Harness vs Collar vs Leash - Becoming a First-Time Puppy Owner

Taking home your very first puppy can be thrilling, but it may be a little overwhelming as a pet newbie. One critical decision to make as a new pet parent is choosing the appropriate walking accessories to get for your puppy. Educating yourself regarding collars, harnesses, and leashes makes you a savvy dog parent by making informed decisions to keep your pet happy, healthy, and looking their best. 

So, let’s consider the collar with leash vs harness debate because understanding the right tools is key. Why are more people choosing a leash with harness combination for their canine friends?

Understanding Collars: The Traditional But Outdated Choice

Collars were traditionally among the most popular options among dog owners. These are collars that encircle your dog's neck, and they once served a number of purposes, including carrying ID tags and attaching a leash.

Collars were seen as the go-to option for well-behaved dogs that walked by your side and did not pull. They were fairly easy to fit, slim, and are offered in a wide variety of materials and styles. 

Sadly, collars have some very serious disadvantages. When a puppy pulls their collar, it can press against their neck and throat. This can be painful and uncomfortable, particularly with small breeds or puppies who are still being taught to walk with a collar. If you're debating between a harness or a collar with a leash, there’s a very clear winner (and vets agree too!).

Harnesses Explained: The Modern, Advanced Solution

Harnesses distribute the force across your dog's chest and back rather than applying it to their neck. This crucial aspect makes dog trainers and vets favor harnesses.

Our products at Joyride Harness are brilliant for your dog. They are less intrusive to your dog's throat and reduce the risk of neck injury that can occur with dogs yanking against collars. This becomes particularly important with flat-faced breeds, such as bulldogs or pugs, that already find breathing difficult; harnesses benefit them significantly. You will even find a dog harness with LED lights to improve visibility during nighttime and early morning walks.

Training benefits cause harnesses to be popular with first-time puppy purchasers, too. They don’t hurt your puppy like collars do, so walking won’t become an issue. The vast majority of harnesses also provide better control, so you are better able to direct your puppy without injuring them. 

Front-clip harnesses are a useful tool to prevent dogs from pulling. If your dog pulls ahead, the front clip stops them and pulls them toward you. They are extremely effective during those crucial first months. However, we also provide owners with side rings for even more control and comfort. 

Leashes: The Control and Communication Tool

The leash attaches to your dog, no matter whether it is a collar or a harness. Standard leashes are generally six feet long, long enough to allow your dog room to walk but still maintain a sense of control. People often search for  ‘leash vs harness puppy’, but the truth is that the leash is an accessory for the harness.

Material type matters with a leash. Nylon leashes are heavy-duty and affordable, but leather leashes are gentle and long-lasting. Never use a retractable leash with a puppy, as they can make it easier to pull, and they yield less command during instruction.

Consider your pup's size and energy levels when deciding between leash length and thickness. Little dogs require thin, light leashes, while large dogs require thick leashes so they won't easily break. Be sure to ask other dog owners for their leash vs harness setups, and you’ll soon have some brilliant recommendations. 

Selecting a Suitable Solution for You

Many new dog owners report that the easiest and best way to walk a dog is with a harness and a standard six-foot leash. Your puppy learns to walk with a leash safely, so exercising together becomes a snap. Over time, you can then decide what products would benefit your dog rather than following general advice. 

Remember, every dog is different. Note how your pup reacts to things and consult with your vet or a trainer if considering options but are a bit torn. Whether a Christmas-inspired harness or a dog harness with LED lights, the right product will make every walk enjoyable!