Dog Collars, Leashes, and Harnesses

Nylon, or leather—which is the better material for your dog? Leather is the most durable material for dog collars and leashes, although it’s not the best choice if you have dogs who spend a lot of time in the water. Nylon is lightweight, also incredibly durable, easy to adjust and wash, comfortable for most dogs, and generally costs less than leather. And nylon handles moisture much better than leather. But some dogs are allergic to nylon. Leather breathes; it’s safe, natural, and organic, and the oils in your dog’s coat will help soften and break in his leather collar. Leather is also costlier than nylon, can be a tad more difficult than nylon to keep clean, and for some dogs—especially puppies—makes an appealing chew toy. But, if you’re looking for the longest lasting material on the market, a leather dog collar or leash is the best choice.

• The Standard Leash – Most often a flat lead made in woven nylon, the standard leash can also be leather or other roped material; it is typically six feet in length and ideal for dog walking.
• The Short Leash – Measuring up to four feet in length, the short leash can be useful for controlling a dog in a crowded urban setting.
• The Longline Leash – Sometimes called a check cord (15 or more feet), this can be a valuable training tool for fieldwork or for practicing instant recalls.
• The Slip Leash – Offers a lead-and-collar-in-one solution and adjusts to fit any size neck; a good option for the dog who pulls habitually. Most professional trainers and handlers prefer this style of leash for the control it offers and the feedback it gives the dog.

Note: If your dog is petite, make sure the leash you choose is sized to match his smaller proportions, and that its clip won’t whap him in the face or jaw.

A harness may be a better choice than a collar for some dogs; we offer convenient step-in designs, rugged, trail-ready harnesses, personalized reflective harnesses, and car-restraint harnesses for travel. Use a dog harness:

• For Training – The dog who jumps or pulls to excess may benefit from wearing a harness with a clip on the chest. Attaching his leash to the front of the harness gives you better control.
• For Health & Safety – A brachycephalic breed (Pug, Boxer, Bulldog, or similar) has a shortened head and snout with a slightly restricted airway. A harness makes a safer option for these breeds because it won’t restrict airflow. For the dog with glaucoma, a conventional collar puts pressure on his airway and on his eyes, potentially accelerating this condition.
• For the Escape Artist – A dog with a narrow head (a Greyhound, for example), or who has a thick neck in relation to his head, can easily escape a collar—when you’re headed outside for an adventure, clip the leash to his harness, and enjoy peace of mind.
• As a Car Restraint – This type of harness is an ideal travel accessory for any dog who routinely rides in the car, and adjusts to fit him comfortably and securely; its accompanying tether attaches to the back of the harness on one end and to the car seat belt system on the other. Bonus: it doubles as a harness for walking once you reach your destination.
• For the Older or Arthritic Dog – A dog harness with the point of attachment at the chest or the back allows you to physically assist a dog with compromised joints, helping him rise, navigate steps, or change direction more comfortably.

Using a cloth measuring tape or a length of twine, and starting at the ridge between his shoulder blades (the withers), draw the tape or string around his chest, just behind his front legs, and back up to his withers on the other side. Pull the tape or string snug, but not tight. Note the measurement. Repeat this two more times—you may get a different measurement each time, but you’ll have a good idea of his girth.

Some harness styles require additional measurements: You may need to obtain the circumference of his neck at its thickest part (just above the withers), or measure from your dog’s neck to the rear of his rib cage.

Avoid using your dog’s weight as the sole metric when you’re determining harness size, as a small breed and large breed can weigh the same but have sharply different chest measurements. The harness should fit snug, but not tight—you should be able to slide two stacked fingers under it, as you would your dog’s collar. It should not fit so loosely that it shifts from side to side, nor so tightly that it pinches or binds when he walks.

Remember: Even if you’ll clip a leash to your dog’s personalized harness for adventures, he’ll still need a conventional collar for his hang tags. Consult your veterinarian for help determining the best option for your dog.

Reflective dog collars offer the benefit of keeping your pup visible to motorists in low light conditions. The special safety strips on these collars pick up light and bounce it back to the source. Headlights activate the strips, allowing drivers to spot your dog’s location and avoid deadly accidents. Reflective dog collars are a huge safety benefit for anyone who walks or runs with dogs before sunup or after dark.

When you notice wear and tear in the material, or the buckles start to function improperly, replace your dog’s collar, harness, or leash.