Harness vs collar

[MattC]

Hi folks,
When my wife and I first got our corgi Nick it was recommended by our vet that we should use a harness when walking him because of his size and proportion. Since that reccomendation we have been using a step-in type harness. The harness does work well for levereage however I feel as though I am constantly adjusting it and Nick alsways looks a little uncomfortable in it. For the past few days I have been trying a collar on him. Which seems to be more comfortable for the little guy. The only downside that I can see with the collar is that because his neck is so fury and thick there is a tendancey for him to slip out of it. There are not many corgis in my neighborhood so I am a little curious about what types of collars an harnesses that ther folks use. Are there any other options?

[Cheetah]

Shippo wears either his normal flat collar or a martingale, because he used to slip a regular collar too.

[Philbiker]

I used to have a collar for Tucker. He runs like a crazed lunatic when he sees one of the many bunnies or kitties in our neighborhood, so the collar was hurting his little neck I put him in a harness and he is still getting used to it. He could shimmy out of his collar beacuse his neck is so big, it's tougher for him to shimmy out of his harness.

The thing I like the most about the harness is that it lets his furry white mane be free instead of having a big ridge/collar in the middle of it.

[Peanut]

I have tried both a collar and a harness, but Peanut doesn’t seem to enjoy either. When id take Peanut outside to eliminate, the slight tug-on-the-neck from the collar seemed easier to guide him to the potty area. (although I’m sure its not the most comfiest feeling) I’m using the harness which is making it a little more difficult to help him distinguish potty time and play time. He’ll usually plop on the concrete floor for a few mintues before going potty.

[glencorgi]

Primarily I use no-slip collars, the martingales that Shippo uses. Depends tho', a few I can use regular buckle collars. Collars actually give more control over one's corgi than does a harness. Control the head and you control the dog.

I did use a harness with an extremely obese foster, never did find a collar that she would not slip out of and having no neck at the time, the harness was the best option. I used a step in with her that buckled over her withers. I really came to like this style and prefer it to the traditional configuration harnesses. I have used harnesses for special needs fosters. One I used one with had megaesophagus and couldn't take the pressure of a collar on his throat. Another one was a fence climbing escape artist, so him I tethered on a harness so he could have some free outside hanging out time.

Puppies, well they have to learn about collars. You did have more control over Peanut when using the collar.

Debbie

[Peanut]

Originally Posted by glencorgi

Puppies, well they have to learn about collars. You did have more control over Peanut when using the collar.

Debbie

Yes i do, but at the same time, i felt guilty for tugging on his neck. I feel that the collar gives us more control, but the harness would be more comfortable?! I also feel that its harder to adjust the harness to Peanuts comfort. Too snug and Peanut starts scratching. Too lose and Peanut can easily slip out of it. Im using the 2 finger rule on the harness. but then again, i dont know whats Peanut's POV.

[glencorgi]

Originally Posted by Peanut

Yes i do, but at the same time, i felt guilty for tugging on his neck.

Why? It is called training. He has to get used to the collar and believe me I've seen some death throw thrashing about when a collar has been placed on a puppy or two - no leash, just the collar around their neck. Harnesses, can be a wrestling match battle royale to get one on some dogs. They get over it. A tug should mean no more than the equivalent of a tap on someone's shoulder.

I feel that the collar gives us more control, but the harness would be more comfortable?!

They are both tools and each can have a time and a place. A well fitted collar is less cumbersome than a harness any day, I don't get why one thinks a harness gives more comfort.

I also feel that its harder to adjust the harness to Peanuts comfort. Too snug and Peanut starts scratching. Too lose and Peanut can easily slip out of it. Im using the 2 finger rule on the harness. but then again, i dont know whats Peanut's POV.

More negatives about harnesses. In this Peanut's POV is irrelevant. He doesn't get a POV and if you give him one, you're inviting issues you don't want. You are the human, the boss and you set the rules. This is a safety, manners, training and behavior issue. You as a responsible owner set the rules and he learns to abide by them.

Debbie

[Peanut]

that's very true. thanks for making me reconsider things

[Michael Romanos]

I see no need to use a harness on a normal Corgi - if one is used it is an overkill.

[MattC]

Thanks everybody. This was very enlightening. Nick is a very good dog and rarely pulls. He occasionally "puts the brakes on" but only when he wants to say hi to one of his many friends in the neighborhood. Maybe the martingale collar will do the trick