What kind of leash for a Chihuahua? Harness or collar

Before going for walks with your Chihuahua, you need to think about safety rules. Dogs of this breed are considered the smallest among all dogs, and many dangers await them on the street, such as large animals or fast cars. To avoid problems while walking your pet, it must be accustomed to a leash or harness in advance. And the muzzle will prevent the decorative dog from picking up anything dirty from the ground. In this article you will learn how to choose the right leash, harness, muzzle and collar for your Chihuahua.

The choice of collar must be approached with all responsibility. It must be selected in size so that it does not squeeze the dog’s throat and at the same time she cannot jump out of it.

Usually collars are selected for growth, but a Chihuahua does not need such a calculation, because it does not grow more than twenty-three centimeters at the withers.

In general, dog collars are divided into the following types:

classic walking;
classic training;
classic guard;
noose;
strict;
exhibition.

But dogs of this decorative breed do not need guard or strict collars, much less a noose. Therefore, we will consider the remaining types of collars.

For a walk

Classic walking collars are suitable for daily trips outside or visiting. This is the most popular type of collar. This dog accessory has one ring for fastening. It must be fastened around the dog's neck so that it does not dangle. Ideally, the owner's finger should fit under the collar. If this cannot be done, then the collar will put pressure. If more fingers fit, the dog will be able to pull it over the head.

Walking collars can be made of canvas or leather. Durable genuine leather, of course, will always be in fashion and will last for a very long time, but the dog’s skin can begin to fray underneath it. Therefore, wearing a leather collar too often is not advisable. Also, such an accessory is unsuitable in rainy weather and requires careful care. Before purchasing a leather accessory, run it with a wet hand. If there are traces of paint on your hand, it means it is of poor quality.

Tarpaulin is the most durable material for collars. It is not afraid of rain or falling into a body of salt water. Caring for it is very simple - you just need to wash it when it gets dirty and take care of the metal buckles. Another nice bonus is that this collar comes in many colors.

Regardless of your preference, there are a few tips that will help you choose a collar made of any material. Firstly, it should be strong, but not hard. Preferably with a double layer.

Secondly, there should be a lot of holes on it. This is very important for long-haired Chihuahuas - during shedding, the volume of the neck may become slightly larger.

Thirdly, the ring for attaching the carabiner to the leash must be reliable.

Fourthly, a collar for a small dog should be light.

And most importantly, if you are a fan of glamorous collars, then always carefully inspect the decorative elements. They should not cause any discomfort to your pet.

For the exhibition

Such collars should be discreet so as not to distract attention from the Chihuahua. At the same time, they must be comfortable, lightweight, reliable and durable. There are two types of show collars:

synthetic cord;
chain.

The requirements for them are the same as for classic walking collars. Before purchasing, pay special attention to the chain. Its links should be light, solid and strong. This collar should not be worn in rainy weather, and the links require careful care. Otherwise, over time they will become covered with rust.

There should not be any unnecessary parts on the cord, otherwise the decorative elements will put pressure on the pet’s neck.

We put it on and train it

After choosing a suitable collar, you need to put it on your pet, while at the same time accustoming it to a new thing.

For the first time, five two to three minutes is enough. Try again after a while. Over the course of several days, increase the time you wear the collar by a few minutes until your Chihuahua becomes completely accustomed to it. As soon as you notice that she has stopped paying attention to the new thing, you can safely put on a leash and go for a walk.

Leashes for dogs

After choosing the right collar for your pet, you need to decide on the choice of leash. There are few requirements for it. It should be fairly safe, that is, light in weight, without any unnecessary parts. Otherwise, it will be extremely inconvenient for a small dog to carry such a weight.

You also need to choose a leash that is suitable in length. A short leash will not give your pet enough space to roam, while a leash that is too long will simply get tangled. The best option for your Chihuahua is a tape leash. It is lightweight and its length can be adjusted. You can also choose a thin leash made of leather or nylon.

