In these times, many types of dog collars have already been invented that have certain uses depending on the utility that we want for it. There are specific collars to train, collars to prevent the dog from getting lost and of course the classic but no less useful collars for walking.
Although collars are not everything, dog harnesses have also evolved over the years, developing really good and practical models, as much or more than some collars. However, the harnesses have been focused on dogs that pull too much on the leash or that have excessive force for their owners.
Each dog is a world, each one needs a different type of collar depending on their needs or problems. So we are going to review which are the best collars and harnesses for dogs, so you can decide which is the best model for your dog.
Index of contents
- 1 Dog Collars: The Classic Walking Collar
- 2 Dog Collars: The Internal Barbed Collar
- 3 Dog Collars: The Hang Collar and the Semi-Roll Collar
- 4 Dog Collars: The Head and Snout Collar
- 5 Dog Harnesses: Classic Walking Harness
- 6 Dog harnesses: Anti-pull harness
- 7 Tips on dog harnesses and collars
Dog Collars: The Classic Walking Collar
Surely you all know this type of collar, arguably the dog collar of a lifetime, the one that has been worn forever. It is a fabric or leather necklace with a hole or clip closure, depending on its design.
This type of collar is used to walk dogs that do not have any behavioral problems, that is, dogs that do not pull on the leash and that behave correctly when we walk with them. There are very original dog collars that include different drawings, colors or even textures.
This type of collar is also the most recommended and by far, to teach puppies to walk. Let’s say that it is the standard of all available necklaces and the most recommended in most cases. It is also the most popular of small, small dog collars.
As technology never ceases to amaze us, it is very easy to find this type of dog collars with light, with built-in GPS chips and even with sound systems that warn us when the dog gets too far away.
The classic collars with light are designed for when we go for a walk with our dog in dark areas, like unlit parks or forests. Those who use a sound system are more focused on clueless owners, who do not pay much attention and end up losing the dog.
Those with a GPS chip are more suitable for mischievous dogs that tend to run away, being much easier to locate. Change are collars for hunting dogs, which are often lost looking for their prey. Thanks to GPS they can be located very easily.
Dog Collars: The Internal Barbed Collar
It is a type of collar that incorporates pieces of metal or a design in the form of spikes or spikes, which can be put on the dog with the spikes out or with the spikes inside.
When you put this dog collar on with the spikes on the outside, it is usually done to give the dog a fiercer look (idiocy) or to prevent other dogs from biting him. By having barbs, what you do is protect your neck against attacks from other dogs.
They are usually placed on dogs that are often attacked, to somehow prevent other dogs from biting his neck and suffocating him. Although we must clarify that this type of necklace is not effective in these cases.
When the collar is put with the spikes inward, it is normally done with the intention of preventing the dog from pulling on the leash, causing it to feel pain when sticking its spikes. In our humble opinion, this type of collar should be put on the owner, not the dog.
It is a form of inhumane torture that not only hurts the dog but does not serve to prevent a dog from pulling on the leash. It is actually a necklace that should be totally banned.
Dog Collars: The Hang Collar and the Semi-Roll Collar
The hanging dog collar has a function that, as its name suggests, hangs the dog when it tugs on the leash. It is an excessively dangerous collar for dogs as it could cause irreparable damage to its trachea and neck.
This type of collar should also be prohibited, as it poses a great danger to the health of the dog wearing it. Under no circumstances use this type of necklace, it is not only dangerous, but can also be deadly.
The semi-fork collar, however, is designed to prevent the dog from suffering problems in its trachea or neck, it has a mechanism that prevents it from closing excessively by hanging the dog.
However, it does exert some pressure by closing slightly when the dog jerks. However, we do not recommend it either, since for dogs with the problem of pulling excessively, it is better to use specialized harnesses.
Put yourself in your dog’s skin for a moment, and meditate on it seriously. Would you like to wear a hang or semi-fork collar? the answer is no.
Dog Collars: The Head and Snout Collar
Here is a good example of a collar for dogs that are prone to going too far on walks or constantly tugging on the leash, thereby representing the owner.
This type of dog collar has a double function, to grab the dog by the neck just like a classic walking collar would, and also, to correctly hold its muzzle. So when the dog yanks on the leash, the pull itself will slightly close the part of the leash that is holding the muzzle causing it to turn.
It is actually a very simple and functional mechanism, quite practical and not aggressive with the dog. However, we must be aware that the part that holds the muzzle must be quite loose, since dogs need to stick out their tongues to level their body temperature (sweating).
Large, large dog collars are typically of this type. Or a strong anti-pull harness. Given the strength of large-volume dogs, it is necessary to use specially designed collars or harnesses to prevent dragging us in the event of running away.
Dog Harnesses: Classic Walking Harness
Dog harnesses have a great advantage over collars, since they do not press on the part of the neck of the dog but rather fit on its rib cage. This makes the dog much more comfortable and does not suffer neck problems from the continued use of the collar.
Also, in case the dog’s health was not important enough to convince you, you will be surprised to know that it is much easier to control a dog wearing a harness than a dog wearing a collar.
With the harness it will not be necessary to exert as much force to control the dog, in the event
that for some reason (see another dog, a cat) he starts to tug on the leash. Without a doubt the dog harness is the most recommended to go for a walk with them.
Dog harnesses: Anti-pull harness
This is the most effective and respectful way with the dog, to avoid suffering constant tugging on the leash. The anti-pull dog harness is specially designed to close slightly at the front when the dog pulls.
This causes that its front legs do not have free mobility, reason why the dog will not be able to give jerks of great intensity. Unlike the classic walking harness that is held at the top, that is, by the dog’s back. The anti-pull harness has a hold on the front of the dog, on the front of his chest.
There are many, but many opinions, including ours, confirming that dogs that pull on the leash give much less jerking and much less intensity with this type of harness. So without a doubt, it becomes the most recommended for dogs that do not know how to walk.
Tips on dog harnesses and collars
We must keep in mind some important tips when purchasing a collar or harness for our dog. Due to the large number of variables and existing models, we can inadvertently choose an inadvisable model that more than benefits, ends up damaging both the dog and ourselves.
Nylon or metal is the main question when choosing a collar for our dog. Without a doubt the answer is nylon. Nylon is much more comfortable and respectful of the dog’s health, it is not as stiff and will allow a little flexibility.
When putting a collar or harness on the dog, remember that you should always leave some slack to avoid that it is too tight and bothers or suffocates the dog. The ideal is to leave at least two thick fingers between the collar and the neck, where we say thick we mean the slack that should remain.
With the harnesses the main problem can be chafing, if we do not put the harness on our dog correctly, it can cause chafing and cause injuries to the dog, mainly in the area of the joints where the legs join the rib cage.
Simply put the harness on correctly without being completely tight, checking daily that our dog has not suffered any chafing. It is not normal, but it may be the case.