The Best and Worst of Collars and Harnesses
When shopping for your dog you will find that there are many different products designed to make you and your pet's life a little easier, like a collar or harness.
The harness and the collar serve the same purpose, attaching your dog to a leash, but there are several things you should consider before choosing which is right for your pet.
Most harnesses and collars are made from the same material, however, they work in different ways and some pets will do better with one versus the other.
For some reason collars are the most popular means of restraint for dogs, probably because of simplicity.
Some think when training a large dog a collar gives the owner or trainer more control over him/her.
However I would not recommend using this method with large or small dogs.
If training small dogs or puppies, use a harness.
Do not use a collar at all if your dog has a habit of pulling against the leash, this can cause severe pain and even serious damage to your dogs throat, trachea, and neck.
Also, if your dog has a history of upper respiratory or trachea problems do not use a collar.
Collars are a negative reinforcement training method, as opposed to treat rewards and click training, which are considered positive reinforcement training.
I would always recommend using positive reinforcement training and using a harness on any dog no matter the size or breed.
Using a harness, on the other hand, is not negative reinforcement because it does not cause discomfort to your pet, even if they are taking you for a walk.
When using a harness, which I prefer, the pressure is distributed throughout your dog's chest and breastbone instead of choking them if they do tug and pull.
When you do purchase a harness it is very important to have the proper size and fit for your dog.
This can sometimes be a challenge because harnesses come in so many different styles.
In order to guarantee the proper fit you will need to measure around the dog's chest, if you are not experienced with fitting harnesses you may want to have a trainer or store clerk help you with the fit and make sure it's on right, you do not want him/her running right out of it at the first sight of a cat or squirrel.
You may also want to try on different styles of harnesses with your dog and see which is most comfortable for him/her and if it's the right one for you as well.
There are a couple types of no-pull harnesses that I prefer to use with my dogs.
They seem to be the most rewarding for both of us.
One type has a leash attachment at the center of your dog's chest, thus giving you more control of your dog's front half and helps in guiding him towards you if he pulls or gets turned around.
Another type works by securing around your dog's chest or leg area, this restrains him when he tugs, pulls, and jumps as well.
I think most pet owners would agree that when it comes to dog's, whether you are training, walking, or just out playing, the harness is the way to go.
The harness can offer so much assistance with all aspects of your dog's life much better than a collar.
Not only are they more comfortable for your dog, and help with training but it is also a much safer alternative to the collar that can cause injury to your loved one.
The harness and the collar serve the same purpose, attaching your dog to a leash, but there are several things you should consider before choosing which is right for your pet.
Most harnesses and collars are made from the same material, however, they work in different ways and some pets will do better with one versus the other.
For some reason collars are the most popular means of restraint for dogs, probably because of simplicity.
Some think when training a large dog a collar gives the owner or trainer more control over him/her.
However I would not recommend using this method with large or small dogs.
If training small dogs or puppies, use a harness.
Do not use a collar at all if your dog has a habit of pulling against the leash, this can cause severe pain and even serious damage to your dogs throat, trachea, and neck.
Also, if your dog has a history of upper respiratory or trachea problems do not use a collar.
Collars are a negative reinforcement training method, as opposed to treat rewards and click training, which are considered positive reinforcement training.
I would always recommend using positive reinforcement training and using a harness on any dog no matter the size or breed.
Using a harness, on the other hand, is not negative reinforcement because it does not cause discomfort to your pet, even if they are taking you for a walk.
When using a harness, which I prefer, the pressure is distributed throughout your dog's chest and breastbone instead of choking them if they do tug and pull.
When you do purchase a harness it is very important to have the proper size and fit for your dog.
This can sometimes be a challenge because harnesses come in so many different styles.
In order to guarantee the proper fit you will need to measure around the dog's chest, if you are not experienced with fitting harnesses you may want to have a trainer or store clerk help you with the fit and make sure it's on right, you do not want him/her running right out of it at the first sight of a cat or squirrel.
You may also want to try on different styles of harnesses with your dog and see which is most comfortable for him/her and if it's the right one for you as well.
There are a couple types of no-pull harnesses that I prefer to use with my dogs.
They seem to be the most rewarding for both of us.
One type has a leash attachment at the center of your dog's chest, thus giving you more control of your dog's front half and helps in guiding him towards you if he pulls or gets turned around.
Another type works by securing around your dog's chest or leg area, this restrains him when he tugs, pulls, and jumps as well.
I think most pet owners would agree that when it comes to dog's, whether you are training, walking, or just out playing, the harness is the way to go.
The harness can offer so much assistance with all aspects of your dog's life much better than a collar.
Not only are they more comfortable for your dog, and help with training but it is also a much safer alternative to the collar that can cause injury to your loved one.
