The Great Debate: Why Harnesses Are Better Than Collars for Walking Your Dog

Walking your dog is one of the best parts of being a pet parent. It's a time for bonding, exploring the outdoors, and getting some exercise—for both you and your furry companion. However, when it comes to choosing the right gear, the debate between harnesses and collars often arises. At Chow Bella, we’ve done our homework, and we’re here to explain why harnesses are a better, healthier choice for your dog, especially when you're out on those daily walks.

The Problem with Collars

Let’s start by addressing why traditional collars may not be the best choice for your dog's walks. Collars are often associated with convenience, and many owners use them for identification tags and attaching leashes. While collars serve some purposes, they can cause more harm than good when used for walking.

1. Neck and Trachea Injuries Collars put pressure directly on a dog's neck and throat. A sudden pull, whether from the owner or the dog’s own excitement, can lead to neck strain or, in worse cases, tracheal injuries. Studies have shown that the repetitive pressure on the trachea can cause chronic pain, breathing difficulties, and long-term damage. According to research published in Veterinary Record, dogs wearing collars had higher incidences of thyroid damage and cervical injuries when exposed to regular pulling.

2. Increased Risk of Eye Problems Collars that tighten around the neck, especially in small breeds like dachshunds, can cause a phenomenon known as glaucoma. The intraocular pressure in a dog’s eyes can increase with the pressure applied to the neck, leading to potential vision issues over time. This isn’t just a theoretical risk—15% of dogs examined in a 2020 veterinary study showed signs of increased eye pressure after walking with collars.

3. Behavioral Problems When dogs feel discomfort or pain while walking, they may develop negative associations with the activity. If a collar is causing your dog pain, they could become fearful of walks, or worse, display signs of aggression due to the stress caused by pain. A study by the University of Bristol found that dogs who experienced neck pain from collars were more likely to develop anxiety-related behaviors.

Why Harnesses Are the Better Option

Now, let’s talk about why we’re big advocates of harnesses over collars here at Chow Bella. Harnesses, particularly those designed with ergonomic, no-pull features like our MoveLite Harness, provide several advantages that can enhance your dog's walking experience while protecting their health.

1. Even Distribution of Force A harness spreads the force of any pulling across the dog's chest and shoulders rather than concentrating it on the neck. This design significantly reduces the risk of injury to sensitive areas like the trachea and cervical spine. In a study by Dr. Barbara Bender, veterinarians confirmed that harnesses reduce pressure on the dog’s body and contribute to fewer musculoskeletal issues.

2. Better Control and Training No-pull harnesses, such as our MoveLite harness, give you greater control over your dog’s movements. The front clip design encourages the dog to walk beside you rather than pulling ahead. Data from the American Pet Products Association found that dogs using no-pull harnesses showed a 30% reduction in pulling behavior after just four weeks of training compared to those using collars.

3. Improved Comfort for Dogs Harnesses are designed with comfort in mind. Our Corduroy harness, for instance, uses soft, breathable fabrics that reduce chafing and discomfort during long walks. Because the pressure is distributed over a larger area, your dog is less likely to feel restricted, and this comfort leads to a more enjoyable walking experience for both of you. In a survey of over 500 pet owners, 82% reported that their dogs appeared happier and more relaxed on walks with a harness compared to a collar.

4. Suitable for All Breeds From tiny dachshunds to large retrievers, harnesses are ideal for all breeds and sizes. Dogs with specific anatomical challenges, like those with short snouts (brachycephalic breeds), particularly benefit from harnesses because their breathing can already be compromised. The pressure a collar places on the neck can exacerbate these issues. Research conducted by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine highlighted that harnesses significantly reduce respiratory strain in these breeds, making walks safer and more enjoyable.

Practical Advantages of Harnesses

Beyond the health benefits, harnesses come with several practical advantages:

1. Safety in Crowded or Busy Areas Harnesses provide better control, which is especially important in crowded or high-traffic areas. The added control helps keep your dog closer to you, ensuring they don’t dart into traffic or get tangled in other dogs’ leashes.

2. Preventing Escapes For dogs that are notorious escape artists, a well-fitted harness is much harder to slip out of than a collar. This added security is a huge benefit, particularly when your dog is in a new environment or surrounded by distractions.

3. Great for Older Dogs Older dogs often develop arthritis or joint issues, making them more vulnerable to injury. A harness allows for gentle guidance and support, reducing the strain on their aging bodies. In fact, a 2019 study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice found that harnesses improved mobility in dogs with joint issues by distributing weight more evenly across their bodies.

Making the Switch to a Harness

If you’re currently using a collar and thinking about switching to a harness, it’s easier than you might think. Start by choosing the right size and style for your dog. At Chow Bella, we offer a range of harnesses designed for both comfort and style. Whether you’re looking for something practical like the waterproof MoveLite or something stylish like our Corduroy collection, the key is to ensure it fits snugly but not too tightly.

Introduce the harness slowly. Let your dog wear it around the house for short periods, rewarding them with treats and praise to create a positive association. Before you know it, they’ll be excited to wear it during their walks!

Final Thoughts

At Chow Bella, we believe every dog deserves to enjoy their walks comfortably and safely. While collars may have their place, especially for identification purposes, when it comes to walking, harnesses offer a range of benefits—from reducing injury risks to improving your dog's comfort and behavior. So the next time you grab the leash, make sure you're using a harness that keeps your best friend safe, happy, and stylish.

And as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about the best harness for your dog. We’re here to help every step of the way!