Choosing the Best Fit for Your Furry Friend
When it comes to keeping your doggo safe, comfy, and under control, picking the right collar or harness is like choosing the perfect outfit—functional, stylish, and totally fetch. Every pupper should rock a collar with an ID tag when they're out and about—because nobody wants their floof starring in a "Lost Dog" poster. But not every collar is leash-friendly. For some dogs, attaching a leash to their collar is like running a marathon in flip-flops—ouch. That's where harnesses swoop in like the superheroes they are. Let's dig into the options, so you can pick the best bling for your bestie.
Dog Collars: More Than Just Doggy Jewelry
Collars are essential, but they’re not one-size-fits-all (unless your dog is part giraffe). Here's the scoop on popular collar types, when to use them, and when to say, "No thanks."
1. Flat (Buckle) Collar
Best for: Everyday swagger and holding ID tags.
Why Choose It: This classic is perfect for strutting around the block, holding ID tags (hello, PetHub IDs!), Get your PetHub ID here, and looking sharp. Quick-release buckles are great for squirmy puppers, while traditional buckles bring old-school cool.
Heads Up: Not great for leash-pullers—unless you want your dog to sound like Darth Vader.
2. Martingale Collar (The Escape Artist Stopper)
Best for: Dogs with narrow heads (lookin' at you, Greyhounds) and canine Houdinis.
Why Choose It: This collar tightens slightly when your doggo tries to back out—without choking them. Add a PetHub ID, Shop Martingale Collars here and and your dog's "Great Escape" gets a happy ending.
Heads Up: It’s not meant for all-day wear—think of it like dress shoes: stylish, but not for napping.
3. Electronic Fence Collar (The "Stay in the Yard, Buddy" Collar)
Best for: Dogs trained with invisible fences.
Why Choose It: It gives an audible warning before a gentle zap if your dog crosses the line. Think of it as the "hot lava" game, but for your yard.
Heads Up: Only works if your dog is trained. Otherwise, it’s just a fancy necklace.
4. Wellness and GPS Tracking Collars (For Adventure Pups)
Best for: Tech-savvy pet parents and dogs with wanderlust.
Why Choose It: These smart collars track steps, location, and health. If your dog sneaks out for a solo adventure, you’ll know if they’re at the park or the neighbor’s BBQ.
Heads Up: They’re a bit chunky for tiny puppers, and the battery life can be "meh." And we have lots more thoughts about these type of collars in this article.
5. Night Safety Collars (Because Your Dog Deserves to Glow Up)
Best for: Night owls and early risers.
Why Choose It: These collars light up or reflect headlights, so your dog can be the star of the sidewalk. Add a PetHub ID, and your pup’s midnight escapades won’t turn into a search party.
Heads Up: Great for visibility, but don’t use them for leash attachment—unless you want your dog’s collar to double as a slingshot.
6. Choke Chains & Prong Collars (Spoiler: Hard Pass)
Best for: Honestly? Let’s just say they’re outdated.
Why Choose It: You probably shouldn’t. There are kinder ways to teach leash manners—like, I don’t know, treats?
Heads Up: These can cause injuries and stress. Would you train for a 5K by getting poked with sticks? Didn’t think so.
7. Head Collar (The "Power Steering" Option)
Best for: Strong pullers who think they’re sled dogs.
Why Choose It: This halter-style collar gives you control of your dog's noggin—and where the head goes, the floof follows.
Heads Up: It takes some getting used to. Your dog might do the classic "What is this sorcery?!" paw swipe at first.
Harnesses: Because Necks Are for Nuzzles, Not Tug-of-War
Harnesses take the pressure off your dog's neck and put it on their chest—which, let's be honest, is where all the zoomie power lives anyway.
1. Back-Clip Harness (For Chill Vibes Only)
Best for: Small dogs, brachycephalic breeds, and non-pullers.
Why Choose It: Easy to put on and comfy as a dog bed fresh from the dryer.
Heads Up: Not great for pullers—unless you enjoy impromptu sledding.
2. Front-Clip Harness (AKA "Stop Dragging Me!")
Best for: Dogs who think "heel" means "go faster!"
Why Choose It: The leash attaches at the chest, so if your dog pulls, they turn—like a furry shopping cart with a wonky wheel.
Heads Up: Can rub if it’s not fitted properly. Your dog deserves gear, not chafing shorts.
3. Dual-Clip Harness (The "Choose Your Own Adventure" Harness)
Best for: Pups who need versatility—or dog parents who can’t decide.
Why Choose It: Front clip for training, back clip for chill walks. It’s the Swiss Army knife of harnesses. Explore Dual-Clip Harnesses here.
Heads Up: Slightly more complicated to put on. If your dog is a wiggle worm, prepare for battle.
4. No-Pull Harness (For Wannabe Sled Dogs)
Best for: Pullers who think they’re auditioning for the Iditarod. Shop PetHub's favorite No-Pull Harnesses here.
Why Choose It: It gently tightens when they pull, like the universe saying, "Slow your roll, doggo."
Heads Up: It’s a training tool, not a miracle. Zoomies will not be canceled.
5. Step-In Harness (The "Ain't Nobody Got Time for That" Option)
Best for: Dogs who act like you’re trying to strangle them when a harness goes over their head.
Why Choose It: Your dog steps in, you buckle up, and boom—ready for walkies. Get Step-In Harnesses here.
Heads Up: Less control for strong pullers—but perfect for "I just wanna sniff things" strolls.
What’s the Best Choice for Your Doggo?
Every dog should wear a collar with ID when outside. Flat collars or night safety collars work best, especially when you slap on a PetHub ID—like a doggy passport but cooler.
Harnesses win for leash walking. Front-clip for pullers, back-clip for mellow pups, and dual-clip for indecisive humans.
Hard pass on choke and prong collars. Your dog deserves better. Treats > pain, always.
And don’t forget—whatever collar or harness you choose, add a PetHub ID. Shop PetHub IDs here. It’s like your dog’s personal QR code for getting home safely. Stylish, smart, and saves you from running around the neighborhood in your pajamas yelling, "Biscuit! Come back!" Win-win.