The choice between collar, harness, and head collar significantly affects dog welfare through impacts on neck, airway, and trachea during walking and pulling on the lead.
Collars cause concentrated pressure on the trachea and neck vessels when dogs pull, causing choking, coughing, and potentially long-term damage. Brachycephalic breeds are particularly vulnerable to airway restriction from neck pressure. Harnesses distribute forces more broadly and avoid direct airway compression. However, no walking equipment substitutes for training, and dogs that constantly pull are experiencing frustration that training can address.