Dog Collars vs. Harnesses: An Overview of the Pros and Cons

You’ve just gotten a dog—congratulations! And now you’re already facing your first big decision: collar or harness? The question sounds simple, but it’s actually a bit more complex than it seems. After all, what your dog wears around its neck or on its body can have a direct impact on its health, well-being, and your training together.

Are you new to the world of dogs and not quite sure what’s best for you and your dog? Then you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take a look at both options—along with the pros and cons of each.

Collar or harness – What's the difference?

Both collars and harnesses are designed to allow you to walk your dog on a leash.

A collar fits around your dog's neck and connects the leash to the back of the neck and throat area. They come in countless varieties: simple buckle collars, collars with a choke-stop feature, and wide or narrow styles.

A harness (also known as a chest harness) wraps around the dog’s chest and, in some cases, its back. It distributes the pulling force over a larger area of the body and protects the sensitive neck region. Here, too, there are various designs, ranging from Y-harnesses and Norwegian harnesses to pulling harnesses.

What are the benefits of wearing a collar?

Let's start by taking a closer look at the classic version: the collar. It is probably still the most common type today.

Advantages of the collar at a glance:

• Easy to use – quick to put on and take off – practical for everyday use.
• Better communication during training – The dog senses subtle signals through the leash directly on its neck, which can be specifically used to improve leash manners.
• Less pulling – Many dogs pull less on a collar than on a harness – provided they are well-trained to walk on a leash.
• Ideal for calm dogs that walk well on a leash – If your dog walks calmly by your side, a collar is perfectly sufficient.
• Always on the dog – Many owners leave the collar on their dog at all times – with the dog’s name and address as an important safety measure. It also looks more discreet, which is a deciding factor for many. But, like many things, that’s a matter of personal taste.

What are the disadvantages of wearing a collar?

Your dog’s neck contains the trachea, thyroid gland, larynx, spine, and major blood vessels. All of these structures are located close together and offer little protection. When your dog pulls on the leash—and puppies and young dogs in particular tend to do this—it puts direct pressure on these sensitive structures.

Disadvantages of the collar at a glance:

• Pressure on the throat and neck – Constant pulling can lead to chronic inflammation of the larynx and trachea. In cases of severe pulling, a link has even been observed with increased intraocular pressure—which is particularly relevant for breeds that are already prone to eye problems.
• Dogs may slip out – Dogs with narrow heads (e.g., greyhounds) can slip out of a collar. It is therefore essential to choose the right type of collar, such as a slip collar, which tightens to a certain point.
• Not suitable for puppies– If your dog isn't yet used to walking on a leash, this collar could be problematic.

What are the advantages of wearing a harness?

Harnesses have become significantly more popular in recent years—and there are a variety of different styles, ranging from Y-harnesses and Norwegian harnesses to draft harnesses.

Benefits of a harness at a glance:

• Even pressure distribution – the tension is distributed across the chest, back, and sides – leaving the sensitive neck area free. Whether you’re jogging, hiking, or cycling, the harness distributes the load evenly, making it ideal for athletic activities.
• Greater safety – Anxious or excited dogs can hardly wriggle out of a well-fitting harness. Safety harnesses, in particular, offer maximum protection in this regard.
• Safer in the Car – When driving, you may need to brake suddenly and unexpectedly at any time. That’s why you should always secure your dog with a harness while in the car.
• For puppies – Especially for young dogs that still run around a lot and aren’t yet used to walking on a leash, a harness protects their growing bodies.

What are the disadvantages of wearing a harness?

There are a few things you should know here as well. After all, a harness isn't automatically the "better" or "safer" option.

Disadvantages of harnesses at a glance:

• A poorly fitting harness = a problem – A harness that rests on the shoulder joints or rubs under the armpits restricts natural movement. The shoulder blade accounts for about 60% of forward movement, and no harness should block that. For this reason, so-called “Norwegian harnesses” are often viewed critically, as they can severely limit the range of motion. In addition, dogs can wriggle out of poorly fitting harnesses. Especially for small dogs or those with a unique body type (e.g., greyhounds), finding a suitable model can sometimes be a major challenge.
• Takes more effort to put on – It may take a little longer to put the harness on. It takes some practice, especially at first.
• Less precise training – When it comes to leash training, signals transmitted through a harness are slightly less precise than those transmitted through a collar.

Collar or harness—which is right for which dog?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. But as a general guide:

A collar is more suitable if…

• your dog is already well-trained on a leash and hardly pulls at all.
• you do specific leash training with him.
• he is calm, well-balanced, and physically healthy.
• if all you want to do is attach the Tasso tag or your phone number to your dog.

Harnesses are more suitable if…

• your dog is still young or a puppy.
• if he is anxious, nervous, or easily startled.
• who tends to pull.
• if you want to exercise together, such as jogging or cycling.
• he should be secured in the car.

Also: Why choose? Many dog owners use both: a collar for everyday use and a harness for walks, exercise, and travel.

What should I look for when buying? Choosing the right collar and harness

At the collar

• Width – At least as wide as your dog’s nose – narrow cords or thin ribbons can dig into the skin.
• Material – Soft fabric, leather, or neoprene lining are gentle on the skin.
• Fit – There should be enough room for two fingers between the neck and the collar. It should not be able to slip over the head.
• Closure – Metal closures are more durable than plastic ones. A pull-stop closure is useful for some breeds.

When it comes to harnesses

• Shoulder freedom – That’s the most important thing. No strap should rest on the shoulder joint or in the armpit.
• Fit – Leave at least three finger-widths of space behind the front leg. The back strap must stay securely in place while running.
• Type – For most dogs, a Y-harness that sits low on the sternum is recommended. For anxious dogs: a safety harness that secures the dog with an additional strap around the belly.
• Always try it on – When buying a harness, you should always check the fit: Can your dog reach out and jump freely?