Which Is a Safer Option for Your Dog: A Collar or a Harness?
- kagriffin8
- Jun 25, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 30, 2025
When it comes to walking your dog, one of the first choices you’ll need to make is whether to use a collar or a harness. It might seem like a small decision, but it has a big impact on your dog’s comfort, safety, and even style.
At Dog Collars with Bling, we’ve helped thousands of dog owners choose the perfect collar—not just because it looks good, but because it works for their dog’s needs. Whether you’re a new pet parent or just rethinking your current setup, let’s break down the pros and cons of collars vs. harnesses, especially for fashion-forward pups.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Role of Collars and Harnesses
Both collars and harnesses have a place in your dog’s wardrobe, but they serve different purposes. Collars are ideal for displaying ID tags, licenses, and providing everyday style. Harnesses, on the other hand, are often used for walks, especially for dogs that pull, have neck sensitivities, or medical conditions that affect their throat or airway. But here’s the key: not all collars are created equal. And that’s where we come in.
Why Our Dog Collars Are Different?
Typical pet store collars are mass-produced, stiff, and often made with synthetic materials that can rub, irritate, or even cause injury to sensitive dogs, especially around the neck area. But at Dog Collars with Bling, we design our dog collars to be just as safe as they are stunning.
We use full-grain, padded leather that’s soft, flexible, and gentle on your dog’s neck. Our collars are carefully measured and handmade for your pet’s size, weight, and daily activity. When fit properly, our collars sit comfortably without choking, tugging, or shifting during movement.
And for dogs who don’t have leash-pulling habits or throat concerns, a properly fitted collar is perfectly safe for walks, lounging, and everything in between.
When a Collar Is the Right Choice?
For most dogs—especially small to medium breeds with no history of respiratory issues—a collar is a simple and stylish choice. It’s easy to put on and take off, lightweight, and allows your dog to move freely.
Our collars are especially great for dogs that are calm on walks, trained to heel, or primarily use collars for identification purposes. With adjustable sizing and premium padding, our designs provide comfort with every wear. If your dog fits into that category, a collar isn’t just a safe choice—it’s a smart one.
The Safety Benefits of Proper Fit
One of the most overlooked factors in collar safety is fit. A collar that’s too tight can cause discomfort, but one that’s too loose might slip off or catch on something. That’s why we emphasize accurate measuring before placing your order.
We offer a step-by-step sizing guide to ensure your dog’s collar fits like it should—secure but not restrictive, snug but still breathable. Since each collar is made-to-order, we cut, pad, and build every detail around your dog’s exact neck measurement.
This personalized fit makes a huge difference—not just in safety, but in how your dog feels while wearing it.
How Harnesses Compare to Dog Collars?
Harnesses are often recommended for dogs that pull hard on the leash, have trachea sensitivities, or medical conditions affecting the neck or spine. They distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the throat, which can be safer in some cases.
However, not all dogs need this type of support. In fact, for dogs that walk calmly, a harness can be bulky and restrictive. Some dogs even resist wearing them because they cover more of the body, feel hot, or interfere with movement.
Harnesses are also harder to put on and take off, and many designs require your dog to step into them or have straps adjusted every time.
For the Fashion-Forward Pup
Now let’s talk style—because safety and fashion should go hand-in-hand. We don’t just make collars for functionality; we make them to celebrate your dog’s personality.
A bling collar for dogs from our collection is more than just an accessory. It’s a handcrafted piece of wearable art. Each collar is made with buttery-soft leather, lined with padding, and adorned with hand-set Swarovski crystals that are securely placed and built to last.
They aren’t glued or cheaply fastened like mass-market options. Every detail—from the leather finish to the crystal arrangement—is chosen by you and handcrafted by us.
When Crystals Meet Craftsmanship?
You’ve seen shiny collars before, but our dog collars with crystals are a completely different experience. We don’t believe in sacrificing quality for sparkle. That’s why we use genuine Swarovski crystals in every collar. They’re known worldwide for their clarity, brilliance, and long-lasting shine.
The placement of each crystal is done by hand, ensuring a secure setting that won’t fall out during daily wear. And because every dog is different, we offer multiple design layouts, leather shades, and metal hardware options so your dog’s collar can be as unique as they are.
So, whether your dog’s out on the town or just lounging on the porch, they’ll look just as dazzling as they feel comfortable.
What About Dogs Who Pull?
If your dog is a strong puller or hasn’t been fully leash trained, a harness might be safer for walks, at least until training improves. But even then, you’ll still need a reliable collar for identification, everyday wear, and moments when a harness feels too bulky.
That’s where our collars shine. With strong D-rings, soft edges, and tailored sizing, our collars are safe for dogs who are calm, responsive, or only need occasional leash handling. We also offer matching leashes with reinforced clips and beautiful crystal accents to complete your dog’s ensemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are collars safe for small or delicate dogs?
Yes, our collars are specifically designed with comfort and safety in mind, even for small or delicate breeds. We use soft, padded full-grain leather and offer narrow widths like ½″ and ¾″ to ensure a lightweight fit that doesn’t strain your dog’s neck or restrict their movement.
How do I know if a collar or harness is better for my dog?
If your dog walks calmly and doesn’t pull, a collar is a safe, stylish choice—especially when properly fitted. For dogs with respiratory issues or pulling habits, a harness may be better for walks. However, most dogs still need a collar for ID tags and everyday wear.
What makes your collars safer than store-bought ones?
Our collars are handmade using premium leather and real Swarovski crystals. They’re custom-sized based on your dog’s measurements, which ensures a proper fit. Unlike stiff, mass-produced collars, ours are padded and built for comfort and long-term wear, making them both beautiful and safe.
Can your collars handle daily wear and leash use?
Yes, our collars are built for daily use and come with strong D-rings for leash attachment. As long as your dog doesn’t aggressively pull, the collar will hold up beautifully for walks, training sessions, or regular outings, while keeping them comfortable and stylish.
Do your collars work for dogs that pull on the leash?
If your dog pulls consistently, we recommend using a harness for walking and keeping our collar for identification and style. However, many customers use our collars for leash walks once their dogs are trained or better controlled. Each collar is reinforced for strength and long-lasting use.
Are the crystals on your collars secure enough for active dogs?
Yes, the Swarovski crystals are individually hand-set into the leather, not glued. This secure setting helps prevent them from falling out, even during active play or daily wear. Our collars combine durability with elegance, so your dog can shine without sacrificing function.
What should I consider before choosing between a collar and a harness?
Consider your dog’s behavior, medical needs, and daily routine. If they’re well-behaved on walks and don’t have trachea issues, a collar is ideal. For heavy pullers or dogs with respiratory concerns, a harness is safer during walks, but a well-fitted collar is still necessary for ID and comfort.
How do I make sure the collar fits safely?
We provide a full measuring guide on our site to help you get an exact fit. For buckle collars, we recommend measuring your dog’s current collar from the buckle to the most-used hole. A proper fit ensures safety, comfort, and prevents slipping or pressure.
Can I use both a harness and a collar?
Absolutely! Many of our customers use a harness for walks and a collar for tags and daily wear. Our collars are lightweight, beautiful, and comfortable enough to be worn all day without getting in the way of a harness or other gear.
Do your collars come with a warranty?
Yes! We stand by our craftsmanship. If your collar breaks under normal wear, we’ll repair or replace it. Our collars are built to last and made with quality materials, so you can feel confident that you’re investing in something durable and reliable.
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