Best Harness For Border Collies: Top Picks for Comfort and Control
Border Collies are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
As such, it’s important to ensure they have the right gear to keep them safe and comfortable during walks and outdoor activities, and one of the most important pieces of equipment for a Border Collie is a harness.
But what is the best harness for Border Collies?
Well, when choosing a harness for your dog, there are several factors to consider, some of which include the size and shape of your dog, the type of activities you’ll be doing, and the level of control you need.
Additionally, it’s important to choose a harness that is comfortable and fits properly, as a poorly fitting harness can cause discomfort and even injury.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best harness for your Border Collie.
To help make the decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top harness brands for Border Collies, as well as tips on how to properly fit and use a harness.
By taking the time to choose the right harness, you can ensure that your Border Collie is safe, comfortable, and happy during all your outdoor adventures.
Understanding Border Collies
Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and energetic dog breeds on the planet.
They are known for their herding abilities and are often used on farms to manage livestock.
However, they also make great pets for active families who can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Here are a few key things to understand about Border Collies:
- Energy level: Border Collies are high-energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They are not a good fit for sedentary households or families who cannot commit to providing them with regular exercise and playtime.
- Intelligence: Border Collies are highly intelligent and trainable. They excel at obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. However, their intelligence also means that they can become bored easily and may engage in destructive behaviors if not given enough mental stimulation.
- Herding instincts: Border Collies have strong herding instincts and may try to herd people or other pets in the household. This behavior can be managed with proper training and socialization, but it’s important to be aware of it when considering a Border Collie as a pet.
- Grooming needs: Border Collies have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They also shed seasonally, so be prepared for some extra cleaning during shedding season.
- High Maintenance: Collies are known for being somewhat high maintenance. They need attention, something to do and something to look forward to.
Overall, Border Collies are a great choice for active families who can provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
With proper training and socialization, they can make loyal and loving pets.
Why Harness Over Collar
When it comes to walking your Border Collie, you may be wondering whether a harness or collar is the best option.
While both have their benefits, there are a few reasons why a harness may be a better choice for your furry friend.
- First and foremost, a harness distributes the pressure of the leash across your dog’s chest and back, rather than just their neck. This can be especially important for Border Collies, who are known for their high energy and tendency to pull on the leash. By using a harness, you can help prevent any potential injuries to your dog’s neck and trachea.
- Additionally, harnesses provide more control over your dog’s movements. A collar can easily slip off or be pulled off by a determined dog, but a properly fitted harness is much more secure. This can be especially important if you’re walking your dog in a high traffic area or around other dogs.
- Another benefit of a harness is that it’s a versatile gear. If you enjoy hiking or running with your Border Collie, a harness can provide added support and stability. Some harnesses even come with additional features, such as reflective strips or pockets for carrying essentials.
Overall, while both harnesses and collars have their benefits, a harness may be a better choice for Border Collies in particular, because of the fact that they’re generally more active and more restless than most dogs.
By distributing pressure across the chest and back, providing more control, and offering additional features, a harness can help keep your furry friend safe and comfortable during walks and other activities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Harness
When it comes to choosing a harness for your Border Collie, there are several factors to consider.
In this section, we will discuss the most important factors to help you make an informed decision.
Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a harness for your Border Collie is size.
You want to make sure that the harness fits your dog properly to ensure their safety and comfort.
A harness that is too tight can cause discomfort and restrict movement, while a harness that is too loose can cause your dog to slip out of it.
To determine the right size for your Border Collie, you should measure their chest girth and neck circumference.
Most harnesses come with a size chart, so make sure to check it before making a purchase.
Material
The material of the harness is also crucial. You want to choose a material that is durable, comfortable, and easy to clean.
Some common materials used for harnesses include nylon, leather, and neoprene.
Nylon is a popular choice for its durability and affordability while leather is a popular choice for its durability and stylish appearance, but it can be more expensive.
Neoprene on the other hand, is a soft and comfortable material that is great for dogs with sensitive skin.
Design
The design of the harness can also be a relevant factor for some owners to consider.
There are several types of harnesses available, these include
- Back-clip harnesses: These are the most common type of harness and are great for everyday use.
- Front-clip harnesses: These are designed to discourage pulling and are great for training.
- Dual-clip harnesses: Dual-clip harnesses offer both front and back clips, giving you more control over your dog
Most owners, will do just fine with the back-clip harnesses, and depending on the occasion, might upgrade or add to their harness inventory with one of the others later on.
Features
Lastly, you should consider the features of the harness.
Some harnesses come with additional features such as padding, reflective strips, and adjustable straps.
Padding can provide extra comfort for your dog, while reflective strips can help keep them visible at night. Adjustable straps are great for ensuring a proper fit.
So in conclusion, when you’re picking out the best harness for your Border Collie, make sure to consider the size, material, design, and other features to ensure that you choose the best option for you and your pup.
Top Harness Brands for Border Collies
When it comes to choosing the best harness for your Border Collie, it’s important to consider the brand.
Some of the best harness brands for Border Collies, known for creating high-quality, durable, and comfortable products on the market, are the following:
RUFFWEAR
RUFFWEAR is a well-known brand that produces high-quality outdoor gear for dogs.
Their Front Range Padded Dog Harness is a popular choice among Border Collie owners, thanks to its comfortable fit and durable construction.
The harness features a padded chest and belly panel, as well as two leash attachment points and reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions.
Kurgo
Kurgo is another top brand that produces high-quality harnesses for active dogs.
Their Tru-Fit Smart Harness is one of the more popular choices among Border Collie owners, thanks to its comfortable fit and no-pull design.
The harness features a padded chest plate, four adjustment points, and a front D-ring leash attachment for added control.
