Collar, harness or lead: how to choose the right kit for your dog or cat

Collar or harness? Short lead, long lead or double-clip lead? For a dog as for a cat, the right walking kit comes down to two measurements taken with a tape measure and a few simple questions about their habits. Here's how to choose without getting the size wrong.

Collar or harness: each has its use

A collar carries the ID tag and is often worn all day. It suits a dog that already walks calmly on the lead, without pulling.
A harness wraps around the chest: the pull is spread over the body rather than the neck. Choose one for a puppy learning to walk on a lead, a dog that pulls, a small dog or a cat.
An H-harness is recognisable by its two straps joined across the back; it adjusts at several points and leaves the shoulders free. A vest harness, which covers more of the body, fastens in one movement: handy for animals that don't like having something pulled over their head.

Many owners combine the two: a light collar for the ID tag day to day, and a harness for walks.

Taking the right measurements

For a collar, measure around the neck where it will be worn, halfway up the neck, with a soft tape measure.
For a harness, measure the chest girth at its widest part, just behind the front legs. It's this measurement that decides the size, far more than the animal's weight.
Between two sizes, choose the larger one and tighten it: an adjustable harness can be shortened, but not lengthened.

On our product pages, each size is given in the selector or in the description: compare it with your measurement rather than with the breed, because two dogs of the same breed don't always have the same build.

The two-finger rule

Once the collar or harness is on, you should be able to slip two fingers flat between the strap and the body. Any less and it's too tight: the animal is uncomfortable and the strap rubs. Any more and it can back out and slip its head free, especially a cat or a dog with a slender neck. Check again after a few days, then regularly on a growing puppy.

Choosing a lead

Around 1.20 m: the town lead, which keeps your pet close to you on the pavement.
Around 1.50 m and longer: a little more freedom to sniff around on walks, in a park or in the countryside.
A double-clip lead adjusts to several lengths, or lets you walk two dogs at once.
A cross-body lead frees up your hands: handy with a bag, a pushchair or a coffee in hand.
A slip lead does both jobs at once: the loop goes around the neck and tightens when pulled. Keep it for short, supervised outings, and never use it to tie up an animal left alone.

For a medium to large dog, go for a thick strap and a double or padded handle, which is more comfortable in the hand when the dog pulls. Keep a fine chain lead for small dogs.

Walking a cat

A cat is walked in a harness, never with a collar alone: cats are very good at backing out of one. Choose a wrap-around, escape-proof style, and get your cat used to it indoors before the first outing: a few minutes a day, with a treat, then harness and lead together. Stick to somewhere quiet the first few times.

Being seen at dusk

In winter, a good share of walks take place in the half-light. A strap with a reflective strip bounces back the light from headlights and torches, so your pet stays visible to cars and bikes. Some collars also have a slot for a small tracking tag.

Care

Nylon and cotton straps can be hand-washed in warm soapy water, then dried flat.
Leather and faux leather can be wiped with a damp cloth; avoid leaving them to soak.
Check the stitching, buckles and clips from time to time: replace a worn part before it gives way.

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