FAQ: Collars & Leashes for dogs

A head halter fits over the muzzle and the back of the neck, with the lead attached under the chin, so the dog's head is turned to the side when it pulls. The dog must be introduced to it gradually, and the lead should never be jerked.

A safety collar has a buckle that releases if the collar catches on something and the dog starts struggling. It suits wear at home or in the yard, but clipping the lead to a harness is often advised, as a strong pull may release the buckle.

Rolled leather collars flatten and mat the fur less, so they are often chosen for long-haired dogs. Because they are narrow, they press harder than wide flat collars on a dog that pulls strongly.

Reflective strips bounce back car headlights, so drivers notice the dog much earlier in the dark. In autumn and winter, when dogs are often walked after dark, this is an important safety measure.

A reflective collar is only visible when light falls on it, while an LED collar glows on its own, so you can see the dog too, for example when it is off lead in a dark park. LED collars need their battery charged or replaced.

A GPS tracker helps you quickly find a dog that has run off or wandered away, so it is useful for hunting, rural life or dogs that tend to bolt. Most such trackers work over a mobile network and need charging and sometimes a subscription.

No, a GPS tracker can run flat or fall off, while a microchip stays in the dog's body for life and lets the owner be identified. In Lithuania dogs must be microchipped and registered, so GPS is only an extra measure.

These are collars embroidered with, or carrying a plate engraved with, the dog's name and the owner's phone number. They replace a dangling ID tag, which can fall off or jingle.

Sighthounds have long, sensitive necks and heads narrower than their necks, so they easily slip out of narrow collars. A wide collar, often of the martingale type, spreads pressure over a larger area and is harder to slip.

The front of a Y-shaped harness runs between the front legs and branches across the chest like the letter Y, leaving the shoulders free. Such harnesses are often considered comfortable for active dogs because they restrict movement less.

A Norwegian harness has a horizontal strap across the chest, which makes it easy to put on and take off. Some specialists note that such a strap can restrict shoulder movement, so Y-shaped harnesses are often chosen for active dogs.

An H-shaped harness consists of neck and chest straps joined by back and chest strips, so from the side it resembles the letter H. It adjusts well and is often more escape-resistant than simple harnesses.

This harness has a lead ring on the chest, so when the dog pulls it is turned to the side and pulling becomes harder. It helps manage a dog that pulls but works best combined with loose-lead training.

A harness with a ring on the back and one on the chest lets you choose where to clip the lead, or use a double-ended lead attached to both. This gives more control when training a dog that pulls.

A step-in harness is laid on the ground, the dog steps in with its front legs and it is buckled on the back. It is handy for dogs that dislike having anything pulled over their head.

Vest-style harnesses cover a larger area of the chest and back, so pressure is spread more evenly, and they are soft and comfortable. In hot weather thick vests can be too warm for the dog.

Pulling harnesses are made for dogs that pull a person or a sled, for example in canicross, bikejoring or skijoring. They are designed so the pulling force is spread across the body without restricting breathing.

Such a harness has an extra strap around the belly, behind the ribs, so it does not slide over the shoulders when the dog backs away. It is often chosen for fearful dogs, rescue dogs or dogs prone to bolting.

It is a strong harness that attaches to the car's seat belt or anchor points and holds the dog in place when braking. Some are crash-tested, while ordinary walking harnesses may not offer that protection.

No, in sudden braking a dog secured by its collar can seriously injure its neck. In the car it is safer to transport the dog in a safety harness or a sturdy crate.