Always pay attention to the quality of dog equipment. To prevent the leash from falling off at an inconvenient moment, its carabiner must close well. Look at the seams that hold the material of the leash together - they should have been stitched well. Otherwise, such an accessory will quickly become unusable. Be sure to hold the leash in your hand before purchasing to see if it is comfortable for you. It shouldn't rub your hand.

Considering the anatomical structure of the Chihuahua's respiratory tract, a collar and leash are not the best option for dogs of this breed. Pulling the leash forcefully can disrupt the dog's breathing or injure the cervical vertebrae.

A separate decorative collar is perfect for the beauty of your pet at home or away. It is best to walk a small dog with a harness.

Dachshund and basset hound

These are dogs with an extremely long spine, which means that they must be treated with care. The question of which is better or a harness is discussed quite often. On the one hand, the harness allows you to distribute the load on the chest and protect the spine. But we mean adult dogs. But it is not suitable for a dachshund under one year of age.

Any dog in a harness gets used to pulling, and all your attempts to stop it will go unnoticed. This is rather a disciplinary, but important point. Moreover, constant stretching of the neck forms its incorrect exit.
The harness provokes the elbows to turn outward. This will greatly reduce your chances of winning the exhibition.

When deciding what is best for your puppy, a collar or a harness, pay attention to the herring collar. It has an extension and is made of soft leather or canvas. This is the best option for a young dachshund. After a year, you can wear a comfortable harness for a long hike in nature. But it is best to still use the collar.

Dog harnesses

A coordinated system of straps and straps is called a harness. The main advantage of the harness is the correct distribution of the load on the pet’s shoulders and chest. And the variety of colors will please any picky buyer. There are several types of such equipment: towing, cargo, medical, recreational. For Chihuahuas, only the latter type is suitable.

The walking harness can be used every day while walking along the streets or visiting. The attachment ring should be in line with the Chihuahua's withers.

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a harness, you need to know a few subtleties.

First, you need to choose the size accurately. The harness should not restrict your pet's movements, but it should fit snugly enough without squeezing. The belts should not put pressure on the armpits and chest, and the distance between them should not exceed three centimeters. Secondly, it is advisable to choose a concave fastener so that it does not dig into the Chihuahua’s body.

Once you have decided on the size, you will need to learn how to properly place the harness on your Chihuahua. To do this, first place the dog on the table. Carefully put on the harness so that the connecting strap with the leash ring is on top. Then slide the animal's paws through the ring of the first strap so that each paw is separated by the lower connecting strap. Ready. All that remains is to connect the leash and you can go for a walk.

While you are putting on the harness, do not forget to talk to the dog in a gentle and calm tone, rewarding with treats. As with collar training, give your pet time to get used to the new thing.

Muzzles for dogs

Another important attribute of Chihuahua equipment is a muzzle. Many owners do not attach much importance to this item, believing that a small dog does not need it. But that's not true. There are several options where a muzzle can come in handy:

traveling on public transport;
during a visit to the doctor;
during education;
during training;
during exhibitions.

You also need to take into account the character traits of the Chihuahua. She is a very jealous dog and may start to show it at parties or in public places. Many people may be afraid for themselves or their children. In order not to spoil your relationship with others and not to listen to possible complaints, it is better to put a muzzle on your pet once again.

There are several types of muzzles: metal, solid leather, plastic, “baskets”. For Chihuahuas, soft nylon muzzles are an excellent option.

This muzzle completely fits the dog's muzzle. In it she will not be able to lift anything from the ground. It will not be possible to bark or bite in such a muzzle, but the pet will be able to breathe calmly - the nose in this muzzle remains open. Another important advantage of a nylon muzzle is that it can be used in the rain. And it’s easy to care for – you just need to wash it when it gets dirty.

If it’s too hot outside, you can purchase a mesh muzzle for such a case. But this is a short-lived option. The Chihuahua will very quickly chew through walls made of breathable fabric.

