Harness vs. Collar. Which One is Better?
This has been an ongoing debate for as long as time. “What should I walk my dog in - harness, collar, or something else?”
Hint: there is not one right answer. Let me tell you why.
Not Every Dog Will Benefit From a Harness
If you don’t teach them that harness = loose leash walking.
Like any other piece of training equipment, a dog has to learn what it means when you use it. Using a harness won’t prevent pulling itself.
Because believe it or not, teaching a dog not to pull is one of the hardest skills for dog owners who’ve never seen pulling as a conditioned response that usually goes like this:
Dog sees other dog/animal/person —> Dog pulls to say hi —> Dog is rewarded by greeting other dog/animal/person —> Dog learns when he pulls, he gets to do fun things. Behavioral pulling is a conditioned response.
Harnesses make pulling more appealing to dogs who already pull because it’s more comfortable, and dogs who pull out of overexcitement or overaroual won’t g-a-f if they have a harness or collar. Dogs who tend to pull, first and foremost, need practice with Loose Leash Walking in lower stress environments where they have no interest in pulling towards people or other dogs. Using a harness, especially a front clip harness, on a dog who hasn’t been taught not to pull.. will still pull, and you’ll be frustrated. But… Pulling as a result of instincts or unmet needs can present differently though, like when a herding dog pulls to chase after cars or bikes. You can go from calm one minute, to insano style the next. Pulling to fulfill genetic instincts is not a conditioned response.
Today, we’re specifically talking about behavioral pulling.
Different Harnesses for Different Purposes
There are many different styles of harnesses available, but these are the most common ones that I’ve personally seen and worked with.
1 - Traditional Step-In Harness
A traditional step-in harness for dogs is a simple and easy-to-use harness that slips comfortably over a dog’s front legs and fastens securely around the chest and back. Depending on the brand and style, these harnesses may feature one or two buckles for added security, and most brands offer some degree of sizing adjustability to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Its straightforward and practical design makes it a popular choice among dog owners because it’s quick and hassle-free to put on, while also effectively reducing pressure on the dog’s trachea, promoting better comfort and safety during walks.
These harnesses typically feature a clip for attaching the leash securely on the back of the harness. This design helps make walks much more comfortable and controlled, especially for dogs that require extra support. A step-in harness can be used on all sizes of dog, but larger or older dogs may have difficulty.
It’s particularly beneficial for delicate toy breeds with thin, fragile necks, brachycephalic dogs that are prone to respiratory distress, and senior dogs who face need additional support.
2 - Front Clip / Dual Clip Harness
While yes, an Easy Walker no-pull harness is a front clip harness, that is not what I’m referring to here. A front-clip harness can be either a step-in or overhead harness with an added front clip for versatility, but it does not add a reinforcing mechanism. Some brands may also include a back clip as well. By attaching the leash at the front, it aids in gently redirecting your dog's attention back toward you, which may help in preventing pulling and reinforcing loose leash manners without causing discomfort or harm.
A spaniel wearing a front clip tactical harness
This type of harness also may discourage lunging and jumping when combined with another reinforcer. Additionally, it distributes pressure more evenly across your dog’s chest and back rather than the neck and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury for slender or smaller dogs.
3 - Easy Walker / No-Pull Harness
This specific style of front clip harness can be especially useful for redirecting heavy pulling during training sessions because it combines positive punishment and negative reinforcement alongside whatever primary reinforcer you’re using to effectively help curb and redirect pulling behavior.
If you’ve ever used one, or even just thought about giving it a try, you’ll likely notice that the mechanism I’m referring to is a tightening system very similar to a martingale collar, gently encouraging your dog to stay focused and walk calmly by your side.
If they engage in pulling, the tightening mechanism gently adds pressure, encouraging them to stop. When they allow slack in the leash and walk calmly, it removes that pressure, helping reinforce the habit of maintaining a loose leash.
However, harnesses like these need to be used correctly and consistently in order to have any real effect. If you’re feeling unsure about how to properly use one and are desperate to stop your dog’s pulling once and for all, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule a personalized training session!
4 - Overhead / Utility Harness
An overhead harness is an option for larger or older dogs who may find it difficult or uncomfortable to wear a traditional step-in harness. These harnesses are designed to provide extra comfort, often featuring a sturdy back clip and handle that offers enhanced support and control. Additionally, the buckles are usually positioned underneath the dog’s chest, making them easier to fasten and less likely to irritate sensitive areas.
