Are Dog Harnesses Bad
2025-04-30
Is it harmful for dogs to wear a harness?
In recent years, pet owners have paid much attention to the topic of whether it is safe for dogs to wear a harness (chest harness). Some people believe that the harness may restrain the dog's body or even hurt the shoulder; but experts point out that with the correct style and usage, the harness can protect the dog's health. Veterinarian Xiao Ming reminds that wearing a collar on a dog for a long time can easily damage the neck hair, compress the trachea, and even cause serious consequences such as bone deformation. Therefore, for the comfort and health of the dog, an ergonomic chest harness should be given priority. He further explained that the common "Y-shaped" harness can effectively relieve the pressure on the neck and make the dog feel more comfortable. In general, harnesses are not inherently harmful. The key is to choose the right style and wear it correctly.
Collars and harnesses: applicable scenarios and differences Different dog breeds and training stages require different traction tools. Hallopet pet trainer Ethan recommends that small dogs are safer, more comfortable and more protective when using harnesses because of their small size and thin necks. When puppies are just learning to pull, they can use ordinary collars for convenience. Training The American Kennel Club (AKC) also pointed out that collars are simple and easy to wear and suitable for puppies who are just learning to walk, but if the collar is too loose, some breeds with slender necks (such as greyhounds and beagles) may escape. In contrast, harnesses can disperse the pulling force to the chest and reduce the impact on the neck, which is particularly suitable for large or running dogs that are used to pulling ropes. For example, the AKC mentioned that standard harnesses can prevent throat injuries when dogs pull and prevent the traction rope from getting stuck under the dog's legs; while the front chest buckle or no-tension harness design applies force to the chest rather than the neck when pulling, effectively controlling pulling behavior. Of course, the control power of the collar cannot be ignored: AKC reminds that compared with the harness, the collar may be more labor-saving when controlling the dog's direction, and provide the owner with stronger traction feedback.
Collars and harnesses: applicable scenarios and differences Different dog breeds and training stages require different traction tools. Hallopet pet trainer Ethan recommends that small dogs are safer, more comfortable and more protective when using harnesses because of their small size and thin necks. When puppies are just learning to pull, they can use ordinary collars for convenience. Training The American Kennel Club (AKC) also pointed out that collars are simple and easy to wear and suitable for puppies who are just learning to walk, but if the collar is too loose, some breeds with slender necks (such as greyhounds and beagles) may escape. In contrast, harnesses can disperse the pulling force to the chest and reduce the impact on the neck, which is particularly suitable for large or running dogs that are used to pulling ropes. For example, the AKC mentioned that standard harnesses can prevent throat injuries when dogs pull and prevent the traction rope from getting stuck under the dog's legs; while the front chest buckle or no-tension harness design applies force to the chest rather than the neck when pulling, effectively controlling pulling behavior. Of course, the control power of the collar cannot be ignored: AKC reminds that compared with the harness, the collar may be more labor-saving when controlling the dog's direction, and provide the owner with stronger traction feedback.
Advantages and disadvantages of harnesses
Advantages and Disadvantages of Harnesses
The main advantage of harnesses is that they avoid neck injuries. Veterinarians point out that a well-designed harness can completely avoid the trachea, greatly reducing the chance of discomfort when the owner pulls.
The AKC agrees: By distributing the pulling force to the chest, harnesses can prevent small dogs from tearing their throats when they exert force, and can even relieve back pain. In addition, front-buckle harnesses can be used to practice obedience and direct attention: when the dog suddenly accelerates or sprints, the owner only needs to tighten the Leash, and the harness will help the dog tilt its head to one side to achieve the effect of control. The disadvantages of harnesses are mainly reflected in control and comfort. The AKC points out that although the harness can distribute pressure, it usually requires the owner to make greater efforts to pull; it has a larger wearing range, is more troublesome to put on and take off than a collar, and is prone to problems if the size is not right. For example, a harness that is too loose may make it easy for the dog to break free; a harness that is too tight or airtight will make the dog feel uncomfortable and even cause skin abrasions on hot summer days. Therefore, when choosing a harness, pay attention to the size and design: experts suggest that a "Y"-shaped structure is better than a straight one, and the buckle should also be adjusted according to the dog's body shape, generally so that one finger can be inserted smoothly.
Common Misunderstandings in the Use of Harnesses
There are some common misconceptions about harnesses. For example, some people think that harnesses cannot suppress violent pulling behavior. In fact, this is often a wrong choice. Trainer Ethan analyzed that a suitable harness is not without control, but requires a front buckle design: when the dog accelerates, the front buckle harness allows the owner to directly pull the dog's head back, thereby diverting its attention and achieving a control effect. Another misunderstanding is to regard the harness as a substitute for a punishment tool. Experts remind that whether it is a collar or a harness, punitive devices such as spiked collars and tight chains should be avoided. Such tools will give the dog a strong sense of restraint and physical harm, and long-term use may even cause serious health problems such as tracheal collapse. The correct approach is to encourage and guide the dog, and choose a well-structured harness, which can ensure the safety of walking the dog without causing additional harm to the dog. 
Kingming Waterproof Harness Recommendation:
Kingming Waterproof Harness Recommendation:
For outdoor sports scenes, some brands have launched more comprehensive harness equipment. Kingming brand "Waterproof dog harness" waterproof harness is an example. This harness is made of high-quality waterproof 150 denier polyester tear-resistant fabric, which is strong and wear-resistant, and has the characteristics of waterproof and mud. It can be easily cleaned even after the dog plays in the water on rainy days. The design pursues lightness and comfort: the soft lining and breathable strap body fit the dog's body without entanglement in hair, and the multi-point adjustable buckle ensures the fit without restricting shoulder movement. The Y-shaped structure avoids pressure on the neck and allows the dog to stretch freely when running. The metal parts of the Kingming harness can withstand high-energy sports needs; its "front buckle + rear D ring" double-row design can cope with different traction methods in daily walking or running training, which is flexible and practical.
In short, this harness is light, breathable, dustproof and waterproof, and is very suitable for outdoor sports or rainy days. User feedback also shows that this professional-grade harness allows dogs to move more freely while ensuring safe control, making it an ideal equipment for daily dog walks.
Order yours today and discover the difference a custom fit makes!