Selecting the size

In order not to be mistaken with the size of the muzzle, measure the Chihuahua's muzzle before purchasing it: length, girth, width, height. Also measure the distance from the back of the dog's head to its eyes, and the volume of the neck.

To find out if the size of the muzzle is right for your pet, carefully examine its skin after removing the accessory. There should be no marks from the straps on the dog's face.

We put it on and train it

To accustom a Chihuahua to a muzzle, the first thing you need to do is put a “yummy” in it and call your pet by name with the order “come to me.” The dog will naturally be interested in the treat, and you will let him know that the new item is completely safe.

Once your baby gets used to the muzzle, gently put it on for a few minutes. Talk calmly to your pet and praise him. After removing the muzzle, reward the dog. Gradually increase the time by distracting the Chihuahua with play. When she stops trying to pull off the muzzle, you can go outside.

If your dog refuses a muzzle, then you can use special muzzles to transport it, which you can purchase, like other dog equipment, in specialized stores.

Tell us what equipment you chose for your Chihuahua and how you trained your dog to use it?

Dog owners want the best for their pets, but they face many questions. For example, what is better for a dog: a collar or a harness.

Parfors (or noose)

These varieties are most often used to practice certain pet skills. Pain in the neck area of an animal is associated with prohibition. Even in childhood, the bitch grabs the puppies by the withers with her teeth if they do something forbidden. But you need to correctly calculate your strength, it is advisable to consult a dog handler.

The choice of collar must be approached with all responsibility. It must be selected in size so that it does not squeeze the dog’s throat and at the same time she cannot jump out of it.

Usually collars are selected for growth, but a Chihuahua does not need such a calculation, because it does not grow more than twenty-three centimeters at the withers.

In general, dog collars are divided into the following types:

classic walking;
classic training;
classic guard;
noose;
strict;
exhibition.

But dogs of this decorative breed do not need guard or strict collars, much less a noose. Therefore, we will consider the remaining types of collars.

For a walk

Regardless of your preference, there are a few tips that will help you choose a collar made of any material. Firstly, it should be strong, but not hard. Preferably with a double layer.

Secondly, there should be a lot of holes on it. This is very important for long-haired Chihuahuas - during shedding, the volume of the neck may become slightly larger.

Thirdly, the ring for attaching the carabiner to the leash must be reliable.

Fourthly, a collar for a small dog should be light.

And most importantly, if you are a fan of glamorous collars, then always carefully inspect the decorative elements. They should not cause any discomfort to your pet.

For the exhibition

Such collars should be discreet so as not to distract attention from the Chihuahua. At the same time, they must be comfortable, lightweight, reliable and durable. There are two types of show collars:

synthetic cord;
chain.

There should not be any unnecessary parts on the cord, otherwise the decorative elements will put pressure on the pet’s neck.

We put it on and train it

After choosing a suitable collar, you need to put it on your pet, while at the same time accustoming it to a new thing.

Benefits of harnesses

The disadvantages of a harness are that the dog quickly gets used to it; in the future, the pet may refuse to wear a regular collar.

A harness is a type of harness that consists of belts and straps.

It is placed on the animal's chest and is used for walking and training. What are its advantages:

in case of sudden movements of a person or dog, the harness does not injure the animal or cause suffocation;
the animal cannot get out of it and run away, which happens with collars (this is especially true for dogs whose neck and head girth is almost the same);
the harness relieves the load from the cervical vertebrae, distributing it to the thoracic and shoulder regions;
it does not put pressure on the neck, the pet feels much more comfortable and calmer.

What are the dangers of leash tension?

When wearing a collar, all the pressure is taken on the animal's neck and throat, which causes problems with them. It has already been established that two thirds of back diseases and nervousness in dogs are caused by the collar-leash model in combination with jerking. This can also include diseases such as hypothyroidism, visual and hearing impairment, and damage to nerve nodes in the neck.

