that an ill-fitting harness can cause chafing or discomfort. If you have a puppy, choose a harness that is adjustable as he grows.
There are different types of harness, such as Y-harnesses, H-harnesses and chest harnesses. Each type is suited to specific needs. The advantage of the Y-shaped harness is that it distributes the pressure evenly if your dog is pulling on the lead.
Choose a harness made from durable, comfortable and resistant materials. Make sure the straps are properly sewn and the buckles are secure. If your dog loves swimming, choose a hard-wearing material like biothane.
Choose a harness that is easy to put on and take off. Also check that it’s easy to attach the lead to the harness.
The harness must be comfortable for your pet. Choose padded harnesses for the chest and back to reduce pressure points. The harness must allow your companion freedom of movement and must not hinder his breathing. harnesses for the chest and back to reduce pressure points.
Try the harness on your pet to see if it fits properly. You can check the size by checking whether there is enough space to put two fingers between the harness and your pet’s body. The straps should be neither too tight nor too loose.
If your dog has neck problems, such as tracheitis, a harness specially designed to reduce pressure on the neck may be more appropriate.

The collar

It is placed around your companion’s neck. It can be used to attach a lead or to attach the identification tag that corresponds to the dog’s first name and microchip number.

How do you choose your dog’s collar?

Choosing the right collar for your dog is important for comfort and safety. Here are 6 tips to help you make the right choice:

As with the harness, make sure you choose a collar that’s right for your dog’s size. Measure the size of your child’s neck and check the size guides provided by the manufacturer. A collar that is too tight or too heavy is uncomfortable, while one that is too loose can be easily removed by your dog. If you’re choosing a collar for your puppy, bear in mind that he’s going to grow, so opt for a collar that can be adapted.
Choose a collar made from durable, hard-wearing materials. Choose a collar that is both strong and light. Avoid materials that rub and could cause irritation or allergies to your dog.
Make sure the collar has a secure fastening. Quick-release buckles or sturdy clips are recommended. Avoid collars that are easy to open, as your dog may be able to remove them himself.
Choose a collar that’s comfortable for your dog: padded or lined with soft material to prevent chafing and irritation.
Anticipate how the collar will be used: if you plan to attach a lead, make sure the collar has a solid ring for fastening. If you want to use the collar for identification, choose one on which you can hang an identification tag with your dog’s details.

How do I choose the right harness size?

To measure your pet’s size, take a tape measure and measure the circumference between its back and thorax (at the withers, just above the front legs). To help you, follow the Arizona Hotdogs size guide in the table below:

For our dogs weighing between 1.5 and 5 kg, we need a mini harness that adapts to their size. An H- or Y-shaped harness with breathable material is ideal, especially if your dog has long hair.

H-shaped to hold dogs weighing less than 2.5 kg, with an XXS size;

Y-shaped, very comfortable for dogs weighing between 2.5 and 5 kg and measuring from XS to S.