Is it better to train a puppy with a collar or harness?

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether is it better to train a puppy with a collar or harness.

Some people prefer to use the collar because it is easier and less expensive, while others prefer the harness because they think it is more humane.

The main difference between a collar and harness is that a collar doesn’t come off easily in case of an emergency.

The most important thing to remember about training your puppy with a collar is that you should never leave your dog unattended when wearing one.

This article discusses both sides of the debate and offers some advice on which type of training might be more appropriate for your pup.

Continue reading to learn more about using a harness instead of a collar for dog training at home.

Different types of harness to train your puppy

There are different types of harnesses, which can be clipped on front, back or both sides.

The back-clip type is the commonest, easiest to use, and safest of all types of harnesses for canines. It attaches at the back or shoulder straps to lessen risk of neck injuries.
Front-clip for dogs prevents pulling and injury because it eliminates the pressure of walking on the chest and chin.
The front-clip is an option you should consider if you want to use the versatility of a front-clip and the ease of use of a back clip. It is more pricey but it provides the best of both worlds.

Even if your dog is wearing a collar, proper identification must be present on said dog in the form of licenses.

If this information is lost, your pet may be misidentified and end up at an animal shelter or worse, the pound!

Different types of collars to train your puppy

There are two types of collars: rolled or flat. The most common are the flat and they often come in a variety of colours and styles.

They can be dangerous if your puppy gets their mouth caught in it, so it is important to make sure they will not able to get a hold of it.

A martingale collar, similar to flat collars, is less likely to slip off your pet’s head when adjusted properly

Many people use either choke chains or pinch collars to train their dogs. These types of collars provide different forms of restraint depending on their mechanism. Chains provide a sharp “jerk,” while spikes dig into the neck.

In both cases, the main goal of these collars is to teach dogs that their misbehavior has a strong negative consequence and punish them accordingly.

However, if you would rather not use the device yourself, make sure to get it from a reputable company with plenty of experience and trainees hand in-hand.

The Pros and Cons of Dog Harnesses

Pros of dog harnesses:

Some possible advantages to buying a dog harness instead of a standard collar include:

Keep your dog safe and comfortable at all times.
A harness is designed to secure a dog’s front legs so they can’t slip out, minimizing the risk of injury.
It can be helpful for puppies that aren’t yet taught to walk on a leash.
Help avoid injury for small dogs by slowing down your approach and walking on the inside of their lead.
It is a simple and versatile piece of equipment that can help prevent your dog from getting caught under his legs.
Placing your dogs on a front-clip harness is a great way to discourage pulling and focus on other, more rewarding behaviors.
A harness is best for dogs with a hacking cough from excitement, exercise, drinking water, or extreme temperatures.
It can help alleviate dog back pain by providing support and limiting pulling while walking.

Cons of dog harnesses:

It can be difficult for a lot of people to put on and take off a harness, which is why the easier alternative is usually a collar.
A dog harness is much more difficult to use than walking him on a regular collar, as it requires more physical strength. But the level of difficulty varies depending on the size of the dog.
If a harness is too big for your dog, there’s a chance it will be able to wiggle out and escape. This can put your pup at risk of injury, so it’s important to keep the harnesses that fit well.
Dogs pulling on a poorly fitted harness may be uncomfortable and cause pain.
It can be really uncomfortable outside in hot weather.
A harness that hooks on the back can be helpful for training your dog to pull you. The outcome, though, is that you are pulling the leash and not your dog.

What size collar should i get my puppy?

Check out the size of your pet’s neck & choose a collar that fits. Do not go any smaller than this or you will risk choking your pet.

Small breed dog – Your pointer finger should fit between your dog’s collar and their neck as this protects your fingers and prevents accidents.
Medium breed dog – If your pointer finger and middle finger can fit between the collar and your dog, you’re in a good position for petting.
Large breed dog – as of a rule, You should be able to put your pointer, middle & ring fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck.

Ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort is important.

Colors & designs don’t really matter when it comes to the decision.

A small collar will cause pain and discomfort, while a larger one may fall off and your pet may not be able to breathe comfortably.

The size of your dog’s neck

As with most dog questions, the best thing to do is watch the pup and observe her movements. When in doubt, go by your pet’s measurements. Your pup’s collar should be slightly loose around his neck if you’re still not sure on the correct size.

Take a measurement and match the measurement with the collar size. A buckle collar can be tightened or loosened depending on what type of fit you need.

What age can you put a harness on a puppy?

The importance of introducing your pet to a harness right away cannot be understated. Not only are the benefits both learning-wise and for the safety of your dog.

It’s important to allow your puppy time to adjust before starting to train it.

Getting used to the process of training your animal might be easier if you do a little bit of training yourself first by getting accustomed to your pet.

Some veterinarians recommend waiting until your puppy gets its last vaccination booster before you start training.

This gives them the best chance to develop strong socialisation skills and other behaviours essential for success in everyday life.

Which is Safest: Harness or Collar?

Your puppy’s collar can feel a little restrictive. It is best to have your pet wear a harness while in public or going out to places where they might interact with other dogs or animals. The harness will also help prevent any accidents that could occur when on-leash walking your dog.

There is no one type of harness that is best for every pet. Each animal requires an individualized fit because both you and your pup are different individuals. In general, the harness should be comfortable to wear & provide optimal protection for your dog.

I always recommend taking a dog to the store to try on harnesses and pick out the one that fits them. You can find smaller and easier-to-put-on models just by taking your dog around.

Conclusion

Dogs should wear collars to make it easy for owners to control their pets and provide a visual cue for pet trainers.

Harnesses can also stimulate the whole body so that dogs don’t become overtrained easily.

Your dog is always with you, wherever you go. It’s safe and secure while keeping your dog comfortable.

Most veterinarians don’t advocate the use of collars. They prefer to use harnesses.

In fact, some vets think that using a harness can help dogs to better understand what you are instructing them to do, which ultimately makes your job easier since it may make your dog more obedient and well-behaved in general.

Good luck on your decision to train a puppy with a collar or harness.