top of page

Collar or harness?

Equipping dogs with collars or harnesses is a central topic in animal husbandry and dog training. This article summarizes scientific findings and empirical studies to illuminate the advantages and disadvantages of both systems. Aspects such as pressure distribution, freedom of movement, behavior, and safety are discussed.

Blutgefäße Hund 1.jpg

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.

Innere Organe Hund 2.jpg

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.

The choice between a collar and a harness is not merely a matter of aesthetics, but has far-reaching consequences for the dog's health and behavior. Historically, the collar was used primarily for control and guidance, while modern approaches increasingly rely on harnesses to achieve a more even distribution of pressure and prevent injuries (cf. Miklósi 2007). The discussion is enriched by veterinary, behavioral, and animal care perspectives.

​

Numerous studies have examined the biomechanical effects of collars and harnesses. For example, the study by Peham et al. (2013) shows how different dog harnesses influence dogs' gait patterns. The results show that certain harness types can restrict freedom of movement and thus impair the dog's natural locomotion. Another study by Voss et al. (2010) investigated how tensile forces caused by leash tension affect the alignment of the cervical spine in dogs. The results indicate that collars can potentially be harmful to the cervical spine, trachea, thyroid, and blood vessels when pulled strongly, whereas well-fitting harnesses allow for a more even distribution of pressure and thus prevent health damage caused by, for example, sudden jerking on the leash. The methodological approaches in these studies include both experimental stress tests and behavioral observations in everyday situations, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of both types of equipment.

​​

​Biomechanical aspects: The collar exerts concentrated pressure on the neck and throat area, especially when subjected to breed-typical strong pulling forces. This concentration can lead to injuries such as tracheal compression. In contrast, well-fitting harnesses distribute the pulling pressure over a larger area of ​​the chest, thus reducing the risk of neck injuries. A study from Hartpury College in England examined the forces acting on the leash when dogs wear either a collar or a harness. The results suggest that harnesses allow for a more even distribution of pressure and may therefore offer health benefits. "Prong or choke collars can lead to mechanical or ischemic damage to the brain, thyroid, trachea, larynx, and esophagus as a result of excessive force. A tendency toward increased intraocular pressure due to excessive pressure on the jugular vein has also been observed." (Grainger et al. 2016)

​

Behavioral aspects: Choosing the right harness can also influence a dog's behavior. Harnesses, especially those with additional padding and an ergonomic design, offer dogs more freedom of movement and comfort, which can have a positive effect on their overall willingness to train. On the other hand, poorly fitting harnesses can also lead to irritability and stress. If dogs can always heel or at least stay within the leash radius, never jump on the leash, are not motivated to hunt, and do not have genetically inherited breathing problems (e.g., French Bulldogs, Pugs, etc.), wearing a decorative collar is safe. Responsible and knowledgeable breeders only give their puppies a harness, not a collar. The reason for this is to protect the sensitive and immature bone and muscle structures, as well as the ignorance of many dog ​​owners of the damage that can be caused by pulling on the leash.

​

Security aspects: In addition to health considerations, safety is also a key factor. While collars allow for easier release in emergency situations, such as a sudden fall, modern safety harnesses often offer innovative quick-release systems that ensure comparable safety (see German Animal Welfare 2021).

​

Training aspects: Putting on a harness or collar should be practiced with the dog. Simply putting it on (especially without warning) is very uncomfortable for many dogs and can lead to conflict between owner and dog.

​

Conclusion:

The choice between a collar and a harness depends largely on individual factors such as dog type, behavioral patterns, and intended use. Scientific studies show that a well-fitting harness offers health benefits for dogs with strong pulling behavior or anatomical abnormalities, while collars can be advantageous in certain situations, such as ease of use in an emergency. It is recommended that pet owners seek comprehensive advice before making a decision and consider both biomechanical and behavioral aspects.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​

Bibliography:

​

  • Miklósi, Á. (2007): Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition.
    [vgl. https://academic.oup.com/book/9324]

  • Peham, C., Limbeck, S., Galla, K., & Bockstahler, B. (2013): "Impact of different dog harnesses on canine gait patterns." The Veterinary Journal, 196(1), 64-68.

