Collar or Harness?

 

All positive dog trainers (including us) will tell you that a harness is much better than a collar for your dog. It’s not complicated. Think of a toddler, walking with you in a park. You could put old fashioned reins on their chest for safety. You could put a wrist link on. Either work just fine. Alternatively, you could put a collar around the toddler’s neck and a lead on the collar. Little buddy won’t get far from you then. That’s for dam sure. And he won’t try a second time either.

 

So that’s collars v harnesses. But there’s more to it than that. Especially if you have a large breed. (Dog not Toddler)

 

Any dog can get into a dog fight. If your dog is attacked by another dog, it’s not an unreasonable reaction for him to fight back, if that’s in his makeup. You and your dog may well be in the right and have the moral high ground but it’s still a dog fight and you need to stop it. Your dog may be the aggressor. Don’t rule that out, it’s naïve to think they could never act aggressively.  Pulling on your dog’s harness to separate in a fight,  especially a large breed, is likely to achieve nothing.

 

This is why we recommend a harness and collar when you are out. Still attach the harness to the lead as normal and use the harness as normal. The collar is for the unlikely dog fight. The ‘finger in the butt’ is an urban myth in terms of getting a dog release. You get a stinky finger and probably a dog bite for your trouble. Put your hand under the back of your dog’s collar, twist (how hard you twist, depends on the size and strength of your dog). The collar will tighten around his throat, and he will release. No choice. Instinctive reaction. Self preservation.

 

Is it a nice thing to do? For sure not. Do you do it in any other circumstances? NOPE. But this is an emergency and needs must. Take your dog home, treat any injuries and if he started it, you may well need a positive, experienced trainer.