Learn how to choose the perfect dog collar or harness for comfort, safety, and style. A friendly 2025 guide for pet parents — with tips, sizing, and product picks.

How to Choose the Perfect Collar or Harness for Your Pup (2025 Guide)

Picking the right collar or harness shouldn’t feel like online dating — but with all the choices, sizes, and materials, it sometimes does. Will it fit? Will they like it? Will they try to chew it off?

Don’t worry. This guide will help you choose a comfortable, safe, stylish collar or harness your pup will proudly strut around in… tail up, confidence high, main-character energy activated. 🐕✨

Let’s get into it!

🦴 Collar vs. Harness: Which Should You Choose?

Some dogs are “collar doggos.”
Some are “harness heroes.”
Some… need both.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

✔️ Choose a Collar If…

• Your dog is calm on walks

• They don’t pull

• You want something lightweight and simple

• You need a place to attach ID tags

Collars are perfect for well-mannered pups or for everyday indoor wear.

✔️ Choose a Harness If…

• Your dog pulls like a sled champion

• You want to protect their throat

• You have a small breed (delicate necks!)

• You’re training a puppy

• You want more control on walks

Harnesses distribute pressure evenly across the chest — safer and more comfortable.

👉 Many pet parents use both: a collar for daily wear + a harness for walks.

🐕 Different Types of Collars (and What They’re Best For)

1. Everyday Nylon or Adjustable Collars

Best for: Most dogs

Lightweight, comfortable, easy to clean, and available in tons of colors and designs.

Your pup can look cute, classy, or chaotic — their choice.

👉Durable Soft Padded Leather Dog Collar – Adjustable for All Sizes

2. Personalized Collars

Best for: Fashion-forward pups + safety-conscious owners

These collars include your dog’s name and phone number stitched or engraved. Perfect for dogs who enjoy the occasional “escape artist” moment.

👉Personalized Leather Dog Collar with Engraved ID Nameplate – Soft Padded Custom Collar for Small, Medium & Large Dogs

3. Reflective or LED Collars

Best for: Night walks, dark-haired pups, safety

If your dog is a ninja at night, reflective/LED collars help cars (and you!) spot them easily.

👉Reflective Nylon Dog Collar – Padded Breathable Collar for Medium & Large Dogs

🐶 Types of Harnesses: Choosing the Right Style

1. Step-In Harness

Best for: Small dogs, chill dogs, dogs who dislike things going over their head

Easy, comfortable, secure. Just step, clip, and go.

👉 Link your step-in harness

2. No-Pull Front-Clip Harness

Best for: Dogs who pull, overachievers, enthusiastic walkers

Redirects pulling safely and encourages better walking habits. Your shoulder joints will rejoice.

👉No-Pull Dog Head Halter – Gentle Face Harness with Reflective Leash for Medium to Large Pulling Dogs

3. Vest-Style Harness

Best for: Small breeds, puppies, fashion icons

Soft, padded, secure, and cute. Your pup will look like they’re ready for a runway show.

👉 Tactical Puppy Harness & Leash Set – Adjustable Vest for Small Dogs & Cats

🐾 HOW TO MEASURE YOUR DOG (No Guessing Allowed!)

Choosing the right size is critical. Dogs come in all shapes — fluffy, chunky, lanky, square, wiggly — so measure properly:

1. Neck circumference

Measure around the base of the neck (where a collar sits).

2. Chest girth

Wrap the tape around the widest part of the chest.

3. Weight

Many harnesses use weight as a size guide.

📌 Pro Tip:
If your dog is between sizes… go up one. Comfort > squeezing your fluff nugget.

🐕 Comfort Features to Look For

Whether collar or harness, check for:

• Soft padding (no rubbing!)

• Adjustable straps

• Breathable material

• Secure buckles

• Durability

• Escape-proof design

If your dog is a Houdini-in-training, prioritize multiple adjustment points and sturdy clips.

🐶 Common Fit Mistakes (Don’t Make These!)

• Collar too loose: Should fit 2 fingers underneath.

• Harness too tight: No restricting movement or rubbing.

• Wrong placement: Harness straps should sit above the shoulder joint — not rub the armpits.

• Using a collar for pullers: Can strain their throat and cause coughing.

Your dog won’t verbally complain, but the side-eye will say everything.

✨ Matching Style to Personality

Let’s be honest — a collar or harness is also a fashion statement.

Choose colors based on:

• Your dog’s fur color

• Their little personality (sweet, spicy, chaotic)

• Seasonal vibes

• Matching sets (leash + harness = chef’s kiss)

Puppy fashion is REAL. We support it.

🛒 Ready to Pick the Perfect Fit?

From no-pull harnesses to comfy everyday collars, you’ll find the perfect match for your pup at Our Pooch Store.

👉 Check out our full Collar & Harness Collection and give your dog the comfort, safety, and swagger they deserve.

Your pup will proudly strut their stuff — zoomies and all. 🐾💛