Dog Harness vs Martingale Collar: What’s Best for Training?

Training a dog requires a lot of patience and consistency, but the process can be easier with the right equipment. Walking gear affects the training process, so it’s important to find tools that offer comfort, safety, and effectiveness.

Dog harnesses and martingale collars are two popular tools for walking and training. Both options are great for escape artists, but harnesses protect your dog’s neck while martingale collars tighten slightly to help teach leash manners. Both tools can be great for different situations.

Understanding Each Option

Dog harnesses and martingale collars are walking gear options that connect to a leash. Both can be effective when used correctly.

Dog Harness Definition

A dog harness wraps around your dog’s chest and behind their legs. This design is more secure than a traditional collar, and it doesn’t apply pressure to your dog’s neck if they pull. Depending on the type of harness, you can clip the leash to the front or back. 

Back-clip harnesses are for everyday walks when your dog is already trained while front-clip harnesses can help with training. Front-clip harnesses (also called no-pull harnesses) make your dog face you if they pull, which can help you teach them to check in with you instead of lunging forward.

Martingale Collar Definition

Martingale collars aren’t your everyday collars. They have a loop in the spot where you attach the leash, which tightens slightly when your dog pulls. It only tightens to a certain point to ensure it doesn’t hurt your dog’s neck.

These collars prevent dogs from slipping out of their walking gear, but they also make great training tools. You can teach your dog that the tightening feeling of the collar means to stop walking and check in with you, encouraging your dog not to pull on their leash.

Both martingale collars and dog harnesses are great products to have for your dog. To decide which one is best for your dog’s training, consider your dog’s size, breed, and behaviours.

Pros and Cons of Each

No pet product is perfect for every situation. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of dog harnesses and martingale collars to decide if you need them. Both items must fit your dog properly to be effective and safe.

Dog Harness

Pros

• Reduces strain on your dog’s neck

• Provides better control for dogs who pull

• Front-clip harness can discourage dogs from pulling

• Great for dogs with respiratory issues

Cons

• Can be bulky and uncomfortable for some dogs

• Could encourage pulling if used incorrectly

Martingale Collar

Pros

• Prevents dogs from escaping

• Gently corrects dogs without choking them

• Helps dogs focus and redirect attention when training

Cons

• Not ideal for all-day wear

• Not ideal for strong pullers

Training Considerations

If you’re using walking gear to help with training, you can’t just put it on and expect it to immediately fix problems. Instead, you need to follow specific steps to set your dog up for success.

Understand How Tools Support Training

Walking tools can help with leash manners, recall, and reactivity when paired with training. If your dog wears a martingale collar, the collar will tighten slightly when they pull, run, or lunge. While that will stop them from temporarily pulling, you need to teach them what that tightening feeling means. The goal is to get your dog to associate the tightening with stopping, so reward them when they check in with you instead of pulling.

Not all harnesses specifically help with training. Most of them simply offer better control over dogs who pull. If your dog’s pulling is out of hand, a traditional harness might encourage them to pull more since there’s no pressure around their neck. If you want a harness for training, consider a front clip harness. If your dog pulls using that harness, they’ll be turned to face you so you can teach them to look at you throughout your walk.

Choose the Right Tool

Every dog benefits from different training tools. Consider your dog’s training experience and temperament when choosing a tool. If they’ve never trained before, you’ll want to start with the basics, so a martingale collar or front clip harness can help with that. If they’re mellow and already know the training basics, training on a traditional harness can be fine. When in doubt, talk to a trainer about the best tools to use for your dog’s needs.

When choosing walking gear, ensure it fits your dog properly. Most harnesses require you to measure around your dog’s neck and the widest part of their rib cage. At its loosest point, a martingale collar should be snug but still loose enough for you to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. The collar should rest in the middle of the neck with the loop on the back.

Focus on Positive Reinforcement

Regardless of what training gear you use, make sure you consistently use positive reinforcement. Whenever your dog does something good while walking, reward them with a treat. This could include checking in with you, stopping instead of pulling, and walking calmly. That way, your dog will associate those actions with something good.

Product Recommendations

Once you know what type of walking gear you need, look for durable products that will fit your dog properly. True Charlie Co. has martingale collars and harnesses that are made of strong, comfortable fabric for long-term durability. The harnesses have a front and back clip so they can work for both training and casual walks.

Some other reputable walking gear brands include Ruffwear, which offers dog gear specifically for outdoor adventures, and Halti, which sells a unique style of no pull dog harnesses. Consider all your options and consult a professional trainer for personalised advice.

There’s not just one “best” option for dog walking gear. It all depends on your dog’s needs and training goals. Harnesses offer control and comfort while martingale collars are for gentle correction and focused training. Regardless of which one you choose, prioritise fit, safety, and positive reinforcement to set your dog up for success.

Explore True Charlie Co.’s wide range of durable, comfortable, and practical dog walking gear, which includes plenty of martingale collars and harnesses.