Harness Vs Collar For Training A Puppy Which One Prevents Pulling Better

Walking your puppy should be a joyful experience—not a tug-of-war down the sidewalk. Yet many new dog owners quickly discover that their enthusiastic pup turns into a determined sled dog at the end of the leash. The solution often begins not with advanced training techniques, but with a fundamental decision: harness or collar?

While both tools are widely used, they serve very different purposes when it comes to preventing pulling. Understanding the mechanics, safety implications, and behavioral outcomes of each can dramatically improve your success in raising a well-mannered dog. This article dives deep into the science, expert recommendations, and practical realities behind using a harness versus a collar during puppy training.

The Mechanics of Pulling: Why It Happens

Puppies pull because they’re driven by curiosity, excitement, and instinct. A squirrel darts across the lawn? They lunge. A new scent emerges from a bush? They charge. Leash pressure is just background noise compared to the thrill of exploration.

But beyond motivation, the physical response to restraint plays a major role. When a puppy pulls against a traditional neck collar, pressure concentrates on the trachea, cervical spine, and delicate tissues of the throat. This discomfort can trigger a reflexive oppositional pull—essentially, the more pressure they feel, the harder they resist. Think of it like being yanked backward while trying to move forward; your natural reaction is to brace and push harder.

This phenomenon is known in animal behavior circles as the oppositional reflex. It’s particularly strong in young dogs who haven’t yet learned impulse control. What starts as a simple walk can become a cycle of tension, discomfort, and reinforcement of pulling behavior.

“Using a collar that applies pressure to the neck during walks can inadvertently train a dog to pull harder over time due to the oppositional reflex.” — Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, Applied Animal Behaviorist

Harness vs Collar: Key Differences in Design and Function

The core difference between a harness and a collar lies in where force is applied and how the dog responds biomechanically.

Feature	Neck Collar	Front-Clip Harness	Back-Clip Harness
Attachment Point	Back of neck	Chest (front)	Between shoulder blades
Pressure Distribution	Concentrated on throat and spine	Evenly distributed across chest and shoulders	Distributed across back and shoulders
Pulling Response	Triggers oppositional reflex	Redirects dog inward when pulling	Limited redirection; may encourage pulling
Safety for Trachea	Low – risk of injury with strong pullers	High – no throat pressure	High – no throat pressure
Best For	ID tags, light-leash trained dogs	Puppies and strong pullers	Well-trained dogs or casual walks

From this comparison, it’s clear that not all harnesses are created equal. A front-clip harness—where the leash attaches to a ring on the dog’s chest—is specifically engineered to discourage pulling. When the puppy lunges forward, the design gently turns them back toward the handler, disrupting momentum and encouraging attention.

In contrast, back-clip harnesses, while safer than collars for sensitive throats, can actually reinforce pulling in some dogs. Because the force is applied across the back, similar to a sled dog’s rig, certain breeds may interpret movement as encouragement. This is especially true in high-drive working breeds like Huskies or Border Collies.

Tip: Always choose a front-clip harness for puppies who pull. Avoid back-clip harnesses during early training unless your dog already walks politely.

Which Is More Effective at Preventing Pulling?

When the goal is reducing or eliminating pulling, research and professional trainers overwhelmingly favor front-clip harnesses over traditional collars.

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs wearing front-clip harnesses showed significantly less pulling force—up to 57% reduction—compared to those in neck collars. Additionally, handlers reported greater control and reduced strain on their own arms and shoulders.

From a behavioral standpoint, front-clip harnesses support positive reinforcement training. Instead of correcting the dog after they’ve already pulled, the harness acts as a gentle guide that makes pulling less effective. Over time, the puppy learns that moving close to the handler results in smoother, more comfortable walks.

Collars, even padded ones, do not offer this advantage. In fact, repeated pressure on the neck can lead to long-term health issues such as tracheal collapse, eye pressure spikes, and cervical injuries—especially in small breeds like Pomeranians or Yorkshire Terriers.

That said, collars still have a place. They are essential for holding ID tags and licensing information. Many trainers recommend using both: a collar for identification and a harness for walking. Just ensure the collar is loose enough to fit two fingers beneath it and never attach the leash to it during training sessions aimed at stopping pulling.

Real-World Example: Training Max, the Energetic Labrador

Max, a 12-week-old yellow Labrador Retriever, came to his new home full of energy and zero leash manners. His owner, Sarah, tried walking him with a standard nylon collar, but within days, Max was dragging her across parking lots and barking at every passing dog.

