Flat Collar or Harness? Which is Best?

I don’t usually like to discuss equipment in this column because I think every dog is individual and training equipment and needs of the owner and dog need to be considered individually.  But, there is some misinformation out there that should be addressed, so I hope I can do that here giving credit to both sides of the coin.

My first comment about all of this is that collars are like shoes.  You may need more than one collar.  Just like you need hiking boots for hiking, snow boots for snow and river shoes for rafting.  My first suggestion is to be open to whatever tool or collar you might need for any given situation.  There is no ONE collar or harness that can do everything and work for every dog.

Many trainers and dog owners feel very strongly about only using a flat collar with a dog – you know.. the collar that is flat, maybe nylon with a buckle on it.  What is obvious to me here is that you wouldn’t wear slippers on a mountain climb.  Yes, unfortunately, I think most dogs think of flat collars as slippers.  They certainly have a time and place, however.  They are a great place to put ID tags!

I think one big issue many people don’t critically think about is their own safety when out with their dog, or the safety of the dog.  Some people have felt so firmly about what is humane, they haven’t really considered ALL that is humane.  Is it humane for a dog to pull you over and break your face?  Yes, I had this happen with a client of mine using a flat collar someone insisted she use.  Is it humane for a dog to pull so hard that he passes out from the flat collar? Yes, I have seen THIS happen, too!  Is it humane that dog pulls so hard that it damages his trachea? Is it humane that a dog chases a deer and won’t come when he is called, then chasing the deer down before coming face to face with a mountain lion?  Would we do all of this for the sake of using a flat/buckle collar?

All of this can also be said about harnesses.  Harnesses were developed for horses to pull wagons and dogs to pull sleds. They are amazingly comfortable for the dog!  YIPPY!  Yes, comfortable for them to pull tirelessly.  HOWEVER!  What can a harness do to the dog?  Does it pull on his structure unevenly?  Does it pull on YOUR structure unevenly?  Is that “humane”? 

The point of this all is that some dogs do really well in a flat/buckle collar even with a leash. Some dogs do excellent wearing a harness.  To say that one method of training or one piece of equipment is the end all for all problems is like saying that you can only wear slippers wherever you go.  

Be aware that there is more than one collar, one method for each and every dog, AND what will work for the owner!  Be OPEN to what works for YOU and your situation, and where you are going to be taking the dog.  Get EDUCATION about the pros and cons of ALL equipment before making a decision.  If one piece of equipment doesn’t work when used properly, try another.  Get a closet full of shoes (collars) to choose from and TRAIN WITH to make life safe and humane for BOTH you and your dog!  But, remember, every tool must be taught FAIRLY to the dog for it to work!

Caption:  “Some dogs where slippers very well!”