Collare o pettorina: quale scegliere per un cane di piccola taglia?

Collar or harness: which to choose for a small dog?


If your small dog pulls hard the moment they see a leash, stop for a second. The choice between a collar and a harness is not about aesthetics or which color looks best with their fur. It's a matter of health.


A wrong choice can damage the trachea, create joint strain, or worse, convince the dog that pulling is the only way to walk. As a professional who works with dogs every day, I'll tell you the truth: the priority must be the dog's biomechanics, not fashion.


When a collar is the right choice


Let's be clear: a collar is not the "absolute evil," but it must be used wisely.
It's perfect if your dog:

  • Is already well-trained and walks by your side without tension.
  • Enjoys calm walks in the city.
  • Has no respiratory or tracheal problems (common in many toy breeds).

My advice: Use a light, proportionate collar. You should be able to fit one finger between the neck and the material. If the dog pulls even a little, the collar puts all the force on the trachea. And for a 3 or 4 kg dog, that's like getting a sharp blow to the throat every couple of steps.


In case of strong pulling, the collar puts pressure on the trachea. This is why it's not always the correct solution.

When to switch to a harness (and which one to choose)


If your dog pulls, yanks, or is particularly lively, a harness is a must because it distributes pressure across the chest. But be careful: not all harnesses are created equal.


The H-Harness: The only one I truly recommend


For me, there's no doubt: the H-structure is the only truly balanced one.

  • Why does it work? Because it leaves the shoulders free. The dog can run and move as nature intended, without joint blockages.
  • The advantage: Pressure is distributed across the chest, protecting the neck and back. If the dog tends to pull a lot, yank, or make sudden movements, a harness can be a safer choice because it distributes pressure across the chest rather than the neck.



Attention: If the harness strap goes under the armpit or rubs against the shoulder, throw it away. It's not a matter of taste, it's biomechanics: you're ruining their walk (and often their fur too, creating impossible tangles!).


Why avoid (or be careful with) others?

  • Y-Harnesses: Often put too much strain on the front joints. If not adjusted perfectly, they cause the dog to walk "crooked."
  • Strap Harnesses (like Julius): Very famous, but watch out! If the dog digs in and pulls back, slipping out of these harnesses is instantaneous. Furthermore, the front strap blocks the natural movement of the shoulder. For a small dog, it's like walking with their arms tied.


How to tell if the harness is properly adjusted?


It's not enough to buy it, you need to know how to put it on.

Do this test while the dog is walking:

  1. Safety finger: You should be able to fit one finger under each strap.
  2. Stability: It shouldn't rotate sideways like a cloak.
  3. Free armpits: It should never touch the "fold" of the armpit (otherwise, goodbye fur and hello tangles and irritation).


If you see your dog walking stiffly or "jerking," something is wrong with their equipment.


In conclusion
There is no perfect solution for everyone; there is a perfect solution for YOUR dog.
If they are a calm "little soldier," a collar is fine. If they are a firecracker who wants to run everywhere, go for an H-harness. The important thing is that they feel free to move without pain or constriction.

 

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Article by Veronica – Toilette Coi Fiocchi

 

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