As a professional dog trainer, one of the most common questions I get from clients is whether they should use a collar or a harness when walking their dog. My answer is simple: a well-designed harness is the safer, more comfortable and more effective choice. One of the most important decisions you can make for your dog’s safety, comfort, physical health and training success is choosing the right equipment to use for their walks and contrary to uneducated advice, harnesses do not cause dogs to pull – a lack of training does!

A study led by a canine scientist at Nottingham Trent University looked at the potential impact of pulling on the lead and the related pressure on a dogs neck using a variety of different collars. No single collar tested provided a pressure considered low enough to reduce the risk of injury when pulling on the lead. For more information on this study, click here.

After years of hands-on experience with dogs of every size, breed and behaviour type, there’s one harness I confidently recommend time and time again: the Perfect Fit Harness.

Let’s talk about why a harness matters - and why this specific one stands out above the rest.

Why I Recommend Harnesses Over Collars

1. They Protect the Neck and Spine

Unlike collars, a well fitted harness distributes pressure safely across the dog’s chest and shoulders - areas of the body that are structurally stronger and less prone to injury. When a dog pulls on a collar or experiences a lead jerk (which can occur when the dog comes abruptly to a stop on an extendable lead or long line, lunges on a lead or is sadly ‘corrected’ by their handler) it can cause lasting damage to a dog’s trachea, neck muscles or spine and repeated pressure can contribute to:

Eye problems caused by Intraocular eye pressure
Collapsed Trachea
Syringomyelia
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
Sensitive throats (e.g. after Kennel cough)
Thyroid disorder

2. They Improve Training Outcomes

Harnesses, especially those with front attachment points, make it easier to guide and redirect your dog’s movement. They can discourage pulling and this can be helpful when training loose lead walking or working with reactive or easily distracted dogs.

Front-clips reduce pulling by changing the dog’s direction when they pull forward.
Back-clips provide freedom of movement and comfort for calmer walkers.

You can also use use both clips together with a double-ended lead to balance control with gentle, consistent communication. Harnesses give you a more humane and consistent way to guide your dog’s movements.

3. They Reduces Pulling Without Discomfort

Dogs pull because it works - pulling gets them where they want to be. Harnesses give you more control over your dog without putting pressure on their neck or throat. This is especially important for dogs that pull on the lead, lunge or are still learning to walk nicely. A harness helps you train your dog without causing discomfort or injury.

Unlike aversive ‘anti-pull’ devices (like slip leads or prong collars) a harness doesn’t rely on pain or discomfort to get results. Used with positive reinforcement training, a good harness encourages better behaviour through positioning and redirection rather than punishment.

4. They Provide More Security – Preventing Escapes

For escape-artist dogs or those with narrow heads, a collar can be slipped in seconds. A properly fitted harness is much more secure and reduces the risk of your dog slipping loose during a walk or a stressful situation. Some harnesses are ill-fitting and do not prevent your dog from slipping out so it’s extremely important to choose a well fitted harness – another reason why I recommend the Perfect Fit harness.

5. They are a Better Option for Puppies and Sensitive Dogs

Puppies are still developing physically and emotionally. Harsh corrections or pressure on the neck can cause fear or long-term behavioural issues. Harnesses are a gentler way to introduce walking on the lead and outdoor exploration.

They’re also ideal for dogs who are:

Nervous or anxious
Recovering from injury
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs
Prone to collapsing trachea or respiratory conditions

Why Choosing the Right Equipment Matters for Training and Behaviour

At Happy Buddies Dog Training, we emphasise clear, kind and force-free methods. The tools we use support that approach. A collar can cause a dog to tense, brace or resist. A poorly designed harness can restrict shoulder movement or cause rubbing. But a well-fitted, comfortable harness like the Perfect Fit one helps dogs feel safe, move freely and respond to training with confidence.

Switching to a harness can make a huge difference in your dog’s comfort, safety, behaviour and training success.

Type of Harness to Choose

Not all harnesses are created equal. Our preferred type of harness is called a Y-shaped harness rather than others which can cause discomfort, injury, escapes and reduced movement.

Y-Shaped Harness

These form a ‘Y’ shape at the front of the chest and the straps sit between the front legs and around the ribcage providing great freedom of movement as they leave the shoulders and legs free to move naturally. They often include front and back attachment points. They are suitable for all dogs but especially active dogs or those in training.

