Collars and harnesses can be used to contain dogs properly and can enhance the training process. When they are paired with a leash or long line, they ensure that your dog stays as close as needed for their safety and for the comfort of nearby people and pets.
Though there might be occasions when a leash needs to be held taut, the leash should never be snapped or jerked. In fact, dogs do not need to experience any pain or discomfort to be well-mannered. It is best to avoid devices that are designed to purposely create discomfort.
Your dog’s collar or harness should fit comfortably. Any equipment your dog wears should be introduced gradually and gently in a safe, quiet space. Ensure your dog has adjusted to the gear before you use it on walks or for training. Dogs should be supervised when wearing collars and harnesses to avoid accidental injury. For example, dogs can be frightened or injured when their tooth or leg is caught in a playmate’s collar.
Here are some common options for collars and harnesses.
Flat Collar
How it works:
- Sized to fit securely around the dog’s neck without constricting
- Fastened to fit with either a belt buckle or a quick-release clasp
- Has rings for leash attachment
- Easily holds identification information (embroidered number, name plate, slide-on tag, tag on a ring)
Risks:
- If the collar fits too loosely, the dog could escape
- If the dog pulls hard against the collar, it may apply too much pressure to delicate structures in the neck, resulting in injury
- Serious injury can occur if the dog’s collar becomes entangled and twisted tightly (e.g., during play, in a crate or kennel, on a heat register or cabinet handle)
Breakaway Buckle Collar
How it works:
- Sized to fit securely around the dog’s neck without constricting
- Releases quickly when pressure is applied (e.g., if a dog becomes entangled during play)
- Some models have an additional ring or a double ring system that will not break away and can be used for walks; a leash must be attached to both rings when walking
- Can hold identification and attach to a leash
Risks:
- The dog can escape if the leash is clipped to the breakaway ring
- If the collar fits too loosely, the dog could escape
- If the dog pulls hard against the collar, it may apply too much pressure to delicate structures in the neck, resulting in injury
Martingale or “Limited Slip” Collar
How it works:
- Like a buckle collar (a collar that closes with a buckle, like a belt) but with a small loop that tightens the collar and applies limited pressure around the dog’s neck when the leash is pulled
- Leash pressure tightens the collar, so there is a reduced risk of the dog escaping compared with a buckle collar
- Fitted to slide on and off over the dog’s head; some models include buckles for improved fit and quick release
- When the collar is tightened, the dog is not choked and does not feel discomfort, provided the collar is fitted properly
- A dog should be supervised when wearing a Martingale collar
Risks:
- Must be fitted appropriately so it does not choke the dog, yet is also escape-proof
- If improperly fitted, it can cause discomfort when tightened
- Can become tangled in long hair when the collar is tightened, causing discomfort
- It can become entangled, making it difficult to release the dog, particularly if there is no buckle
- If improperly fitted, some dogs can chew through the sliding loop or get their jaw stuck in the sliding loop
- It can be tightened excessively, causing considerable discomfort; for this reason, a Martingale is not recommended as a training tool
Front-Clip Harness
How it works:
- The harness wraps around the dog’s body rather than the dog’s neck
- When the leash is clipped to the front ring, gentle leash pressure can be used to turn the dog away from a distraction or back toward the handler
- Some models have an additional clip along the back, which can be useful when dogs lead their handlers as in hiking, tracking, or search and rescue missions
Risks:
- Some designs rest directly over the shoulder joints, restricting movement and putting pressure on the delicate tissues resulting in injury
- If improperly fitted, dogs can back out of the harness; proper fit is important
- Accidental entanglement can result in injury; it is best to remove any harness when your dog is not directly supervised
Head Halter
How it works:
- Has one strap behind the ears and another that loops around the dog’s muzzle
- A leash can be clipped to the head collar for walking; the clips on most head collars are located under the chin or between the dog’s ears
- Putting gentle pressure on the leash causes the halter to tighten around the dog’s muzzle; this reduces the power of the dog’s pull and can help improve safety when a strong dog has a physically small or compromised handler
- Some dogs appear to quickly relax when placed into a head halter
Risks:
- Dogs must be gradually conditioned to tolerate the head halter
- Some dogs never tolerate the head halter, even with conditioning; in this case it is best to seek professional guidance or use an alternative collar or harness
- Head halters are designed to be used with a leash attached and in the hand of a person; dogs should not be tethered or allowed to roam with a head halter, as they could get entangled and injured
- Never use the head collar with a long line or retractable leash
- Never jerk or suddenly pull the leash when a dog is wearing a head collar, as this can cause a serious injury to your dog’s neck; the head halter should be used with brief, gentle pressure followed by a release
- Some dogs can escape from head halters; for safety, the head halter should be used in combination with a harness or buckle collar
Body Harness
How it works:
- Wraps around the body, securely holding the dog when attached to a leash
- A well-fitted harness does not limit the dog’s movement of the front legs and is adjustable in every dimension for a proper fit (it should not rub behind the elbow or cause discomfort)
- A body harness puts minimal pressure on delicate tissue and is less likely to cause injury; it is an excellent choice for dogs suffering from tracheal disease or neck pain
- Some body harnesses have clips on both the chest area and the back. Attaching the lead to both clips provides additional control under urgent circumstances
Risks:
- Some dogs need to be conditioned to tolerate wearing a harness
- Special care is needed to select the right style for the dog’s body type
- The dog can back up and escape if the harness is not correctly fitted
- The dog can be accidentally entangled; supervise your dog
- Remove the harness when you are unable to supervise your dog
Are there any collars I should avoid?
Avoid collars designed to create an aversive experience for the dog. Dogs learn to comply to avoid fear or pain. Collars that can inflict considerable discomfort include:
- Prong collars that pinch
- Choke collars that reduce the dog’s ability to breathe
- Electronic collars that deliver a painful shock
Often, electronic shock collars include an option to apply a “painless” tone or vibration before the shock mode. However, dogs quickly learn this sequence and become immediately frightened when they hear the tone or feel the vibration, even when the physically painful shock does not occur.
In fact, there is no need to rely on fear to effectively train your dog. Humane, reward-based strategies are safe and effective. Confrontational training methods that rely on punishment, physical force, or pain are associated with increased fear, increased aggression, reduced welfare, and serious injury to people and animals, and they are not supported by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
