Dog Blessed this week is focusing on a great discussion for dog owners. If a collar or a harness is better for your dog. Jodi Jarvis-Therrian is going to talk about the differences in both tools to help keep your dog close and safe and will also be sharing some thoughts from a Dr. on some dangers you might not know about. Dog Blessed is brought to you by Must Love Dogs and Clock’s Timeless Pets.
Collars are simple, lightweight, and convenient for holding ID tags, but they put pressure directly on the neck when a dog pulls, which can strain the trachea or cervical spine—especially risky for small breeds, brachycephalic dogs (like pugs or bulldogs), or dogs prone to pulling. They work well for well-trained dogs on loose-leash walks or for quick trips outside. Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck, making them a safer choice for dogs that pull, have respiratory or spinal issues, or are still learning leash manners; front-clip harnesses can also help discourage pulling by redirecting the dog toward you. The trade-offs are that harnesses can be bulkier, take more effort to put on, and (with back-clip styles) may actually encourage pulling in some dogs since it feels natural to lean into pressure on the chest. Many owners end up using a collar for tags and identification while relying on a harness for actual walking and leash control.
Dr Peter Dobias is discussed and his studies of why a dog pulling on its collar too much can actually be a cause cancer and what can we do to help if our dog is already pulled on the collar and what to do to prevent pulling and how to properly work with a harness instead.
