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

Original poster

Harness? Collar? Lead?

36 replies

GinPink · 29/06/2021 20:02

Hi all I hope it's ok for me to post here. I've never had a dog before and am fully aware this is a stupid question....

Are collars and leads not really a thing anymore?

We are getting a cockapoo puppy soon. Do I need to buy a harness and lead? What size? Should I go small for puppy years and then buy a medium when they get older?

Many thanks!

OP posts:
percheron67 · 29/06/2021 20:19

Please do not buy a harness - they are suitable for huskies only. You have no control over where your dog is heading if you use a harness. Use a slip lead and teach puppy, from the beginning, to walk alongside you and not in front where is may trip someone up or dash into the road. It is really important to do this from the start and then the pup does not develop bad habits. Much fairer .

Hm2020 · 29/06/2021 20:21

Please do buy a harness I’d start by looking at the perfect fit.

MyGirlDaisy · 29/06/2021 20:27

My first choice would be a standard collar and ordinary lead. Second choice would be a harness but make sure the harness doesn’t restrict the movement so go for a Y shaped one. Again a standard length lead with it. When your dog gets older you could try a longer lead if your dog walks nicely, and to test recall. Please never use an extending lead, I have seen too many injuries to dogs and humans with these.

MyGirlDaisy · 29/06/2021 20:32

Sorry, should also have said that if you have a good independent pet shop near you they may fit a collar or harness for you, enjoy your new addition.

Original poster
GinPink · 29/06/2021 20:41

Thank you all for the replies!

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 29/06/2021 20:45

Definitely get a harness , if you train your dog properly there is absolutely no control problems . Our dog has a collapsing trachea and has always been walked in a harness .

PollyRoulson · 29/06/2021 20:51

Perfectfit harness you can buy new bits as your puppy grows.

Perfect Fit give them a ring they will be really helpful

percheron67 is stuck in the 1970's.

Wolfiefan · 29/06/2021 20:52

@percheron67 that’s not accurate. Perfect fit (for example) is nothing like a harness used for sledging dogs. It attaches to two points and can be much gentler and offer better control.

annacondom · 29/06/2021 20:57

I like a harness as it doesn't pull on their neck like a normal collar does. You attach the lead to the harness.

DelineCion · 29/06/2021 21:04

I have no idea what Percheron is on about, slip leads are discouraged!

Perfect Fit are excellent.

ILikePizzaAndWine · 29/06/2021 21:06

We have a cockapoo puppy - she started going on walks last week, we started with collar and lead simply as she was at the top end of a harness so we waited until she fit into the next size up, which she’s in already (she’s growing really fast!!).

I felt nervous of the collar and lead and last week the collar did come undone while we were out. She tried her harness today, and was furious. But I can already tell it’s better for her and us in terms of training and comfort! X

Medievalist · 29/06/2021 21:14

Well they need a collar for a name tag/contact details but I would always use a harness where possible. If you've got a dog that's difficult to control, you might use a harness to take the strain and a lead to control their head should the need arise. But please, NO slip lead / they can cause damage such as laryngeal paralysis in dogs.

weareofftobuttonmoon · 29/06/2021 21:15

@percheron67

Please do not buy a harness - they are suitable for huskies only. You have no control over where your dog is heading if you use a harness. Use a slip lead and teach puppy, from the beginning, to walk alongside you and not in front where is may trip someone up or dash into the road. It is really important to do this from the start and then the pup does not develop bad habits. Much fairer .
Agree with this. It is such a fad to buy harnesses. And very bad for their fur
Hottesttrikeintown · 29/06/2021 21:18

I used a perfect fit harness and agree they help with control (particularly if you double lead and use the front part). However my dog hates having the harness put on and would run away from it.

When he was neutered I stopped using it as was scared of rubbing the wound and just used the collar. He’s much happier to have it put on and doesn’t pull. I think it depends on the dog.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 29/06/2021 21:24

I think as the first two posts demonstrate harnesses are something people either love or hate!!

My personal opinion is if you can train your dog to walk nicely with a collar and lead then great. If you have a dog that pulls or lunges a harness is likely to be better for their windpipe!!

Our dog made the decision for us as he point blank refuses to walk in a harness and does walk perfectly on a lead and collar.

motogogo · 29/06/2021 21:28

Harnesses are great but I wouldn't get one initially because they grow so fast. Legally they still need to wear a collar and tag. Harnesses vary so get one that fits your breed

LadyLolaRuben · 29/06/2021 21:31

A harness is more humane and comfortable for the dog (not pulling on his/her neck and throat), plus it gives you more control. Legally a dog must have a collar with an ID tag when out in public. On the tag just put the address and contact numbers - never their name in case of theft

StormcloakNord · 29/06/2021 21:33

Another vote for perfect fit harness.

Dunno what PP's are on about with control
Issues and bad for their fur? Total bonkers

Floralnomad · 29/06/2021 21:41

No reason why an id tag can’t just be attached to a harness , and a properly fitting harness won’t damage the hair / fur at all .

PollyRoulson · 29/06/2021 21:50

@Floralnomad

No reason why an id tag can’t just be attached to a harness , and a properly fitting harness won’t damage the hair / fur at all .
Unfortunately it is a legal requirement to have the id tag on a collar - ridiculous but a dog outside does have to wear a collar with correct id attached. However that does not stop the lead being attached to a collar
Floralnomad · 29/06/2021 22:01

Then I break the law daily , never mind .

cupsofcoffee · 29/06/2021 22:04

A collar and lead is fine if the dog doesn't pull - however, if they do, it can cause tracheal collapse in the long-term.

Mine wears a Trixie touring harness from Amazon - it cost £13 or so and is fleece lined so nice and comfy Smile

kissmelittleass · 29/06/2021 23:38

First time dog owner here since last week! We just got a rescue dog and rescue centre advised us to use a harness and supplied one but we are going to buy a sturdier one, they were against collar and leads and asked us not to use the one we had bought.

StillMedusa · 30/06/2021 00:21

Perfect Fit harness here.. as that's what my trainer recommended. V shaped so it doesn't restrict movement and you can size up just the part you need (so we are still in the original neck but she outgrew the top and girth pieces.
Harnesses are safer for the dog... can't injure their necks. And a trained dog doesn't pull on a harness.. mine doesn't and she's far from perfectly trained!
Slip leads are considered aversives ..ie the dog learns to walk nicely because if it pulls it gets choked... not the relationship I'd want with my dog... they are useful for working gun dogs (as you can take them off quickly) or for vets but they shouldn't be in daily use..ever!

bunnybuggs · 30/06/2021 08:32

I find it depends on where we are walking and for how long when deciding whether to use the collar or harness. My new(ish) grown dog has a preference for a collar and lead but she is not a 'puller' or 'lunger'. She waits on the kerb and can be controlled with a quick twitch on the lead when she needs reminding.
I would never use an extending lead (arthritic fingers cannot react quickly enough) so use a good length of lead which gives her more freedom to 'lead' where it is safe. I loope it up when she needs to be closer.
I do not keep the collar or harness on the dog when we are in the house or garden - that can be dangerous.
It depends on the dog - using a harness on a short lead is not needed on a well-trained dog.
My particular dislike is dogs in a harness on a v v short lead where the owner is trying to enforce walk at heel. Unless you are really particular, walking 'to heel' is not necessary. I prefer to see where the dog is so I don't trip over her Smile