  • Voss, K., Montavon, P. M., & Hässig, M. (2010): "Effect of simulated leash forces on cervical vertebral column alignment in dogs." American Journal of Veterinary Research, 71(7), 814-819.

  • Deutscher Tierschutzbund (2021): Richtlinien zur artgerechten Hundehaltung.
    [vgl. https://www.tierschutzbund.de/fileadmin/Seiten/tierschutzbund.de/Downloads/
    Broschueren/Broschuere_Hunde_Haltung.pdf]

  • John Grainger, Alison Wills, V. Tamara Montrose (2016): The behavioral effects of walking on a collar and harness in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris),
    [vgl. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787816300454?via%3Dihub]    ​​​​​​​​

 

Collar vs. harness

Collar

Advantages:

  • Quick and easy to put on

  • Various sizes and widths available

  • Ideal for dogs that walk calmly on a leash

  • Quickly opens in an emergency

Disadvantages:​

  • Harmful if pulled hard

  • May be easily slipped off by the dog (if not adjusted and put on correctly)

  • Not suitable for dogs with breathing problems (e.g., pugs, French bulldogs)

  • High risk of injury to the spine, thyroid, arteries, veins, etc. due to sudden movements

  • Not suitable for puppies!

Harness

Advantages:

  • Distributes pressure evenly across the dog's body

  • Protects sensitive areas such as the neck, trachea, thyroid, etc.

  • Better control of the dog

  • Prevents health damage caused by sudden jerks

  • Also suitable for puppies, older dogs, and dogs with breathing problems

  • Suitable for anxious or rescue dogs to prevent them from escaping (e.g., safety harness)

Disadvantages:​

  • Incorrectly adjusted or designed harnesses (e.g., incorrect fit, Norwegian harness, etc.) can restrict freedom of movement and cause injuries

  • Putting on a harness can take longer than putting on a collar (even in emergencies)

​

​Different types of harnesses

Y-harness

Advantages:

  • Y-shape is ergonomic

  • Provides good support without restricting the dog's movement

  • Available in many different sizes and colors

  • Ideal for dogs that aren't good on a leash

  • Leash tension is distributed across the large chest area, eliminating strain on the neck area

  • Dog is easier to control and can be corrected without risk of injury

  • Padded harness prevents "cutting" into the skin and distributes the tension over a larger body surface

​

Disadvantages:​

  • Can chafe the fur or skin if the fit is poor

  • Can be easily slipped off by the dog (if not adjusted and put on correctly)

  • Dog can slip backward out of the harness (not suitable for anxious dogs)

Step-in harness

Advantages:

  • Easy to put on, as the dog only needs to step in with its front paws

  • Suitable for puppies learning how to put on a harness and leash

  • Suitable for small dog breeds

  • Leash tension is distributed over larger areas of the body, reducing strain on the neck area

​

Disadvantages:​

  • Often offers less control than other harness types

  • Can chafe the fur or skin if the fit is poor

  • Can be easily slipped off by the dog (if not adjusted and put on correctly)

  • Dog can slip backward out of the harness (not suitable for anxious dogs)

Safety harness

Advantages:

  • Similar to a Y-harness, but with an additional belly strap

  • Prevents the dog from slipping backward (ideal for anxious or insecure dogs)

  • Provides good support without restricting the dog's movement

  • Available in many different sizes and colors

  • Ideal for dogs that don't respond well to a leash

  • The pull on the leash is distributed across several areas of the body, eliminating strain on the neck area

  • The dog is easier to control and can be corrected without risk of injury

​​

Disadvantages:

  • Can chafe the fur or skin if the harness is poorly fitted

  • It takes longer to put on than other types of harnesses

Norwegian harness

Advantages:

  • Easy to put on

  • Available in many different sizes and colors

  • Good for quick control of the dog

  • No strain on the neck area

​​

Disadvantages:

  • Runs across the shoulders, severely restricting the dog's freedom of movement

  • Strong or sudden pull is transmitted directly to the shoulder joints

  • Continuous use can lead to tension and even poor posture (affecting muscles and joints!)

bottom of page