Walking With A Dog Collar VS Dog Harness

Man’s best friend tends to evoke a love that will make them a family member over simply a pet. So giving them the best is second nature for most. A critical key to their happiness is a much needed walk. But to do so with a dog collar vs dog harness may come down to more than preference.

For most domestic animals, a collar is a necessity. Fashion has a big role in choosing the right one. They are available in pretty much any color, print, or pattern. There are also personalized types, ones with sayings fitting for an animal, and studded or rhinestone details.

Electric collars and fences can be used on the dog’s play area in the absence of a physical fence. This helps keep the pup where it belongs and keeps it from hurting itself. But collars also hold information that is extremely important. They allow easy access to ID tags for identification when lost or stolen and proof that immunizations are up to date.

An adjustable buckle or tab for quick release is found on most fashion collars. They range in sizes from extra large breeds down to toy breeds. Choker or slip collars are also offered for training purposes. When yanked taunt they will tighten around the neck. Their purpose is to discourage pulling and assist in teaching obedience, but unless the owner is instructed on how to use them properly they should be avoided.

Harnesses v at the dog’s neck and come around the stomach and back. They click into place on the side after slipping them over the front feet. In the middle of the back there is a ring to attach a leash. They too are adjustable and size appropriate for most breeds. A shoulder collar will loop around each upper arm and connects across the span of the shoulder blade. A harness is used for regular walks or for work dogs that have to pull crates or sleds. Some cats can even use the figure eight styles!

Walking with a collar alone has a big risk depending to how much the dog tends to pull. Those walked that way have more spine, back, and neck injuries. Choking to death is a real danger because of a powerful sudden pull or an unintentional snag on a protruding object if tied outside. A dog should only be restrained by leash or lead via collar if it pays little attention to those passing by or has a firm grasp of the command heel.

The better choice would be the harness for most dogs. Harnesses spread any strain out over the chest and middle, where the pressure can be absorbed more efficiently. The risk of being injured is small or nothing. Regardless if pulling is constant or occasional, a dog is safer being tied out or walked this way.

Above all, dogs need to be walked on a regular basis. While there are some perfectly trained walkers, those that may not behave well on walks should be taken out with the collar if not at all is the alternative. The exercise is fun and essential for both dog and owner, so get that leash and, if needed, the harness too.

Looking for more info on walking with a dog collar vs dog harness? Get the low down now in our guide to the best harness for dogs.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Gordon-Smith/397770