Is it better to walk a dog with a harness or a collar?
An increasing number of pet parents are ditching the dog collar and switching to a harness – and for good reason. Because a harness distributes tension more evenly than a collar, the likelihood of your pooch suffering a neck injury is significantly reduced and many dog owners claim that a no-pull version is a game-changer in terms of their pet’s behaviour on walks. A harness can be less convenient and more restrictive than a collar and lead though, and may take your dog a little getting used to.
It’s a piece of canine kit that divides Mumsnetters, with opinion split over whether or not a harness is more comfortable than a collar and lead, and whether it offers enhanced control or discourages pulling (it was originally invented for that purpose after all).
One point on which most dog owners agree, however, is that no collar or harness is a substitute for adequate training, and a well-trained dog can use either. Both help to control and guide your dog, as well as keeping it away from potential hazards.
A collar can be worn at the same time as many harnesses, which ensures that your dog is sporting an all-important ID tag when out and about. Alternatively, consider attaching it to the chest ring if you opt for a front- and back-clip harness.
Should you leave a harness on a dog all the time?
The short answer is: no. Leaving a harness on your dog at all times can cause chafing or irritation to the skin, matting of the fur and general discomfort for your pet. It could also get caught on something, may get chewed and ingested and could even be a choking hazard for your dog.
How do I choose the best dog harness?
The type of harness you opt for will ultimately depend on the size, age, personality and energy level of your dog, as well as personal preference.
Puller pets: Boisterous pets and those that are prone to pulling or lunging will benefit from a front-clip or no-pull harness that causes your dog to move in the wrong direction when they tug.
Mutts with manners: A back-clip version will suffice for less excitable and better-behaved dogs – these are simple to use and will take little time for your pet to adjust to.
Daredevil dogs: A handled harness is a wise choice for adventurous owners as it’ll effectively transform your four-legged friend into an easy-to-seize suitcase that can be grabbed and lifted over stiles, out of rivers or away from fights. Some manufacturers advise against lifting pets using a handled harness, while others of this style are ideal for owners of older pets that can be lifted into the car or up the stairs if need be.
Fit: Check at how many points the harness is adjustable – the more the better for a snug fit. Your dog could well escape a badly-fitting harness.
Ease of use: How simple and quick is the harness to don or remove? Getting a placid or older dog to remain still while you faff around with a harness is relatively simple. A young or boisterous pooch? Not so much.
Quality: A dog harness needs to be well-made and durable to withstand countless walks in the Great British weather.
Washability: The harness will get dirty. Fact. Check how easy it is to clean or, even better, if it can go in the washing machine.
Comfort: Vest-style harnesses tend to be the most comfortable, fitting like a piece of clothing and least likely to rub. Other styles can still be comfy, though, and may be less restrictive.
Step-in or over-head harness: Nervous dogs may prefer a step-in harness to one that goes over their head. But they may be less secure, less padded and have fewer adjustment points.
Budget: Dog harnesses range in price from under a tenner to around £70 or more, so choose one to match your budget.
Honest recommendations: Reading as many reviews as possible and asking for recommendations from friends and family members is advisable when in the market for a decent dog harness.
How do you fit a dog harness?
It’s imperative that your dog’s harness fits well. Too tight and it can be uncomfortable for your pet and may chafe, particularly under the armpits; too loose and Fido could wriggle free – a frightening prospect wherever you happen to be walking.
Once you’ve measured the circumference of your dog’s chest (or other relevant measurement) and chosen an appropriate harness, it’s time to put it on. Use treats when introducing a harness for the first time to encourage positive association – they’re especially useful if you have an anxious or reluctant dog.
It’s easiest to adjust a harness before putting it on your dog and is often a case of trial and error. Use the slide buckles to tighten and loosen the straps. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog’s body, at the neck and back, not including the fur.
Finding the correct fit for your pet should need to be done only once. Check the harness every time it’s used, however, as some adjust with wear. Any harness will need regular adjustment if you have a growing pooch.
For a standard harness, slip it over your dog’s head, with the D-ring on their back. Secure it around the chest by bringing the straps behind the front legs and closing the clasps in turn, making any necessary adjustments.
For a step-in harness, encourage your dog to walk over it and place their legs in the relevant openings. This style of harness can often be done up and undone on one side only, making the job of putting it on much simpler the next time it’s worn.
Sporadically check for redness or fur loss under the harness, as this may indicate a bad fit.
If you’re still unsure about fitting your dog’s harness, refer to its instructions – there are often how-to guides or videos on the manufacturer’s website too, as well as plenty of tutorials online.
What is the best dog harness on the market?
The Perfect Fit Dog Harness is the best dog harness on the market. Sturdy, unrestrictive and non-chafing, it’s possible to ‘build’ a custom-fit harness for your pet – no matter the breed, age or size – with a huge range of chest sizes, from a tiny 24cm to a whopping 122cm.
Impossible to escape from and highly recommended by pet-owning Mumsnetters from Falmouth to Falkirk, these harnesses can grow with your dog and parts can be replaced when necessary.
Machine-washable and UK-made, they have clips at both the front and back, so can even discourage pulling and lunging.
How we chose our recommendations
The majority of products featured in our roundup are recommended by real pet parents, who’ve tried and tested various types and brands of dog harness. We first spent several hours scouring the Mumsnet forums to discover which dog harnesses performed well and were rated most highly among honest Mumsnetters. We noted their fit, ease of use, durability, quality, affordability and other special features and were careful to avoid any that performed poorly.
From there, our research took us across the wider web, where we consulted independent expert review sites and considered what consumer reviews said about the products featured, ensuring that customers were satisfied with their purchases.
Having collated all that information, we then drew up a shortlist of the dog harnesses that were repeatedly mentioned, choosing only those that we thought were worthy of taking the titles in an array of interest categories.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.
Main image credit: Perfect Fit