These harnesses don’t have any redirection mechanisms and won’t discourage any pulling, much like a simple step-in harness that does not have any features to guide or control your dog’s movements.
You Should Also Teach Your Dog How to Loose Leash Walk in a Collar (or Slip Leash)
While a harness offers extra support and useful redirection mechanisms, collars that are specifically designed for training purposes can also serve the same important function. Teaching your dog loose leash manners while using a harness can sometimes be a bit challenging, but incorporating a training collar or slip leash can make a big difference by helping your dog adjust more comfortably to the subtle changes in pressure as they walk alongside you. The combination can create a smoother, more effective training experience.
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Martingale Collar
Martingale collars are especially useful for dogs with smaller necks who might easily slip out of traditional collars when they pull away. They provide gentle control without choking, making them a great choice for trainers and owners looking to safely redirect pulling behavior using a form of negative reinforcement. This type of collar helps keep your dog secure while encouraging better leash manners in a humane way.
Slip Collar / Slip Leash
A slip collar or slip leash works by applying gentle pressure and then releasing it, using a similar pressure and release mechanism without the need for the handler to give explicit corrections. This allows for effective communication with your dog who may need redirection in a training session.
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Prong Collars
Prong collars may not always be effective because they rely on physical discomfort and added correction to control a dog’s behavior, which doesn’t address the underlying cause of the issue. Many dogs who are not conditioned to them become fearful or anxious, leading to increased stress rather than improved obedience. Without pairing the collar with positive reinforcement and consistent training techniques, the effects are often temporary and can fail to create long-lasting behavioral change.
Choke Chain + Leash
Similar to prongs, they aren’t always effective because they rely on causing discomfort, which can create fear and anxiety rather than cooperation. Choke chains may be useful for quick redirection in emergencies, but they shouldn’t be long term tools. Modern positive reinforcement techniques tend to be more successful, offering clear, consistent communication that helps dogs understand and enjoy learning rather than just reacting out of discomfort.
E-Collars
Ecollars, or electronic collars, can cause unintended negative consequences when used improperly like unintentional negative associations or arousal redirection. They rely on delivering shocks or static corrections, which may confuse or frighten dogs who are not desensitized to them, leading to mistrust between pet and owner.
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Bark/Spray Collars
Bark collars don’t help because they address the symptom without understanding the cause. Using a bark collar can suppress this natural behavior temporarily but often leads to increased stress, confusion, or even aggression in some dogs. Instead of teaching dogs how to express themselves appropriately, bark collars rely on punishment, which can damage trust between dog and owner.
Leather Collars
Leather collars, while stylish and durable, aren't the most practical choice in a training setting. They tend to be stiff and can take a long time to break in, which means they don’t offer the flexibility and comfort needed during active training sessions. Leather collars also tend to lack the quick adjustability and lightweight feel that synthetic or nylon collars provide, making it harder to maintain proper control and responsiveness when working on obedience or behavior management.
Chain Collars (Without attached leash)
Chain collars can be dangerous because they can cause serious physical harm to a dog when used improperly. The metal links can pinch or choke the dog's neck, leading to injuries. If they are left on outside of a training environment, there is a risk of dogs getting their teeth stuck in the chains.
Chain Collars Like This Are Counterintuitive
This? This is dangerous.
A slip chain is different because it connects to a leash attachment, creating a mechanism quite similar to a slip leash. Additionally, some fluffy dogs might actually respond better to the sound of the chain, which can help with focus during training.
However, a chain collar—like the one shown in the picture—tends to bring more risks than rewards. Just one wrong tug or twist can cause this Pinscher to get a nail or even a tooth painfully caught in the links. On top of that, these collars carry the highest risk of injury for dogs that frequently pull, making them a less safe choice overall.
For The Most Effective Loose Leash Walking
Using a harness and collar combination can be an effectice and reliable ways to reinforce loose leash manners because it provides you with greater control and clearer communication while walking your dog. The collar allows for gentle redirection and extra security if your dog pulls or lunges unexpectedly, while the harness distributes pressure more evenly across the body, preventing strain or injury. A harness with a front clip can offer an extra layer of security while working on loose leash manners as well. Remember, dogs aren’t born knowing how a leash works — we need to teach them. Not sure where to start? Finding a trainer will help!
~ Ashley