Collars vs Harnesses. Why the welfare conversation misses the real issue

There has been a growing trend in the dog training world to publicly bad-mouth collars while positioning harnesses as the ethical or welfare-friendly alternative. I want to pause that narrative, because it oversimplifies a complex issue and risks replacing one welfare myth with another.

Yes, the canine neck contains vital and delicate structures, and excessive pressure, repeated jerks, or sustained tension on the lead are not acceptable. That is not in dispute. What is far less often discussed is that dogs are quadrupeds whose movement and propulsion come primarily from the forequarters and shoulders. When a dog pulls, force is not removed by a harness. It is redistributed.

Most commonly used harness designs load force across the scapula, sternum, ribs and thoracic spine. The canine shoulder is not a fixed joint but a muscular sling that relies on free movement for normal stride length. Research and gait analysis have shown that even well-fitted harnesses can restrict shoulder extension and alter stride length, particularly when a dog is pulling. Changes in gait are not neutral and may increase compensatory loading elsewhere in the body.

Studies frequently cited to condemn collars often measure peak pressure under artificial conditions using rigid models rather than living dogs. They do not compare this with harness-related pressure, harness-induced gait changes, or long-term musculoskeletal impact. Even within this research, the authors consistently emphasise that the core issue is pulling itself and that dogs should be trained to walk on a loose lead, with equipment discussed as management rather than a welfare solution.

What concerns me most is that equipment-focused messaging distracts from the actual causes of the behaviour. Dogs do not pull because they are wearing a collar. They pull because of arousal, reinforcement history, frustration, fear, pain, or unmet needs. A harness does not teach loose lead walking and can increase mechanical advantage, allowing dogs to pull more effectively using the chest and shoulders. A flat collar used with skill, appropriate reinforcement, and a dog trained to maintain slack in the lead may involve minimal pressure on the neck at all.

As trainers and behaviour professionals, we need to be careful about the narratives we promote. Demonising collars while presenting harnesses as inherently safe encourages fear-based decisions rather than informed, individualised choice. Welfare is not about choosing the right piece of equipment. It is about reducing tension, force and conflict through training, emotional regulation, and addressing why the behaviour exists in the first place.

A truly welfare-led approach is not collar versus harness. It is training first, assessment first, and skill building first, with equipment selected thoughtfully for the individual dog and used as management, not as a substitute for teaching.

If you are dealing with lead pulling and you want help that is practical, kind, and evidence-led, you can work with me in three ways.

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If you suspect pain or discomfort is part of the picture, I can help you gather clear observations and build a referral-ready summary for your vet. Click here

If you are a trainer and want to deepen your skills in observation, biomechanics, and welfare-led decision making, explore my mentoring and CPD options. https://www.believeinmagic.dog/dog-training-professional-mentoring

References and further reading

1. Pauli AM, Bentley E, Diehl KA, Miller PE. Effects of the application of neck pressure by a collar or harness on intraocular pressure in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(3):207–211. PubMed (working): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16611932/ PubMed

2. Carter A, McNally D, Roshier A. Canine collars: an investigation of collar type and the forces applied to a simulated neck model. Vet Rec. 2020;187(7):e52. PubMed (working): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32303668/ PubMedFull text PDF in NTU repository (working): https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39713/1/1316757_Carter.pdf irep.ntu.ac.ukNTU press article (working): https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2020/05/collars-risk-causing-neck-injuries-in-dogs%2C-study-shows Nottingham Trent University

3. Lafuente MP, Provis L, Schmalz EA. Effects of restrictive and non-restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot. Vet Rec. 2019;184(2):64. PubMed (working): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30455191/ PubMedOpen PDF copy (working): https://www.fourleg.com/media/HarnessShldRestriction.pdf fourleg.com

4. Peham C, Limbeck S, Galla K, Bockstahler B. Pressure distribution under three different types of harnesses used for guide dogs. Vet J. 2013;198(Suppl 1):e93–e98. PubMed (working): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24360734/ PubMed

5. AVSAB position statements (working): https://avsab.org/resources/position-statements/