The throat of any animal is the most vulnerable place, and any pain here is perceived as a threat to life. A jerk on the throat causes aggression in a dog. As a result, it may turn out that your dog just wanted to get to know another person or relative better, but after pulling on the leash, he begins to bark. The owner doesn’t even need to pull the leash for this: the dog will do it itself. On any walk, jerks are inevitable.

Pros of collars

The collar must have a soft pad on the inside of the product that is in contact with the dog’s neck

A collar is a strap with a clasp and a carabiner to which a leash attaches.

It is placed around the animal's neck and can be used for training, walking, strict or decorative purposes. Collars have the following advantages:

you don’t have to take it off after a walk;
Most often, collars are made of leather, so they are easy to care for and more hygienic than harnesses;
provides complete control over the animal, which is especially necessary for large and fighting dogs.

Yorkshire Terrier

These are tiny creatures whose main decoration is luxurious, iridescent fur. Speaking about what is better for a Yorkie, a collar or a harness, we again draw your attention to the fact that wearing a harness is not recommended for young dogs. They get used to pulling, jumping and performing incredible somersaults. After this, by transferring them to a collar, you risk leading the dog to self-strangulation. Therefore, train your pet to walk correctly.

Babies do not need heavy and massive collars. But today there is a huge selection of miniature models with rhinestones and bows that look very cute. But you shouldn’t wear it all the time, so as not to spoil the wool. Use the collar only when going for walks and take it off at home.

Which is better to choose?

There is no consensus on this matter. Basically the recommendations are as follows:

a collar is better for a puppy, since a harness can only be worn by animals older than 8 months, when their spine has already fully formed;
For fighting and guard dogs, it is also worth choosing a collar; it helps the owner better control his pet;
For sled dogs and small dogs, due to their physiological characteristics, a harness is more suitable.

In any case, when choosing an accessory for a dog, you should not rely only on your own preferences. It’s better to find out what recommendations experts give specifically for your breed.

There is now a dog in your house. Even if she is as small as a Chihuahua, she needs to go outside. And for this you definitely need a leash so that your tiny dog doesn’t run away or get lost. And even if you carry the dog in your arms all the time, it must have the opportunity to run, naturally, under your supervision. That's what a leash is for.

Everything is clear about the leash, it is necessary. Why attach it to? Are there any collars that can hold a tiny dog? Of course, there are, and even two options - a collar and a harness. Each option has its pros and cons, and it's up to you to choose.

Pomeranian Spitz

Very active and agile dogs that just physically need to run a lot. This is not always possible on walking areas, since other dogs are also walking, some of them can be aggressive. What is better for a Spitz, a harness or a collar, so as not to restrict his freedom too much, but at the same time ensure safety? If the dog is not a show dog, then a harness will be a more convenient option. She holds the pet well, even when he tries to wriggle out. The downside is that with constant use, the wool will be wiped off in the places where the belts pass.

Leash - which one is better?

First you need to figure out what kind of leash you will use on your dog. This is very important for several reasons. A leash for a Chihuahua should, first of all, be safe for the dog, that is, light enough. After all, a dog weighing half a kilo cannot carry the same amount of leather with rivets or a thin metal chain.

The length of the leash is also important - it should not be too short, because the dog needs room to maneuver, it will not be able to walk as if glued next to your leg. A leash that is too long is also not good - if you are far enough away from you, the dog can run around the tree and get confused.

Which leash should you choose? There is always a way out!

These days, tape leashes are widely used among owners of small dogs. They provide the length you need, and with their help it is very convenient to practice some commands, in particular, the “Come to me” command.

Differences between a collar and a harness

There are unproven rumors that harnesses are harmful for Chihuahuas. It’s as if she’s ruining the dog’s fur, causing bald patches to appear, and so on. And that when carrying a Chihuahua by its harness, you can damage the dog’s back. In fact, there were no such cases. The harness is very convenient because the dog will not be able to get out of it, unless, of course, the size of the harness is too large. A special handle on the harness allows you to lift your Chihuahua when carrying it from place to place if, for example, the weather is bad and the dog gets dirty. Your clothes will remain clean when you return from your walk if you carry your dog by the harness. Another plus of the harness is that some dogs that are too fat have practically no neck, their head is smaller than the diameter of the neck, so it is impossible to keep them in the collar.

