Harness pros and cons

Could someone tell me what the pros and cons are of using a harness on a pup.

Thanks

I think it depends on personal choice really, darcy has always had a harness. We use one in the car so she's seat belted in too, and we use both collar and harness with a double end lead if we're wanting better control in a busy place but some pooches may pull more on either a collar or a harness.

I personally use a harness as I use a long line when there are too many distractions about. She only wears a collar (PINK) when we are out walking as everyone just presumes she's a boy.

Lol Roxy wears a pink collar and people still ask "Whats his name?"

I use a collar because I like to have control of the sharp end!

Many people prefer harnesses, though, and if you want to use a long training line, then a harness is a must!

I use a collar for normal every day exercise and for training but if in a busy area with lots of people about I put his harness on as it seems to have a calming effect on him.

Caryll wrote:I use a collar because I like to have control of the sharp end!

Many people prefer harnesses, though, and if you want to use a long training line, then a harness is a must!

Definitely we only ever use a harness with the training line.

What is a training line? And thanks for the answers so far.

It gives your pooch the freedom of off lead without actually being if lead. Great for teaching recall

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?index=0&sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=230883601504

It gives ur dog the freedom but with the security of still being attached. It's also great for working on recall etc. I swear by them.

I use a collar as like to have control of the teeth area! and I find Vinnie pulls much more on a harness:D

for training i used them extendible leads that you push the button to stop just because i didnt know them cheaper and longer lines existed.. silly me paying £25 for a training lead LOL

Inezmaria70 wrote:I use a collar as like to have control of the teeth area! and I find Vinnie pulls much more on a harness:D

im sorry this is off topic but i love your dog inez that picture is amazing and his colour is just..brilliant

I just got Roxy a cheap harness to see if I can notice any difference between a collar and a harness.

MrToast wrote:I just got Roxy a cheap harness to see if I can notice any difference between a collar and a harness.

I also done that bought a cheap one ages ago for like £3 but it didnt fit properly and therefore didnt work, i went to pets at home and got him a black ezydog harness and it was much much better.. walks really well on it compared to the collar, but, like everyone is saying it depends on what your dog likes better.

wish the the best of luck with your harness

I use a wider ezydog collar and ezydog harness with a double ended lead - it gives more control than either alone and is especially good when in crowds etc (because you have control of the pointy bit as well as the body). The harness is used to connect him to the seat belt in the car and as said above for a long line, neither of which the collar can be used for.

Chiquito isn't much of a puller in the harness, he is a terror on the collar alone though!

I've gone back to using just a collar after going through several different makes of harness, the last one being the EzyDog one which was the best one in my opinion. He also had the Julius K9 one which he can get out of quite easily which was a worry.

Rocky has the Ezydog collar which is slightly wider than most and he walks quite nicely on it and I can use the Halti if need be.

When he is out with my hubby he will have the harness and a long line on which I wouldn't want to do with just the collar. When walking Rocky on my own I tend to use a flexi lead which I just attach to the collar to give him some freedom of movement.

Hmm this is a really helpful post! Our trainer told us never to use a harness as it would give the dogs more of an option to pull whilst walking. I wasn't too sure if it would make a difference though as I see so many dogs that do have a harness!

A lot of trainers suggest not using a harness and opt instead for a flat collar, head halti or at least a front attach harness ..... the reasoning is pretty simple - why do they put a sled dog in a harness? Makes sense when you think of it from that point of view, and most also say that a dog is more responsive in a collar - however I think it depends upon the individual dog and the training they are given in the harness

Kell, that is a really good point, up until a week ago, rocky was excellent walking with his collar, didn't pull a single bit, now, he pulls sooo much he keeps lunging me forward from the force of his pull! I've been back into the training again, but its not making a difference, I might try the harness and see how it goes before pulling my hair out!

Harnesses are good for brachycephalic dogs (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) because they avoid putting pressure against the throat. With some shorter nosed staffies, this also applies.

If the harness is fitted properly, it can give more control. However, the harness is situated around the chest area. With staffies, their power lies in the chest and shoulder muscles, allowing them to put their weight against the harness and drag you along. For a pup, this isn't likely to happen, but training is useful to prevent it from happening later in life.

They're also comfortable for the dog, with the pressure of their weight against the lead spread out around the shoulders and chest, rather than concentrated at the throat.

Some can be difficult to put on, but practice makes perfect!

Most of it comes down to personal preference, as well as the state of your dog. If your dog has breathing difficulties or a sensitive neck, a harness would benefit him. It is important that you feel comfortable and in control, so if you don't like the feel of a harness, that's a good indication that a collar may be more suitable.