Harness or collar for large dogs?

April 26, 2019

Owners always want the best for their pets, so that they can lead healthy and happy lives. One question many large dog owners have is whether to walk them with a collar or a harness.

ARISTOPET always recommends that these questions should be discussed with your trusted veterinarian.

Ultimately, every dog is different and has a completely distinct build. Some dogs even tend to be very strong and pull during walks. Therefore, specialists are always the ones who can give you the best advice.

Different veterinarians and psychologists have guided us regarding the questions large dog owners have about whether to walk their dogs with a collar or a harness. There are different arguments, but they all suggest that a harness is “safer and, above all, healthier for your dog.”

arnés o collar para perros grandes

“My dog pulls, and I don't know whether to use a harness or a collar.” This is often one of the main questions large dog owners have. María Martínez, an ethology veterinarian at Clínica Malasaña, states that “even if people believe a dog pulls more with a harness, it will always pull just as much even if you use a collar.”

However, a point highlighted by all interviewed veterinarians is that if your dog pulls, it will pull equally with a collar or a harness. But a collar, however, is placed in a sensitive area where a lot of organs can be injured by pulling.

The dangers of a collar

“They can suffer cervical pain,” says Beatriz Crespo, veterinarian at Veter Salud las Rozas.
“It causes trachea problems,” says Miguel Zarco, veterinarian at Clínica Peñalara.

The biggest drawback is that if your dog pulls a lot and you walk it with a collar, it will ultimately suffer more, as it can lead to certain injuries. And these are not minor injuries, but can become chronic injuries.

Another drawback is that many owners leave collars on their dogs while at home, and “they can suffer from dermatitis and irritations,” states Miguel Zarco. However, with a harness, “owners usually take it off when they get home after a walk.”

Walking a large dog with a harness is healthier

Miguel emphasizes that “for the dog's health, it is much healthier to walk it with a harness,” because it is better for it to “pull from the chest than from the neck.”

Many owners tend to walk their dogs with collars because they think it pulls less and that way it will learn not to pull. However, Beatriz Crespo states that “a dog's training does not depend on the collar or the harness, but rather comes from before.”

To try to prevent your dog from pulling, according to Laia Custodi, veterinarian at Clínica Quevedog, she recommends walking “your puppy with a harness and as they get older with anti-pull harnesses that pull from the mouth and chest, but do not harm the neck.” She clarifies that everything depends on the “dog's character.”

The advantages of a harness

The main advantages of walking your dog with a harness, according to María Martínez:

They pull from the chest
They don't suffer pain or chronic injuries to the throat
They are much safer and more resistant.

Regarding dogs with phobias, she recommends definitely using a harness. She clarifies that “dogs that tend to exhibit these behaviors should wear custom-made harnesses or other options, such as those from the Puppia brand, because they are made of soft, comfortable, safe, and resistant fabric.”

The disadvantages of a harness

However, harnesses should not be overused, as some breeds of dogs, due to their build, may have problems with certain harnesses. Laia Custodi points out that “Golden Retrievers and Labradors are experiencing shoulder problems with some sports harnesses because they don't allow them to move properly.” She recommends “trying not to use these types of harnesses during long walks” and Maria indicates that “they can be replaced by ones that attach around the legs.”

arnés o collar para perros grandes

Therefore, depending on your dog's temperament, and if it pulls a lot during walks, it is recommended to use a harness. But, as Laia highlighted, it is important to ensure it doesn't bother them.

However, if your dog doesn't pull, it's fine to use a collar, as it won't suffer any neck problems.

The most popular harnesses and collars on the market are: