Deciding whether to walk your dog with a collar or a harness is a debate that many pet parents face. Whether you are bringing home a new puppy or trying to improve walks with an older dog, the choice often comes down to safety, control, and comfort, and it’s important to get it right.
There are a huge range of dog collars and harnesses on the market, each suited for different breeds, sizes and scenarios. Understanding which best suits your dog is essential for enhancing behaviour and the quality of your walks together.
To help you decide, let's take a closer look at the dog harness vs collar debate and help you make an informed decision to get the best out of your outdoor adventures.
Is a harness better than a collar for walks?
While collars are traditional and convenient for holding ID tags, the typical consensus is that a harness is a safer alternative for walking.
Veterinary and dog training experts, including the Blue Cross, highlight that harnesses can offer superior safety for dogs prone to pulling. A key factor in this lies in where weight is distributed. A harness spreads pressure across the chest and shoulders, whereas a collar concentrates force on the neck. Reducing this is particularly important for protecting the trachea and preventing neck strain, especially in smaller breeds, dogs with certain medical conditions, or enthusiastic walkers.
However, the answer will often depend on the breed and walking style of your dog. For example, dogs with perfect lead manners may well have no issues with a collar for short trips. In most cases, collars and harnesses complement each other and should be used together, just for different purposes, as the Dog’s Trust explains: “Remember that to comply with the law, when you are in public spaces you will need to make sure your dog also wears a dog collar, with an identity tag attached to it, even if you are walking them in their harness.”
If you are considering switching from a collar to a harness, don’t forget that some dogs will need some training to adapt as the sensation and response to walking will be new, similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes, it can take some time!
Benefits of a harness
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Reduce pulling and injury
If your dog pulls, a collar can put additional pressure on their throat. This can lead to coughing, gagging, or injury. A harness removes this risk by directing the pressure away from the next, while still remaining secure.
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Comfort
Collars can restrict breathing if a dog pulls while panting. A harness allows for unrestricted airflow, which is crucial when deciding what gear to use when the weather for your walk is extremely hot or cold.
Collars vs. harnesses: pros and cons
To help you weigh your options, we’ve broken down the key differences below:
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Product |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Collars |
• Widely available and easy to use: A classic choice for everyday wear. Available in a range of colourful designs. • Convenient: Ideal for holding ID tags (a legal requirement in the UK). • Lightweight: Collars are simple to adjust and comfortable for all-day wear. |
• Neck strain risk: Can cause injury or neck strain for dogs that pull. • Limited control: May offer less security for strong, reactive, or ‘escape artist’ dogs. • Pulling behaviour: The sensation of pulling against a collar can sometimes encourage dogs to pull harder. • Suitability: Not ideal for flat-faced breeds, or delicate small breeds. |
|
Harnesses |
• Even pressure distribution: Safely spreads force across the chest and shoulders, protecting the neck. • Better control: Improves training and pulling prevention. • Reduces strain: significantly lowers the risk of throat and neck injuries. • Versatile support: Excellent for puppies, small breeds, and dogs with respiratory issues. • Various styles: Available in multiple clip styles for control and comfort, such as our range of adjustable harnesses. |
• Fitting complexity: Can be more complex to fit correctly than a standard collar. Poor fitting can result in discomfort or slipping out. • Movement restriction: Some styles may restrict shoulder movement if not adjusted correctly. • Time to wear: Takes slightly more time to put on and remove compared to a collar. • Chafing risk: Can cause rubbing if not sized correctly (always check our size guide!). |
Are dog harnesses good for training?
Training a dog to walk politely is often easier with a harness because it disrupts the "opposition reflex" (where a dog pulls against the pressure they feel on their neck).
If you are planning active training, such as learning how to start running with your dog, a harness is essential to prevent injury during sudden stops or turns.
Getting started: If your dog is new to gear, check out our guide on how to get your dog used to wearing a harness, to help build positive associations quickly.
Is it better to walk a puppy with a collar or a harness?
Puppies are still developing their skeletal structure, and their necks are fragile. While a collar is important for identification, they should be avoided for walks as a sudden jerk on a lead attached to a collar may cause injury.
A well-fitted harness can provide a sense of security (similar to a swaddle), which may help calm excitable puppies. Look for soft materials, like our Nylon strap dog harnesses or reversible and adjustable options, which offer lightweight support that grows with them.
Types of dog collars and harnesses explained
Understanding the different options of dog collars and harnesses available is key to ensuring your dog’s safety, comfort and style.
Types of dog harnesses:
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Back-clip harness: Ideal for small dogs, a back-clip harness prevents throat damage and the lead tangling under your dog’s legs, offering more control than a collar but requiring more handler strength. Attach long lines to the harness for safety and added freedom of movement
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Front-clip harness: Similar to a back-clip harness but the lead is attached at the front, the front-clip harness provides leverage against pulling by redirecting the dog
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No-pull harness: Designed for dogs that pull on the lead, it applies pressure to the chest to discourage pulling behaviour
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Y-shape and H-shape: The majority of harnesses will come in one of H or Y-shapes, with the correct type for your dog depending on their breed and mobility.
Remember to always check your harness is fitted correctly to avoid the harness slipping. For more on the different types of dog harnesses, read our guide ‘What are the best types of dog harnesses?’
Types of dog collars:
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Flat collar: The most common and basic dog collar, ideal for clipping on ID tags. Suitable for dogs that do not slip out of collars easily.
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Martingale collar: A collar that tightens with lead tension but only to a set extent, preventing throat damage. Best for dogs that tend to slip out of their collars easily.
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Rolled collar: Usually made of rolled leather, suitable for dogs with sensitive skin or those with wrinkles and rolls like pugs and bulldogs. It is not recommended for dogs that pull excessively on walks.
Browse our range of super stylish dog collars to complete your pup’s look.
Dog collar or harness: which is better?
Deciding whether to attach your lead to a collar or harness for your dog walks depends on various factors, including breed, health, and behaviour. Ultimately, the choice of harness or collar for walking routines depends on your dog's individual needs.
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Choose a collar if: Your dog walks well on a loose lead and is only out for a short walk.
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Choose a harness if: You need better control, your dog pulls, you have a puppy/small breed, or you want to prioritise safety and comfort.
It's beneficial to familiarise dogs with wearing both at the same time, displaying their ID tag on the collar and using a harness for their lead. This offers the best of both worlds.
Looking for a long-term harness investment? Check out our funky, adjustable dog harnesses for all different shapes and sizes, or browse our stylish dog collars to upgrade your next walk.
About the author
Terry Hearn
As the resident writer and harness expert for TopDog, Terry written extensively on a variety of topics close to every dog owner's heart, including a comprehensive dog owner's guide, the costs associated with dog ownership, the invaluable work of dog rescue charities, and crucial aspects of dog health, safety, and general wellbeing. Terry is passionate about providing the information dog owners need to ensure their beloved canine companions live their happiest, healthiest, and safest life.