PetSafe
PetSafe is a trusted brand that produces a wide range of pet products, including harnesses.
Their Easy Walk Harness is a great option among Border Collie owners, thanks to its no-pull design and comfortable fit.
The harness features a front leash attachment point that helps to discourage pulling, as well as four adjustment points for a custom fit.
Copatchy
Copatchy is a lesser-known brand that produces high-quality harnesses for dogs.
Their No-Pull Reflective Adjustable Dog Harness is their top choice among Border Collie owners.
The harness features a padded chest and belly panel, as well as reflective stitching for added visibility in low-light conditions.
So in conclusion, when choosing a harness for your Border Collie, it’s important to consider the brand and the features that are important to you and your dog.
By choosing a harness from one of these top brands, you can rest assured that you’re getting a high-quality, durable, and comfortable harness that will meet your needs and keep your dog safe and comfortable on all your adventures.
How to Train Your Border Collie to Wear a Harness
Training your Border Collie to wear a harness can take some time and patience, but it is an essential part of keeping your dog safe and comfortable during walks and outdoor activities.
Here are some tips to help you train your Border Collie to wear a harness:
1. Introduce the Harness Gradually
Start by introducing the harness to your Border Collie gradually.
Let them sniff and investigate the harness before putting it on.
Once they seem comfortable with it, hold the harness up to their chest and reward them with treats and praise.
Repeat this process several times before putting the harness on.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
When your Border Collie wears the harness, reward them with treats and praise.
This positive reinforcement will help them associate the harness with good things and make them more willing to wear it.
3. Practice Putting on and Taking off the Harness
Practice putting on and taking off the harness several times a day, even if you are not going for a walk.
This will help your Border Collie get used to the process and make it less stressful for them.
4. Adjust the Fit
Make sure the harness fits properly.
A poorly fitting harness can cause discomfort and even injury to your Border Collie. Check the fit regularly and adjust it as needed.
5. Start with Short Walks
Start with short walks to help your Border Collie get used to wearing the harness.
Gradually increase the length of the walks as your dog becomes more comfortable with the harness.
Remember, training your Border Collie to wear a harness or leashes takes time and patience.
With positive reinforcement and plenty of practice, your dog will soon be comfortable wearing their harness and ready for outdoor adventures.
How to Properly Fit a Harness
A properly fitted harness is crucial for the comfort and safety of your Border Collie.
Here are some tips on how to fit a harness correctly:
Step 1: Measure your dog
Before purchasing a harness, measure your dog’s girth (the widest part of their ribcage) and neck circumference.
Refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to ensure that you select the right size for your dog.
Step 2: Adjust the harness
Once you have the right size harness, adjust it to fit your Border Collie.
The harness should fit snugly but not be too tight.
You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s skin.
Step 3: Check the fit
After adjusting the harness, check the fit by running your fingers along the straps to ensure that there are no gaps or loose spots.
Make sure that the harness is not rubbing against your dog’s skin or causing any discomfort.
Step 4: Test the harness
Once you have adjusted the harness and checked the fit, test it by taking your Border Collie for a walk.
Observe your dog’s movements and behavior.
You need to make sure that the harness is not hindering their movement or causing any discomfort. Your dog will let you know.
Step 5: Re-adjust as needed
If you notice any issues with the fit of the harness, re-adjust it as needed.
It may take a few tries to get the harness adjusted correctly, but it is worth it to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety.
Remember, a properly fitted harness is essential for your Border Collie’s well-being.
Take the time to measure and adjust the harness correctly, and test it out before going on a long walk or hike.
Common Mistakes When Using a Harness
Using a harness with your Border Collie comes with several benefits, but it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to discomfort, injury, or even harm to your furry friend.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using a harness:
1. Choosing the wrong size or type of harness
Choosing the wrong size or type of harness can lead to discomfort, chafing, and even injury.
It’s crucial to choose a harness that fits your Border Collie correctly and is appropriate for their activity level.
Avoid using a harness that is too tight or too loose, as this can cause your dog to become uncomfortable or even escape from the harness.
2. Not adjusting the harness properly
Even if you choose the right size and type of harness, it’s essential to adjust it correctly.
Make sure the harness fits snugly but isn’t too tight, and that the straps are in the right place.
If the harness is too loose or too tight, it can cause discomfort, chafing, or even injury.
3. Using the harness improperly
Using the harness improperly can lead to harm or injury to your Border Collie.
For example, if you attach the leash to the wrong part of the harness, it can cause your dog to pull excessively, leading to discomfort.
Always read the instructions that come with your harness and follow them carefully.
4. Not checking the harness regularly
It’s essential to check your Border Collie’s harness regularly to make sure it’s still in good condition and is fitting properly.
Over time, the harness may become worn or damaged, leading to discomfort or even injury.
Regularly inspect the harness for any signs of wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.
5. Not acclimating your dog to the harness
Some Border Collies may be hesitant or resistant to wearing a harness, especially if they haven’t worn one before.
It’s important to acclimate your dog to the harness gradually, using positive reinforcement and treats.
Start by letting your dog wear the harness for short periods, gradually increasing the duration until they’re comfortable wearing it for longer periods.
Conclusion
After researching and analyzing the various top harness options available for Border Collies, we’d recommend Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is the best option for most Border Collie owners.
This harness is designed to be comfortable, durable, and secure, making it an excellent choice for daily walks and outdoor adventures.
The padded chest and belly panel provide extra support and comfort, while the four points of adjustment ensure a perfect fit for your dog.
Additionally, the reflective trim on the harness ensures that your dog is visible in low-light conditions, which is especially important for early morning or evening walks.
While there are other great options available, in our eyes, the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness offers the best combination of comfort, durability, and safety for most Border Collies.