T-Shaped Harness

These have a horizontal chest strap which resembles a ‘T’ from the front. The strap goes straight across the chest and another that loops around the dog’s neck and body. These can restrict shoulder and leg movement.

H-Shaped Harness

These resemble an ‘H’ when viewed from the side with one strap going around the neck and one around the chest which is connected by a strap along the back and underside. These can put pressure on the neck and trachea.

Here’s a good article which reviews different types of harnesses based on safety, comfort and effectiveness.

Why We Recommend the Perfect Fit Harness

There are many harnesses on the market but few offer the combination of fit, function, comfort, and control that the Perfect Fit Harness does. Here’s why it checks all the boxes for us and why we recommend it for training and everyday use.

Modular for a True ‘Perfect Fit’

No two dogs are built the same. Some have deep chests and tiny waists and others are short-legged with wide shoulders. The Y-Shaped Perfect Fit Harness is made up of three separate pieces (top, front, and girth strap) each available in different sizes allowing for a precise fit - whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a deep-chested Greyhound.

A properly fitted harness is essential for both comfort and safety. As each section of the Perfect Fit harness comes in multiple sizes and can be mixed and matched, the harness can be truly fitted to your dog’s individual shape and size meaning no gaping or rubbing, no slipping or twisting and no restriction of movement. As your dog grows, you can just replace the section that you need - plus they come in a range of fabulous colours!

Designed for Comfort and Movement

The Perfect Fit Harness is designed to avoid sensitive areas such as the armpits, shoulders and throat. It allows your dog to move naturally and comfortably while walking or running - without rubbing or chafing. It distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of pressure sores or hair loss from long-term wear.

The soft fleece padding makes it ideal for dogs with short hair or sensitive skin or those who are just getting used to wearing a harness.

It also doesn’t need to be put on over your dogs head (this can cause concern to the more head shy and sensitive individuals) plus, they are quick to put on and take off creating minimal fuss.

Front and Back Lead Attachment Points

The Perfect Fit offers both a front and a back D-ring:

The front ring helps discourage pulling and allows for gentle redirection during training.
The back ring offers more freedom and is ideal for relaxed walks, running, or long-lead use.

When used with a double-ended lead attached to both rings, you can achieve more effective and gentle guidance during training sessions.

Safe and Secure

I’ve witnesses many dogs escape out of some other harnesses and this certainly poses a risk to their safety and others. The design of the Perfect Fit harness though makes it very difficult for dogs to wriggle out of, especially when fitted properly. They are, therefore, an excellent choice for nervous or fearful dogs, rescue dogs who are new to walking equipment, small breeds that are prone to slipping collars and high-energy dogs who dart and twist.

Made in the UK with High Quality Materials

Despite its comfort, the Perfect Fit harness is incredibly durable. It is machine washable, mud-proof and ethically made in the UK using high-quality, responsibly sourced materials. It’s certainly built to last - Buddy and Fudge have had theirs years!

Introducing your Puppy or Dog To Their New Harness

It is important to introduce your puppy/dog to a new harness because it helps them associate the harness with positive experiences, making them more comfortable and less likely to resist or feel stressed.

Avoid Stress or Fear: For some dogs, wearing a harness can be a new and strange sensation. If you rush the process it may lead to anxiety or fear, which could lead to your dog having a negative association with their harness. Gradually get them used to it and help them feel safe and relaxed around it first.
Build a Positive Association: Take it slow and use positive reinforcement (tasty rewards work well). This will help your dog associate the harness with good things, developing more positive feelings toward it.
Get Them Used to the Fit: Not all dogs are accustomed to wearing something on their body. They may feel awkward or restrained, especially at first. A gradual introduction lets them get used to the feeling of the harness without it being overwhelming.
Prevent Negative Behaviours: If your dog is suddenly forced to wear a harness or if it’s put on too tightly they might struggle, pull away or try to get it off. Gradually and positively introducing them to their harness will reduce the chances of these behaviours.
Adjust to Movement: Let them get used to wearing the harness for short periods of time first before clipping on their lead and expecting them to go for a walk.

Here’s a nice little video on how to get your puppy used to wearing a harnesses (it can apply to an older dog too).