Concerned about both control and safety, Sarah consulted a certified dog trainer. She switched to a front-clip harness and began a consistent loose-leash training routine. Within two weeks, Max’s pulling decreased by over 80%. The turning motion of the harness helped redirect his focus back to Sarah whenever he started to surge ahead.

By week six, Max was walking calmly at her side, responding to cues, and enjoying walks without choking or coughing. Sarah credits the harness not just with improving behavior, but with protecting Max’s developing body from unnecessary strain.

This case reflects what thousands of puppy owners experience: a simple equipment change can accelerate training progress and prevent negative associations with walking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Tool

Selecting the best gear is only half the battle. Proper use and pairing with training are critical for lasting results.

1. Assess Your Puppy’s Needs: Consider breed, size, temperament, and current pulling habits. Small or brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Pugs) are especially vulnerable to airway damage from collars.
2. Choose a Front-Clip Harness: Look for adjustable straps, breathable materials, and a clearly marked front attachment point. Popular models include the PetSafe Easy Walk and the 2 Hounds Freedom No-Pull Harness.
3. Fit the Harness Correctly: The harness should be snug but allow two fingers beneath any strap. The chest clip should sit near the dog’s sternum, not under the armpits.
4. Pair With Positive Reinforcement: Reward your puppy for walking beside you. Use treats, praise, or a clicker to mark desired behavior. Never yank or jerk the leash—even with a harness.
5. Practice in Low-Distraction Areas: Begin training in your yard or quiet street. Gradually increase difficulty as your puppy improves.
6. Use the Collar Only for ID: Keep the collar on for identification tags, but never attach the walking leash to it during training.
7. Monitor Progress Weekly: Track improvements in attention span, responsiveness, and reduced pulling force. Adjust training intensity as needed.

Tip: Introduce the harness gradually. Let your puppy sniff it, wear it briefly indoors, and associate it with treats before attempting a walk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using a back-clip harness for a strong puller: This can turn your puppy into a miniature draft dog, reinforcing pulling rather than discouraging it.
• Attaching the leash to both harness and collar: Creates confusion and potential entanglement. Use one attachment point at a time.
• Choosing style over function: Fashionable harnesses may look great but lack proper fit or redirection features.
• Skipping training altogether: Even the best harness won’t teach good behavior without consistent guidance and reinforcement.
• Ignoring signs of discomfort: Redness, hair loss, or reluctance to walk may indicate an ill-fitting harness.

FAQ: Harness vs Collar for Puppy Training

Can a harness hurt my puppy if it doesn’t fit properly?

Yes. A poorly fitted harness can cause chafing, restrict movement, or put pressure on the shoulders and elbows. Always adjust straps according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and check for rubbing after each use.

Will my puppy become dependent on the harness to behave?

No. The harness is a training aid, not a crutch. As your puppy learns loose-leash walking through consistent practice, you can eventually transition to other tools or even off-leash control in safe areas. The goal is building habits, not permanent reliance.

Is it ever okay to use a collar for walking?

For puppies still learning leash manners, it’s generally not recommended. Once a dog reliably walks without pulling and has mastered basic obedience, a collar may be used occasionally—but many trainers still prefer harnesses for daily walks due to safety benefits.

Final Checklist: Making the Right Choice

“Equipment shapes behavior. Choose tools that support cooperation, not conflict.” — Jean Donaldson, Dog Training Educator and Author

Before your next walk, run through this checklist to ensure you’re set up for success:

• ✅ I am using a front-clip harness designed to reduce pulling
• ✅ The harness fits snugly but does not restrict breathing or movement
• ✅ My puppy wears a separate collar with up-to-date ID tags
• ✅ I carry high-value treats or a toy for positive reinforcement
• ✅ I plan to practice in a low-distraction environment first
• ✅ I avoid jerking or tugging the leash, focusing instead on redirection and rewards

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety, Comfort, and Long-Term Success

The debate between harness and collar isn’t just about preference—it’s about responsibility. When training a puppy, every interaction shapes their understanding of the world. Choosing a front-clip harness over a collar isn’t merely a tactic to stop pulling; it’s a commitment to humane, effective, and safe training.

You don’t need harsh corrections or fear-based methods to raise a well-behaved dog. Modern science and experienced professionals agree: the right tools, combined with patience and positivity, yield the best results. By eliminating pain and resistance from the equation, you create space for learning, trust, and connection.

💬 Ready to transform your walks? Start today by switching to a front-clip harness and practicing just 10 minutes of focused training. Share your journey in the comments—your experience could inspire another puppy parent to make the change too.