Dog owners often skip collars and choose harnesses as they're a far better option for several reasons. It's more comfortable, and safer and allows you better control if your dog is a puller. Dog training harnesses are easy to use and dog seem to prefer them (some dogs will refuse to wear a collar no matter what). Here are a few tips to choose the right one.

Are Harnesses Better Than Collars?

Most dog training professionals prefer harnesses over collars. Collars would put unnecessary tension on the neck which, can easily lead to health issues such as a collapsed trachea (which can especially risky for little dogs. A harness will evenly distribute weight across the dog’s chest. Using a harness is also a good choice for safety reasons. The collar can easily restrict breathing and damage the tissues in the dog's neck (in case the animal pulls too hard). Harnesses give better control on walks and make it easier to manage your dog on a lead.

Also, they discourage pulling by redirecting your dog. Most dog training harnesses have a handle on the back, allowing you to assist your pet in case it needs a little help to stand up, get into the car, or cross barriers on walks. Some dogs simply don't like collars, so a harness will be a much more acceptable option. Dog breeds such as Frenchies often have issues with wearing collars as they put pressure on their necks and make their breathing even harder.

Things to Consider

Before choosing your training dog harness, consider its safety and durability. It's much more important than the design and colour. Check if it'll hold up to extensive use and if you can adjust the fit. The harness should easily adjust in several places because all dogs are built differently. You should be able to adjust it at the neck and chest. Let's not forget about comfort. Besides safety, your dog shouldn't struggle when wearing it. There shouldn't be any pressure on their throat or neck. Finally, consider the style. Your dog won't mind how it looks but you'd probably want to get something that looks good and eye-pleasing.

Types of Dog Harnesses

Step-in Harness

This is the most common dog harness and easiest to find in pet shops. Simply lay it on the ground and help your dog step into the loops for its front legs. Then lift the straps over the shoulders and close it with the buckle at the back. If you're on a budget, this is a good choice as it's a very affordable harness. Choose it if you have a puppy, a small dog or a senior dog, as it removes the pressure from their neck and distributes it across their torso. Most step-in harnesses are quite simple with minimal straps, but some have a vest option that gives more padding and comfort. It usually comes with a D-ring at the back where you can attach a leash.

No Pull Harness

This type of harness has a dual or front clip closing. You can attach the leash to the D-ring on your dog's chest area; if your dog pulls forward, the harness will force it to pivot toward you and away from the direction it wants to go in. This is a good choice for pullers, as it gives you more control over your dog. Choose it if you are training your dog for obedience (as well as for proper walking by your side).

Head Halter Harness

The head harness is a no-pull harness that resembles a horse halter. It has two straps that fit over the dog’s nose and behind the ears. Its purpose is to give you more control over the head so you can prevent pulling. But, it's worth mentioning that this isn't the most comfortable harness. A pulling dog will try to keep pulling, but its head will be held at a very unnatural angle which can easily result in an injury.

Tightening No-pull Harness

This is another version of the no-pull harness dog harness; it tightens around the chest the more your dog pulls. This model cannot hurt your dog, but it can be restrictive and uncomfortable. Some dogs can learn to ignore the tightening around their chest area, which is not a good choice for unrestricted movement and breathing.

Tactical Harness

This one is often used for police and military dogs. It can be modified for various activities like bite work, tracking or parachuting and abseiling. It's a good choice for highly active dogs that love going on hikes, runs or hunting. It's super durable and versatile, made from strong nylon to protect a dog’s torso and comes with military-style MOLLE carrying systems.

There is velcro for morale patches and ID and hook and loop attachment points so that your dog can carry things like water bottles, dog food, and treats. The added weight can be beneficial if you're trying to tire out an athletic dog. Even though these harnesses are specially designed for large breeds, you can also find smaller models.

Car Safety Harness

If you're often taking your dog for a ride, it's a good idea to get a harness that will keep it safe in the vehicle. These models are made with a soft vest so the force from a sudden stop will be distributed as evenly as possible across the chest.

Rehabilitation Harness

Rehabilitation harnesses are designed for dogs who underwent surgery or are suffering from some type of injury or disease such as spinal injuries or severe hip dysplasia. There are various kinds of rehab harnesses, some attach to doggy wheelchairs, and most have a handle to let you lift your dog.