Buy only the lightest collar for your Chihuahua. No rivets, chains or rhinestones! They add weight to the collar, and it will be tiring for a small dog to carry such a weight around its neck. It is best to buy a very light nylon collar, and you can always choose the color that suits you.

If you choose a collar, always fasten it securely so that when you move it does not tighten around your Chihuahua's neck like a garrote. And never jerk the leash sharply! This way you can damage your dog’s fragile neck, or even break it.

Whatever choice you make, think first about your pet's comfort, not about your own preferences or fashion trends. The safety of your dog is the main thing when choosing walking equipment! And then your wonderful dog will enjoy every walk with you!

Which seemed to be specially bred in order to dress her up in bright suits, groom and pamper her.

And, indeed, many owners of these animals do not spare any money to make their pet look glamorous and stylish.

And on the street, especially in the cool season, you can see Chihuahuas dressed in multi-colored overalls, sweaters and blankets.

But what is clothing for a Chihuahua: a whim of the owner or a necessary item?

And what kind of wardrobe should such a dog have?

What accessories do you need in summer?

Summer clothing is necessary to protect your pet from overheating. And, although many dogs walk in the warm season without any clothes, it is still better to dress the Chihuahua in a light suit consisting of a T-shirt and shorts.

This outfit will protect the dog not only from solar radiation, but also from burrs or remaining weeds clinging to the fur, and will also serve as good protection against fleas or ticks.

Insects are clearly visible on light-colored fabric, making them easy to spot and destroy before they have time to crawl onto your pet’s fur or skin.

CAREFULLY!

Due to the fact that a Chihuahua can easily get sunstroke, it is recommended to wear a Panama hat, baseball cap or scarf with holes for the ears on your pet in extreme heat.

If a dog walks through thick grass, it can cut its paw on a sharp stone or glass fragments, which are not always visible.

To prevent this from happening, you can purchase summer sneakers or sandals for your pet to protect your pet’s paws from such injuries.

What accessories do you need in winter?

In the cold season, a Chihuahua cannot do without insulated overalls or a suit consisting of a jacket and trousers. It is better to give preference to clothes made from quilted synthetic padding; natural or artificial down is also good.

Winter overalls and suits for dogs should not be too light, easily washable and dry well.

It is better to purchase a spare version of clothing, because it may turn out that the washed overalls did not have time to dry, but you urgently need to go somewhere or travel with your pet. You can use a bag.

A jumpsuit or jacket for the winter is preferable with a hood, also insulated: this will eliminate the need to buy hats, which, moreover, tend to get lost quite often.

If you do buy hats, they need to be the right size and can be tied under the dog’s chin.

If at other times of the year shoes are not a mandatory accessory, then in winter you cannot do without them. And it’s not just that without boots or boots the dog’s paws get cold.

City streets are sprinkled with reagents that corrode ice, which end up on the pet's paw pads and between the toes and irritate the skin.

How to choose a harness (leash)

A leash or harness for a Chihuahua should be safe, durable and comfortable.

It is better to give preference to a harness and leash made of leather or canvas fabric

In this case, the harness should fit perfectly: not dangle on the dog, but also not dig into the body.

The straps should preferably be wide enough: the distance between them should not exceed 3 cm.

When choosing a leash, you need to remember that it should be light, durable and with a reliable carabiner

. It is also very important that the leash does not rub your hand or cut into it.

Many owners of decorative dogs prefer roulette leashes, as they are comfortable to hold in the hand and their length is easily adjustable.

