It is one of the most common questions when a dog arrives at home: do I put a harness or a collar on them? The answer depends on how your dog walks, their size, and their health. Here is a quick guide.
When is a harness better than a collar?
- Dogs that pull on the leash: the harness distributes the force across the chest and does not press on the trachea.
- Brachycephalic breeds (bulldog, pug, boxer), which already have difficulty breathing.
- Small dogs, with more delicate necks.
- Dogs with neck, back, or cough problems.
- Sports, mountains, or car rides: the harness allows you to hold them better and attach them to the seat belt.
When is a collar enough?
For dogs that already walk without pulling, the collar is comfortable, lightweight, and the ideal place to carry the identification tag or a tracker. Many owners use both: a collar at home with the tag, and a harness for walks.
How do you measure a dog to choose the size?
Use a sewing measuring tape, with the dog standing and calm.
- Neck: measure where the collar would rest and add the space of two fingers.
- Chest: around the widest part of the thorax, just behind the front legs. It is the key measurement for the harness.
- Back length (only for clothing): from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
If your dog is between two sizes, choose the larger one and adjust it. A well-fitted harness leaves no marks, does not rub the armpits, and cannot be removed by pulling back over the head.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Choosing by weight instead of by measurements.
- Leaving the collar so loose that it slips off, or so tight that fingers cannot fit.
- Using pull harnesses or prong collars for correction: it is better to work on walking with treats and patience. Treat pouches and training accessories will help you.
In our harnesses, collars, and leashes section, you have the size chart on each product page, from padded models for small dogs to leather harnesses for large breeds. Free shipping throughout Spain.
If you prefer to get everything at once, in the Walk, Travel, and Safety Pack, you choose what you need among harnesses, leashes, trackers, and carriers.