Upon first getting a puppy, you will quickly find out that there are a variety of collars available to buy. Depending on the breed of dog you have (as well as their leash manners), there are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect collar. Here we will look at some of them as well as whether a collar or harness is best suited for your puppy.
Puppy’s Leash Manners
Whether you have already trained your puppy to walk on a leash or are just getting started, you should consider the possible health risks associated with leash pulling. If your puppy tends to pull harshly on the leash, then it is recommended that you get a harness, which prevents trauma and injuries to her neck. The folk at Voyager Harness say a dog harness can be just as effective as a collar when training a puppy not to pull on their leash (although there are those who feel that a collar may be better initially because it is not as restrictive as a harness).
If your puppy walks calmly on the leash and does not pull, then a flat dog collar can be used. However, this type of collar is not ideal if your puppy pulls a lot when walking, as it can cause a lot of strain on her neck. Once the puppy is trained to walk calmly, a flat dog collar may be suitable for use on walks.
Dog Breed
Specific dog breeds have different needs when on walks. Pugs and other short-nose breeds for example tend to have breathing problems due to their narrow tracheas. This makes a harness ideal for them as it will not place additional pressure on their neck and hinder their breathing further. Dogs with thicker necks and small heads, like the greyhound, are more suited to martingale collars as these are designed to prevent the puppy from wriggling free of their collar when out on walks.
Collar vs Harness
Both collars and harnesses have advantages and disadvantages. A collar is more convenient than a harness as it can be left on for longer periods of time and is simple to put on and take off. A collar is also the ideal place to attach an ID tag so that your puppy can be reunited with you should she get free. However, as previously stated, a collar has the potential to cause severe neck injuries if your puppy pulls on her leash. The constant pressure can also put a lot of stress on her trachea and lead to breathing problems.
A harness is ideal for an overexcited puppy that pulls constantly as it prevents injuries that are usually associated with collars. Also, a harness gives the owner more control over the puppy, which can give them more confidence when handling their pet in public. Unfortunately, harnesses are quite bulky and can cause some discomfort for the little fur balls, so it is important to allow them to get used to the feeling before taking them out on walks. Furthermore, it is less convenient than a collar as it is takes longer to put on.
Conclusion
To summarize then, there are several factors to consider when choosing the best kind of collar for a puppy. Harnesses are ideal for those that pull as they will not cause strain and unnecessary injuries to its neck, while collars are useful for puppies that have good leash manners and do not pull. Additionally, when thinking about dog breeds and possible issues that can occur with different types of collars, it is crucial to pick a collar that will not enhance these problems.