Together with your pet

When choosing which is better, a harness or a collar, it is worth noting that choosing the first one for a dog is a little more difficult. The collar is selected according to width, massiveness and length. In fact, the only guideline here is the neck circumference and the size of your pet. With a harness it's more complicated. You can’t just come into a store and ask them to give you a model for a husky or a basset hound. Even representatives of the same breed can differ greatly from each other.

Guidelines may be as follows. The straps should be comfortable and wide enough. The harness must fit snugly, but at the same time not cut in anywhere or restrict movement, it should not dangle or rub. Therefore, when choosing a model for an adult dog, it is best to come and try it on before purchasing with it.

How to choose a collar

The most suitable equipment for a Chihuahua is a harness, but many owners prefer to walk their pets with collars and leashes.

For daily use, dogs of this breed are suitable for leather or canvas collars, which must be of sufficient width and strength, and its buckles and ring for securing the carabiner must be strong and reliable.

The collar should not press, rub the dog’s neck or be too stiff.

If the collar is bought “for growth”, then it should have as many holes as possible.

For a show dog you will also need a display collar

. Typically, such models are made of synthetic cord or in the form of a metal chain.

And, if when choosing a regular collar you can buy a brighter accessory, then the exhibition one needs to be selected to match the color of the coat or close to it.

How not to make a mistake when choosing a collar size on Aliexpress?

When selecting any products on Aliexpress, you should always check the correctness of all the characteristics you have chosen several times. To do this, you should first look at the reviews. There you will find not only real photographs of the product, but also general recommendations for selecting the right size. For example, there you can find information about the parameters of pets for which you have already ordered similar collars and choose the right one. Still, the most effective way to check the sizes of dog collars on Aliexpress is to contact the seller directly. We recommend that you do this every time you have any questions about products on Aliexpress. Since each seller is directly interested in ensuring that you are completely satisfied with your order, they all try to get in touch as quickly as possible and advise all buyers.

You need to find a form to contact the seller and write him a message in English. In it, indicate your request and at the same time all the necessary data, the measurements you took and, in general, everything that you consider important. Sellers usually respond within an hour. Even if the response is delayed, the store will definitely contact you on the same day. They will tell you what size is best for you and you don’t have to check anything else, immediately follow the advice. Even if in the end this collar does not fit, you will quickly get your money back or replace the product, because you will have indisputable proof that it was the seller who advised you to make such a decision.

Is a muzzle necessary?

A muzzle is needed in some situations, such as traveling on public transport, visiting a veterinarian, and also tidying up your pet's claws if he is actively resisting.

Given the small size of the Chihuahua, you need to buy nylon muzzles of the appropriate size for them.

In addition, it would be useful to also acquire a special muzzle with a fine mesh, which prevents the dog from picking up anything from the ground during walks.

Clothing designed for different weather conditions is necessary for a Chihuahua.

These dogs need protection from frost, snow, rain, strong wind and even from the scorching sun.

At the same time, you can also buy optional clothes for your pet or sew them yourself: glamorous dresses and suits, decorated with embroidery, rhinestones, fur and other decorative trimmings.

The main thing is that the clothes and accessories fit the pet in size and do not cause him discomfort, then the dog will willingly wear them.

Useful video

From the video you will learn about clothes for Chihuahuas:

Is there a new four-legged family member in the house? In this case, in addition to joy, concern also appears. After all, a dog requires certain care and protection. At home it’s easier in this regard, but on the street there are difficulties. To make your walks enjoyable and with a minimum of worry, you need to take care of special equipment - a collar with a leash or a harness. But what is better to give preference to, and what nuances should be taken into account when choosing?

Arriving at a pet store, a new dog owner may be confused when he discovers a great variety of different collars. They make products from artificial and natural leather, synthetic materials, fabrics, and metals. In addition, there is a classification of collars, dividing them by areas of application.

Walking

Walking collar

Collars suitable for daily walking of your pet. They must be made of high-quality materials that are wear-resistant but do not cause discomfort to the dog - leather, leatherette, felt, nylon, etc. Collars made from combined materials can also be found on sale. A walking collar includes the following:

strong connection with the leash (it is better if it is in the form of a solid welded ring);
It is mandatory to have a soft pad on the inside of the product in contact with the animal’s neck.

