Top 20 Dog Names of 2024
Every year, certain dog names take center stage, becoming the most popular picks among pup parents. We’ve gathered the top names of 2024, inspired by all the amazing Sniff & Bark pups out there!Did your...
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All About Dog Harnesses, Collars, and When To Use Them
09/07/2022 | Sniff & Bark
How many dog collars and harnesses does your dog have?
Personally, and as long-time dog parents, we’ve lost count!
It seems like everyone who owns a dog almost always has a dog collar, a dog harness, or both and it isn’t hard to see why. They’re the most practical accessories to have for walks around the neighborhood and other outdoor excursions. Indeed, these essential items are two of the most often used accessories.
But how much do we really know about dog harnesses and collars? What do they have in common and how are they different from each other? When would you want to use a harness instead of a collar and vice-versa?
Whether you’re a first-time or long-time dog owner, it’s time to learn more about them!
When we first own a dog, the accessory we’re most often excited to get is a dog collar. It’s a sign of ownership, care, and the fact that our fur babies belong to us. We use them whenever we go out and as a means of identification.
But did you know that there are several kinds of dog collars out there? Some are even inadvisable and unsafe for pets.
Most likely, the one you have at home is a collar for daily use. Some of these collars offer a metal buckle that remains firmly closed while others have a quick-release buckle (sometimes referred to as a breakaway collar) that opens when it’s subject to an unusually strong force.
Metal buckles are ideal for large athletic dogs while quick-release buckles offer added safety, especially for smaller canines who are more prone to neck injuries.
Here are other types of dog collars:
With so many different dog collars out there, are there collars that are better for our beloved pets? Definitely! Not all dog collars are equal and some will fit better and be more comfortable and practical.
Here are a few things to keep an eye on:
If you can, take a close look at a collar before purchasing. Notice the stitching (if there is any), how the materials are fitted together, etc. These small details speak volumes about the quality and care that went into its production.
Many dog collars are easy to maintain and care for. For utmost convenience, get a daily use collar that you can pop in the washing machine or handwash. To keep it clean, wash your dog collar every few months and after every outdoor activity (e.g. a trip to the beach or hiking) where it might have accumulated dirt.
You can find dog collars that tick all these boxes by visiting Sniff & Bark’s Bow Tie Collar Collection and Flower Collar Collection.
Like collars, dog harnesses are wearable accessories that let you take your dog out on walks and other outdoor excursions. They provide greater coverage and support with material wrapping around the dog’s shoulders and neck as well as behind the front legs.
Instead of the leash attaching to the neck area, the harness is usually connected with a metal D ring on the dog’s back. This relieves tension and pressure on the neck and more evenly distributes weight.
Harnesses for dogs became popular in the 90s when animal rights groups advocated their use. They’re believed to originate in China before 500 AD and were first used on animals on farms and in the cavalry.
The modern dog harnesses we see today are as useful and practical as ever. They can be used to:
There are two ways to classify dog harnesses: based on the style and where the D ring is placed.
It seems like a minor detail but the D-ring location is where we attach our dog leash. Its placement determines where the pressure comes from and how the weight is supported.
A tightening harness is another type of harness. It’s similar to limited slip collars because it becomes tighter and more uncomfortable when a dog starts pulling on the leash.
Though it relies more on negative reinforcement, a tightening harness can be an effective training tool. However, caution should still be practiced since it can hurt your pet and even provoke aggressive behavior. If it must be used, it should be worn only during training and the owner must look for a safe and gentle design.
In terms of comfort, practicality, and fit, what does a good dog harness look like?
When you fit the harness on your dog, the skin around the harness should lie flat and shouldn’t be bunched up. There should also be no marks on your dog’s fur when you remove it. If the harness is too tight, you can try measuring your dog again, opt for a different style, or use a collar instead. If the harness is too loose, you risk your dog slipping out of it.
Shop for high-quality, comfortable, durable, and well-fitting harnesses at Sniff & Bark.
Dog collars and harnesses are convenient and practical but when should you use each?
Use a collar if:
Use a harness if:
Note that when dogs with long fur wear harnesses, their coats can become tangled and matted, especially when worn for long periods. To avoid this, have them wear a harness only when they’re outside and for limited periods.
Whether you prefer a collar or harness, an accessory with an ID tag is a practical and useful feature. A harness or collar with your name and number like those offered by Sniff & Bark provides greater assurance that you’ll be contacted if the two of you ever get separated.
We love harnesses and collars because they’re so useful and they come in a variety of materials, designs, and colors. But, as responsible dog parents, we also have to make sure that these accessories are comfortable and safe for our four-legged family members.
Collars provide easy wear and require less adjustment for our dogs. Harnesses provide more coverage and support. They also have fewer risks. You may prefer one over the other or have a collar for indoor use and a harness for outdoor jaunts.
To make sure that you and your dog are happy with both, pay careful attention to fit, comfort, practicality, and durability.
No matter which one you prefer, know that you’ll always find the best quality collar and harness at Sniff & Bark. Visit the website today to find these beautiful, handcrafted, and thoughtfully designed Bow Tie Dog Collars and Floral Dog Collars.
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