The pros and cons of dog harnesses
Harnesses reduce pulling: Dog Harness cover the dog's chest, shoulders, and upper back, which disperses pressure over a larger surface area than a collar giving you better control over your dog, says Carly Fox, DVM, Staff Doctor at New York City's Animal Medical Center.
To reduce pulling even further, you can use a no-pull harness. "When the dog pulls, the tension on the leash causes them to turn back toward the owner. Dogs cannot move forward unless they slow down," says Travis Arndt, DVM, director of the Animal Medical Center of Mid-America.
Harnesses do not put pressure on your dog's neck: Since harnesses fasten over the dog's chest and not around the neck, they do not put pressure on the trachea.
This makes them ideal for pets that have neck problems, a collapsing trachea, or restricted airways, says Arndt. A harness can also help prevent these issues from arising.
Harnesses tend to be more secure: Harnesses are generally better at preventing accidents because they fasten more securely around your dog's body. While dogs can easily slip out of their collars and potentially run into traffic or another person's yard, harnesses offer much more security and safety, says Fox.
Cons of harnesses
Harnesses are less convenient: A collar can just slip on, but harnesses take more time to fasten.
Harnesses may not have a place for an ID tag: Some harnesses don't have a place to carry a tag. It's best to get a harness with a ring for a tag—or use both a collar with a tag and a harness when out walking.
Harnesses can be uncomfortable: Harnesses are bulkier than collars, so they can be more uncomfortable for your dog. Some dogs really don't like wearing harnesses, so it can take time for them to get used to walking with one.