For service and training

Training collars

For such purposes, ammunition is produced from materials of the highest quality. Such collars are equipped with a special handle that allows you to hold the animal at any time, and it also allows the owner to control the pet’s actions.

Most often, collars have two half rings or loops at the top. For work or training, it is more convenient to attach the leash to the ring located closer to the buckle.

To stand guard

Collar for guard duty

The equipment intended for leashed dogs also has its own peculiarity. The models have a decent width. It is better to give preference to products made from materials that are durable and wear-resistant, capable of withstanding any weather conditions and constant use.

When in use, the leash is threaded through the half ring, then the carabiner is attached to the buckle. This design allows the load received during tension to be transferred not to the dog’s neck, but to the buckle area.

Choke collar

Quite formidable ammunition, intended for no less formidable animals - representatives of large or fighting breeds with a wayward or even ferocious disposition. Naturally, in this case we are not talking about the aesthetics and beauty of the product.

Nooses can be made of leather or synthetic fabrics, but most often they are made from metal in the form of chain links. Such collars are used for walking, training and during participation in public events - competitions, exhibitions.

The impact of a noose from puppyhood (when the bitch pulls the babies by the withers, slightly squeezing) is associated with prohibition in dogs. Naturally, it is necessary to calculate the force and time of impact. If you do not have the skill to handle such ammunition, you should consult a dog handler.

When choosing metal products, you should be extremely careful:

the collar must be made of durable alloy;
the links of the chain must be well and firmly sealed so as not to scratch the animal’s skin;
The most low-allergenic alloy is considered to be Kurogan (the color is slightly darker than brass with a reddish tint);
For pets with light hair, it is extremely important that the collar does not stain the coat.

“Parfors” (in common parlance – “planer”)

Collar “Parfors”

Another type of equipment for dogs with a certain character. Its purpose is to use it in the learning process and training. Differences from other collars are the presence of spikes on the inside, which cause discomfort to the pet during strong jerks and when pulled.

When choosing a parfors, you need to focus on the length of your pet’s fur:

For dogs with smooth and short hair, strict collars made of wire or plates are suitable.
For long-haired pets, it is preferable to take a metal parfors.

A very important requirement is that the thorns should not injure the pet’s skin, cause severe pain, or have a targeted effect on the skin. Otherwise, the learning process will not give positive results. The parfors should not sit tightly on the dog's neck or be too loose. A strict collar implies the ability to adjust the product to the size of the pet, only by removing the extra links.

The "strogach" can be used only for its intended purpose - during the period of training and education. It is not suitable for constant wear, for daily walking and playing with other dogs.

Exhibition equipment

Show collar

Someone might think that the main thing here is beauty and aesthetics - the more rhinestones and glitter, the better. However, this is not quite true. Yes, aesthetics are important, but the accessory should not be flashy, distracting from the dog’s advantages. When choosing, you should focus on three properties - practicality, convenience and quality.

Owners of show-class pets should be aware that in order to participate in exhibitions, special collars are required - ring collars, used to guide the participant around the ring. This design combines two accessories at once - a collar and a leash.

There is a special provision of the RKF that prohibits the use of parfors harnesses for these purposes; ordinary collars and leashes are also not used.

Decorative collars

Such ammunition has more aesthetic value. Decorative collars are suitable for dogs of miniature breeds; they are less often chosen for medium-sized pets. The material and design are different, depending on the designer’s imagination.

Experts recommend choosing equipment for your pet only after having the opportunity to try it on. Experienced dog handlers have various types of equipment at their disposal - for everyday walks, exhibitions, training and other events. They also advise other dog owners to do the same.

