top of page

Collar or harness?

Choosing between a collar and a harness isn't just a matter of taste. It affects your dog's health, musculoskeletal system, behavior, and safety.

In this article, you'll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both options, what scientific studies show, and which solution makes sense for different everyday situations.

Anatomy & physical stress – Why this topic is important

Anatomie des Hundehalses mit Blutgefäßen, Luftröhre und Nerven – relevante Strukturen beim Einsatz von Halsbändern

The largest blood vessels in the dog's head, neck and chest area

​

Source: Alberto Barneto Carmona (2021): "Pet owner educational atlas - Dogs". 2nd edition (2021), Edra Publishing LLC, S. 10.

Sensitive structures such as the trachea, thyroid gland, blood vessels, and nerve pathways run through a dog's neck. Pulling forces from leash jerks act directly on these structures – especially with poorly fitting or narrow collars.

 

Studies show that repeated pressure on the neck can strain the airways, cervical spine, and soft tissues, particularly in dogs that pull strongly.

Innere Organe und Atemwege des Hundes im Hals- und Brustbereich – Einfluss von Zugkräften durch Leinen

The internal organs in the dog's head, neck and chest area

 

Source: Alberto Barneto Carmona (2021): "Pet owner educational atlas - Dogs". 2nd edition (2021), Edra Publishing LLC, S. 9.

A well-fitted harness distributes pulling forces more evenly across the chest and shoulder area. This can reduce pressure points – provided the harness is anatomically correct and properly adjusted.

Collar – Advantages & Risks

Advantages

  • Quick to put on and take off

  • Lightweight

  • Useful for calm dogs that walk well on a leash

  • Practical for short everyday situations (e.g., garden, quick walk)

​

Disadvantages & Risks

  • High strain on the neck, trachea, cervical spine, and blood vessels, potentially leading to injuries

  • Unsuitable for dogs with breathing problems (e.g., brachycephalic breeds)

  • Increased risk of injury from sudden pulling

  • Can potentially be easily slipped off by the dog

  • Not recommended for puppies

Harness – Advantages & potential disadvantages

Advantages

  • More even pressure distribution

  • Protects the neck, trachea, and sensitive structures

  • Improved control for pulling or insecure dogs

  • Suitable for puppies, young dogs, anxious dogs, and rescue dogs

​

Disadvantages

  • An incorrect fit can restrict movement

  • Poor design can restrict shoulder movement

  • Applying the harness requires training (especially for sensitive dogs)

Scientific and behavioral aspects

Studies (e.g., Peham et al., 2013; Voss et al., 2010) show:

Collars create higher point loads

Harnesses, if correctly chosen, can be easier on the joints

However, unsuitable harnesses can affect gait

What matters is not "collar or harness", but: fit, training level and area of ​​use.

Safety aspects in everyday life

  • Collars can be quickly opened in emergencies.

  • Safety harnesses with an additional belly strap prevent the dog from wriggling out.

  • For anxious or flighty dogs, a safety harness is clearly preferable.

What types of harnesses are there – brief & clear

Y-harness

  • Ergonomic shape

  • Padding distributes pulling force evenly

  • No strain on the neck area

  • Free shoulder movement

  • Ideal for everyday use and training

  • Dog can slip backward out of the harness

  • Poor fit can cause chafing of the fur and skin

Safety harness

  • Additional belly strap

  • Prevents slipping backwards out

  • Provides secure support without restricting movement

  • No strain on the neck area

  • Strength is distributed evenly across multiple body regions

  • Ideal for anxious and rescue dogs

  • Slightly more complex to handle

  • Poor fit can cause chafing of the fur and skin

Norwegian harness

  • Quick to put on

  • Does not put strain on the neck area

  • Severely restricts shoulder movement

  • Strong or sudden pulls are directly transferred to the shoulder joints

  • Can cause tension and postural problems

  • Only suitable for calm dogs

Step-in harness

  • Easy to put on

  • Pulling force is evenly distributed across multiple body regions

  • No strain on the neck area

  • Dog can slip backward out of the harness

  • Poor fit can cause chafing of the fur and skin

  • Offers less control than other harness types

Training is crucial – regardless of the system

Regardless of whether a collar or harness is used, the dog should learn:

 

  • to walk calmly on a leash

  • not to pull continuously

  • to accept being put on and taken off without stress


A well-trained dog with appropriate equipment is always the best solution.

Conclusion – our clear recommendation

The choice between a collar and a harness depends largely on individual factors such as the dog's breed, behavior, and intended use.

Scientific studies show that for dogs with a strong pulling tendency or anatomical peculiarities, a well-fitting harness is the healthier choice.

Collars can be advantageous in certain situations, such as for easy handling in an emergency, but they are not a universal solution and do not replace leash training.


It is recommended that pet owners seek comprehensive advice before making a decision and consider both biomechanical and behavioral aspects.

We're happy to help you choose the right harness and support you with leash training! You can find more information here:

bottom of page