Typically, pets, like dogs, need walking exercise and outdoor time to ensure their wellbeing. Because of this, it’s important to think about the type of restraint you should use when taking your furry companion out for a walk. Fortunately, you can take advantage of several methods, such as using collars or harnesses. However, some pet owners tend to choose a collar, while others opt to use a harness restraint for their dogs.
Thus, if you’re confused as to which one is safer for your pet, keep reading this article to get started with the comparison.
What Is A Harness?
Primarily, a harness refers to a piece of equipment that consists of straps of webbing used for fastening the torso of an animal. It’s a popular type of restraint that provides no tension on the neck, and helps control a pet by distributing pressure throughout the body.
In addition, using a harness for your furry friend comes with the following benefits:
- Prevents Injury – If your pet pulls on the leash, a harness placed throughout their body can prevent injuries to their trachea. As a result, you can keep them safe while walking them outside.
- Provides Assistance In Standing – If your animal finds it hard to stand after sitting or lying down, you can use a harness to assist and pull them up gently, without making them uncomfortable.
- Serves As A Good Training Tool – If you’re caring for a little dog that doesn’t know how to walk on the lead yet, then, using a harness can stop them from being tangled in the leash and injured themselves along the way.
On the other hand, putting a harness throughout your pet’s body may not also be beneficial for a certain reason. For example, if your pet has behavioral problems, such as jumping, leash pulling, and displaying aggression, then, the harness may not be able to provide adequate restraint, which in turn, can compromise their safety outside of your house. Also, if you plan to leave it on all the time, this type of restraint may not be as comfortable, especially if your pet has a long hair.
However, if you think the advantages still outshine the disadvantages, you may consider buying a harness. To help you find the right one, you may check some resource websites, such as Petsumer.com, for more valuable information.
What Is A Collar?
In simple terms, a collar refers to a piece of material that should be placed around the neck of a pet. Generally, it can be used for identification, fashion, protection, and, more importantly, restraint. This means it can be used in connection with a leash for restraining and controlling a pet.
Moreover, the following are the benefits of using a collar on your pet:
- Safety While Outdoors – A collar can be used to keep your pet safe while walking outdoors. For instance, it can be a perfect option for carrying out dog training methods and protecting them from running off and getting injured along the way.
- Appearance – A collar provides an attractive look for your furry friend. It comes in a variety of colors and styles; as such, you can leave the collar on your dog without worrying about their overall appearance.
- Comfort – Unlike other types of restraint, a collar can be a more comfortable and safer option for your pet. This is especially true if you’re using a leather collar, which is gentler and less likely to cause skin issues.
Now that you’re aware of the essential advantages of using a collar, it’s time to know about its downsides. In most cases, this type of restraint can cause neck injuries if it’s not used properly. For example, if your pet is trying to pull away from you while walking them, the collar may pull on their neck and get them injured. Also, with it, there’s a tendency that it may get caught on items when your pet walks around.
Bottom Line
Indeed, both harnesses and collars can be the best ways to restrain your pet when walking outside. Not only that, but these can be an effective tool in teaching them good behavior beyond leash training. However, you should understand that all pets are unique in different ways, which is why it’s important to consider the personal characteristics of your furry friend when deciding whether to use a collar or harness for safety reasons.
And, to answer the question of which one is safer for your pet, that would certainly depend upon your pet’s individual circumstances. So, find time to make a thorough comparison between a collar and harness to make sure you choose the perfect type of restraint for your furry animal.