Any equipment requires regular care - washing, cleaning, which will increase its service life and protect your pet from infection. Price is far from the most important criterion, since in pursuit of profit you can harm your four-legged friend. The pursuit of beauty is also inappropriate - rhinestones, rivets and other decorations can cause discomfort in the animal.

To make it easier to determine the size, you can focus on the standard - two fingers should fit freely between the animal’s neck and the product. To protect the animal's fur, it is better to choose ammunition with protective valves.

The choice of collar is made based on the breed:

For those with a hard coat, it is better to choose collars that have a leather inner surface, a circular cross-section and external seams.
Large, active dogs with a violent temperament are best bred with a strict collar.
For pets with long, silky hair, a chain collar made of chromed metal is more suitable.
To protect an overly curious and disobedient pet during the educational process, it is recommended to use a choke collar.
For puppies, lightweight leather or fabric collars are suitable, equipped with a valve that protects the skin and fur from contact with metal parts.

Harnesses: features and benefits

Another type of equipment for dogs, including belts and straps. Today it is a fairly popular product that has a number of advantages. And, above all, the harness removes the load from the animal’s cervical vertebrae, distributing it to the shoulder and thoracic regions.

At the time of their appearance, they were used as dog harnesses. To this day, there is a special type of harness used in the north for sledding, as well as for sports racing. The designs of these products have some differences from conventional harnesses; they are made of very strong materials - canvas or nylon fabric.

Special ammunition is also produced:

to move along the trail;
harnesses with weights to correct the muscle corset;
equipment for guide dogs;
harnesses for medical purposes and others.

When choosing a harness, you should be guided by the following recommendations:

The most important parameter when choosing is the size of the ammunition. There should be a snug fit without pressing into the dog's skin; The harness should not restrict movement.
Harness fasteners should not have sharp edges or protruding parts.
The correct fit of the equipment is when the side strap is not pressed against the pet’s armpits. For representatives of large and medium-sized breeds, the distance is the width of the palm of an adult; for small dogs, 2-3 fingers are enough.

The advantages of harnesses include the following:

a pet wearing a harness does not feel discomfort;
convenient to use.

The disadvantages are that the dog quickly gets used to it; after wearing a harness, the pet may refuse to wear a regular collar. Not suitable for all breeds. When you get home, you must take off the harness. In the process of training, a harness will not help much, since pulling it back will not have the desired effect on the dog.

Which is better: a harness or a collar?

Despite all the advantages and disadvantages of collars and harnesses, the pet owner must take into account various additional factors:

To make the right choice, you need to understand a little about dog equipment and its purpose.
No matter how good the harness is, it will not be the best option for a St. Bernard. A good, strong collar will be more relevant here. In addition, for some breeds, for example, experts do not recommend their use at all. And for miniature pets, for example, toy terriers, chihuahuas, a harness is the most successful option, as it puts pressure on the fragile cervical vertebrae and is an appropriate decoration for the dog. The same applies to representatives of breeds with short muzzles - pugs, etc.
A dog living in an apartment has completely different needs than an animal performing guard duty on a chain.

Many veterinarians and dog handlers believe that the collar has a detrimental effect on the pet’s cervical vertebrae. As for the choice of a harness or collar for puppies, the opinions of experts are divided. Most still recommend refraining from wearing a harness until the bone corset is strengthened - up to 8-10 months. The larger the pet, the longer its skeleton grows and develops.

There is also no consensus on whether constant use of a harness is beneficial, since the animal develops a different center of gravity. So, you need to evaluate the pros and cons and make a choice in favor of your pet.

Consultation with a specialist

Indeed, it is sometimes difficult to do without it. Walking in a harness forms the puppy's bones and muscles in a special way, so before purchasing, be sure to consult the club or the breeder. In most cases, it cannot be used until the age of 1 year.

As already mentioned, it is quite difficult to say which is better, a harness or a collar. Some breeds need the first one for proper muscle development, while others do not recommend it. A harness is a must-have item for sled dogs. If you want to use an adult dog for sledding with children, then no collars.