Dog Harness vs Dog Collar: Which Is Best for Your Dog?

Dog Harness Vs Dog Collar? Choosing between a dog harness and collar depends on your dog's breed, size, and walking style. Here's what you need to know to make the best choice.

Porsche the Poodle in size XXS Harness - Donut Eat My Donuts by Hendricks and Maple

Dog Harness vs Collar: What's the Difference?

Dog collars are perfect for ID tags, but when dogs pull, all the pressure goes directly onto their neck and throat, which can cause injury.

Dog harnesses distribute pressure across your dog's chest and shoulders, making them safer and more comfortable. Veterinarians and modern dog trainers overwhelmingly recommend harnesses for walking, especially for dogs that pull, small breeds, and brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs).

The verdict? Collars are perfect for ID tags, but harnesses are the professional recommendation for walking and car travel.

Types of Dog Harnesses

STEP IN STYLE HARNESS - your dog steps into the arm holes and it clips at the back

Front of the STEP IN STYLE HARNESS called DONUT EAT MY DONUTS by Hendricks and Maple

Step-In Style Harnesses

Your dog steps into the harness with their front paws, then you bring the straps up and clip them together at the back. Features 4 adjustment points spread across the entire harness for a better fit.

Best for: Hard-to-fit breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels), dogs that dislike things going over their heads, anxious dogs, long-backed breeds.

CLASSIC H STYLE HARNESS - this design is called FEELING CACTUS by Hendricks and Maple

Front of the Classic Style or H Style Harness called FEELING CACTUS by Hendricks and Maple

Classic H-Style Harnesses

Goes over your dog's head, then clips at the side around the waist. This is the most common harness design.

Best for: All breeds, escape artists, active dogs, everyday walking, maximum security. Harder for dogs to slip out of, making them excellent for reliable, secure walks.

Any harness style that has a D ring at the front is called a NO PULL HARNESS

Any harness style can be NO PULL - its all about having a front D Ring to attach a leash

No-Pull Harnesses (Front-Clip)

Any harness with a front D-ring becomes a no-pull harness when you attach the leash to the front clip. When your dog pulls forward, it turns them back towards you, teaching them not to pull. You can switch to using the back D-ring for regular walks once your dog is trained.

Best for: Dogs that pull, training, better control without harsh corrections.

Trainer's note: No-pull harnesses are training tools to teach loose-leash walking. They work best when combined with positive reinforcement training.

Adventure Harnesses have a quick release buckle at the neck and one on each side of the chest.

Adventure Harnesses

Multi-function harnesses with front D-ring, back D-ring, quick-release buckle at the neck, two more quick-release buckles at the chest (one on each side), and a sturdy handle on the back. The longer chest plate design makes them especially comfortable and easy to get on and off.

Best for: Hiking, bushwalking, rocky terrain, creek crossings, training, large breeds (the longer chest plate is more comfortable), long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds (longer chest plate accommodates their body shape better), senior dogs needing assistance with the back handle, any dog where quick on-and-off is important.

Why they're brilliant: The multiple quick-release buckles make putting the harness on and removing it incredibly fast and easy, even when your dog is muddy or tired. The back handle lets you quickly grab your dog for safety, help them over obstacles, or lift smaller dogs when needed.

How to Fit a Harness Properly: The Two-Finger Rule

Buying the right size is only half the battle—proper adjustment is CRITICAL. Many dog owners purchase the correct size but fail to adjust the harness properly, leading to escape risks, chafing, discomfort, and even long-term health issues.

The Two-Finger Rule

This is the industry-standard method for checking harness fit:

You should be able to slide TWO fingers (laid flat) comfortably between the harness and your dog's body at every point where the harness touches. No more, no less.

Where to Check the Fit

Check these key points with the two-finger test:

1. At the neck - Should be snug but allow two fingers

2. Across the chest - Should allow two fingers

3. Behind the front legs - Should allow two fingers (this is where chafing most commonly occurs)

4. Around the belly strap (if your harness has one) - Should allow two fingers

Step-by-Step Fitting Process

Before you start: Loosen ALL adjustment straps before putting the harness on your dog.

1. Put the harness on your dog (depending on style: step-in or overhead)

2. Buckle all clips securely

3. Adjust each strap individually - Start with the neck, then chest, then belly

4. Use the two-finger test at each adjustment point - Slide two fingers flat between the strap and your dog's body

5. Check the chest strap position - It should sit at least 2 fingers' width behind your dog's front legs/armpits to prevent rubbing

6. Have your dog walk around - Watch their movement to ensure the harness doesn't shift, twist, or restrict their shoulder movement

7. Recheck the fit - After your dog moves, check all points again with the two-finger test

Signs the Harness is TOO TIGHT

❌ You cannot fit two fingers under the straps ❌ Your dog is panting excessively or showing signs of discomfort ❌ The harness leaves marks or indentations on your dog's fur or skin ❌ Your dog's breathing seems restricted ❌ The straps are digging into your dog's armpits or soft tissue

Signs the Harness is TOO LOOSE

❌ You can fit MORE than two fingers under the straps ❌ The harness shifts from side to side when your dog walks ❌ The harness rotates or twists around your dog's body ❌ Your dog can back out of the harness ❌ The chest strap slides forward toward your dog's legs or backward toward their belly

Critical Positioning Points

Top chest strap position matters:

• Too high = Sits on the neck and restricts breathing (dangerous!)

