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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Collar lead or harness?

25 replies

Hyperfish101 · 15/08/2020 08:52

I am posting many questions as we move towards adopting our rescue but........what do people suggest? Dog came will collar and lead, our training class asks that we use that but we also have a harness. What’s better?

OP posts:

3teens2cats · 15/08/2020 09:01

I don't know which officially is better but I prefer using a harness. It seems more comfortable and I find it easier.

Morfin · 15/08/2020 09:03

Harness, more control, less likely to slip and more comfortable than being pulled around the neck.

billybagpuss · 15/08/2020 10:21

I was adamant not to use harness and to train to collar and lead, however that’s before I met my beautiful, stubborn collie x, we have done so much training to walk on the lead without pulling and she can do it, but ultimately it’s a far less stressful walk on a harness.

LooseleafTea · 15/08/2020 10:25

We use a harness but if I’d trained our dog beautifully not to pull I’d find a collar fine! We have a Perfect Fit Harness which is really comfortable and strong .

Madasahattersteaparty1749 · 15/08/2020 10:25

Harness and collar with a double clipped halti. Not my dog but we have a similar set up.

Original poster

Hyperfish101 · 15/08/2020 10:39

Thanks

OP posts:

MissShapesMissStakes · 15/08/2020 11:07

Harness and collar. I second Perfect Fit. The trainers I work with for our dog insist on harness for training walking to heal.

Floralnomad · 15/08/2020 12:13

Harness for mine ( Indi dog Houdini) , he has a tracheal problem so cannot wear a collar but I’ve always used a harness anyway .

vagshapedbox · 15/08/2020 22:55

We've always used harnesses and never walked on lead. My dogs walk really well, they'll learn either way but I much prefer a harness.

TokyoSushi · 15/08/2020 23:10

We use a harness, it just seems a bit kinder to me than pulling them by the neck.

Wolfiefan · 15/08/2020 23:13

Depends on the breed. Some are prone to throat issues.
And if you go for a harness? So many fit badly. Perfect fit is often recommended to avoid this.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 15/08/2020 23:16

I was determined to use a harness with our dog but he had other ideas 🙄 he point blank refuses to move in a harness, he's the same with a dog coat as well!

Luckily he doesn't pull much so is fine with a collar and lead.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 15/08/2020 23:19

Slip lead, sometimes flat collar and clip lead.

The slip lead is very quick to get on and off and the dog knows exactly what to do to stay comfortable (I train heel both on and off lead). Personally I think they are kinder than head collars (which a slip can double as if for some reason all the dog's training has gone out of the window).

AlwaysLatte · 15/08/2020 23:19

Harness here for our cavalier. Lead around the throat seems so cruel.

Girlintheframe · 16/08/2020 05:43

We've always used a collar except when he was a tiny pup.

pilates · 16/08/2020 07:23

Harness it must be more comfortable for them

BrokenBrit · 16/08/2020 07:30

I third Perfect fit.
They are designed so dog can move comfortably, are fully adjustable, wash well, nice soft material and an great range of colours.
I don’t work for them, but maybe I should be on commission .

I also agree that a collar and lead, especially a slip lead type, can cause damage to the dogs throat and neck very easily, especially if the dog pulls at all.

vagshapedbox · 16/08/2020 08:25

I really hate slip leads. I know handlers use them at shows too but I really feel sad when I see dogs on them. I prefer to train my dog to walk well through positive reinforcement.

Beautiful3 · 16/08/2020 09:03

Mine hates his lead. Ended up buying a harness, he prefers it.

TeddyIsaHe · 16/08/2020 09:06

Harness if you can. My parent’s dog had a paralysed larynx due to collar tugging, has had to have his larynx pinned back and is now incredibly prone to inhaling food and getting pneumonia if they don’t watch him like a hawk.

Mostlylurkingiam · 18/08/2020 07:23

We used a harness when she was little then just moved to collar and Lead and a lot of very frustrating walking training! She's mostly fine now except when she can see a friend in the park as we round the corner!

Sitdowncupoftea · 22/08/2020 00:07

I think it depends on what size dog you have. I have big dogs and I trained to heel on a harness. I prefer a harness to walk my dogs.

StillMedusa · 22/08/2020 01:32

Perfect Fit harness here too... mine's a high prey drive dog and if she sees a squirrel...well if she's on a lead it is kinder and safer to hold her with a harness than a collar.
Plus they are comfy, easy to wash, and don't restrict movement (unlike the popular K9 harness). My girl hasn't worn a collar since we got her!

OliveButler · 22/08/2020 07:35

Just to second @StillMedusa my puppy hates the K9 harness with a passion and will roll on his back to get out of it.
I will try the perfect fit but for now he actually prefers a collar.

Medievalist · 22/08/2020 07:42

I'd never use a collar and lead again after one of our dogs developed laryngeal paralysis.

Even if you train your dog to walk perfectly to heel, there may be occasions when you need to suddenly pull them back - out of danger perhaps. Anything that constricts the throat and risks potential damage is a no no from me now.

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