• Too low = Drops toward the legs and your dog can slip out

• Just right = Sits comfortably on the chest bone (sternum), about 2 fingers' width behind the front legs

After Every Walk: Quick Check

After your first few walks with a new harness, check your dog's skin in these areas:

• Behind the front legs (armpits)

• Across the chest

• Around the neck

• Under the belly strap

Look for any red marks, rubbing, or hair loss. If you spot any issues, adjust the harness before the next walk.

Regular Fit Checks are Essential

Check your dog's harness fit regularly, especially:

• After growth spurts (for puppies—check weekly!)

• After weight changes (gain or loss)

• Every few months for adult dogs

• If you notice any rubbing or discomfort

• Before and after seasonal coat changes (winter coat vs summer coat can affect fit)

Remember: A properly fitted harness should feel snug, secure, and comfortable—never tight, restrictive, or loose enough to slip.

Always use a harness for car travel and do not secure your dog by its neck / collar.

Car Safety: NEVER Use a Collar

This is critical: Never attach a car restraint to your dog's collar. Even sudden braking can cause serious neck and spine injuries.

Always use a properly fitted harness for car travel. A proper harness distributes force across your dog's chest and shoulders, protecting their neck and spine. This is especially important for small dogs, brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs), and long-backed breeds like Dachshunds.

How to use a harness in the car:

1. Put the properly fitted harness on your dog

2. One end of the car restraint clips into your car's seatbelt buckle

3. The other end attaches to the back D-ring on the harness

4. Adjust the length so your dog can sit or lie comfortably

Special Note for Long-Backed Breeds

If you have a Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound, or other long-backed breed, proper harness fit becomes even more critical. These breeds are particularly vulnerable to spinal issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), and the relationship between harnesses, collars, and IVDD is more nuanced than you might think.

We've created a comprehensive guide specifically about IVDD and harness use for Dachshunds and other long-backed breeds. Read: Dachshunds, IVDD, and Dog Harnesses: What Every Owner Needs to Know to learn about the research, proper fitting techniques, and when to use a harness vs collar for these vulnerable breeds.

Fleur Jacquard Fabric Harness Range by Hendricks and Maple

What Makes a Quality Harness?

Adjustable at both chest and neck: Essential for proper fit and comfort. This is especially critical for preventing injury.

Breathable mesh lining: Prevents chafing and keeps dogs cool.

AU/NZ safety tested: Ensures the harness can be used safely as a car restraint.

Machine washable: Easy cleaning and hygiene.

Why We Don't Sell Reversible Harnesses

Reversible harnesses can't be adjustable at the neck, often don't fit over your dog's head despite correct measurements, and compromise on quality to achieve the "two-in-one" design. At Hendricks & Maple, we believe in quality over gimmicks—especially when proper fit is so critical for your dog's health and safety.

Which Harness Should You Choose?

All harness styles are great options—the best choice depends on your dog's needs:

Step-In Style: Hard-to-fit breeds, long-backed dogs, dogs that dislike things going over their heads, maximum adjustability (4 adjustment points)

Classic H-Style: All breeds, escape artists, everyday walking, maximum security

No-Pull (Front-Clip): Dogs that pull, training

Adventure Harness: Hiking, outdoor adventures, large breeds, long-bodied breeds (Dachshunds, Basset Hounds), dogs needing quick on-and-off, situations where you need the back handle for control or assistance

For car travel: All our harnesses work as car restraints when properly fitted—attach to the back D-ring, never a collar.

Silky Denim Harness Range in Vintage Wash by Hendricks and Maple

Hendricks & Maple Difference

All our harnesses are:

• Fully adjustable at both chest and neck (essential for achieving proper fit using the two-finger rule)

• Lined with breathable mesh

• AU/NZ safety tested for car use

• Machine washable

• High quality construction and materials

• Available in beautiful exclusive prints and luxe designer fabrics

Recommended by vets and trainers: Our harnesses meet professional standards for safety and quality, combining function with fashion.

We take proper fit seriously. Every harness we sell has dual adjustment points because we know how critical proper fit is for your dog's comfort, safety, and long-term health—especially for breeds prone to spinal issues. But having adjustability means nothing if you don't use it correctly. Always use the two-finger rule to ensure your harness is properly adjusted. Our harnesses aren't just gorgeous, they're high quality construction and design, safe and strong where fashion meets fabulous!

Browse our collection of adjustable dog harnesses, matching collars, and leashes. Worldwide shipping available. FREE shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150.

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