With 44% of Americans owning a dog, it’s no surprise that pet supplies abound for man’s best friend, including leashes and harnesses. How do you know which one is right for your pet? Pet Fashion & Grooming of New York City offers both options, as well as a myriad of other pet accessories, and they compare the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Pros & Cons of Leashes

Leashes are a common device that attaches to the dog collar and allows you to keep your pet at close distance. Aside from control, leashes offer a variety of benefits to the owner, such as easy placement and take-off. Additionally, with the invention of retractable leashes, dogs can have more autonomous walks as they can walk farther from their owner.

Leashes do have some drawbacks. The same retractable leashes can be dangerous for lesser trained dogs who may wander into areas they shouldn’t. Additionally, because a leash is attached to the collar, it can pose an injury risk to a dog that pulls at his owner forcefully. Finally, the typically low-hanging leash and collar can lead to tangles during walks.

Pros & Cons of Harnesses

Like leashes, harnesses allow you to guide your animal. However, unlike their counterpart, harnesses are secured around the animal, meaning it won’t pull at their neck and you have more control. Furthermore, harnesses come in a variety of styles based on your pet’s typical behavior, such as a safe-tightening harness for dogs who tend to pull.

Despite their improvements over the leash, harnesses have their own cons. For example, the harness can be difficult to get on and off, particularly with a large or energetic dog. Additionally, most are not designed to carry nametags, whereas leashes typically attach to collars that are donning an ID badge. Finally, because harnesses have a complex fit, you may have to take multiple measurements of your furry friend. 

Comparing Pet Supplies 

Deciding between the two depends on your canine and preferences. If your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t tend to pull or dart away, they could be fine on a traditional or retractable leash without issue. Further, if you have a large dog or don’t think your lifestyle is conducive to the potential time required to put on and properly fit a harness, the leash is likely the better choice. However, if you have a lesser trained pup who tends to pull, choosing a harness can improve control and limit injury risk.

Once you’ve done your research and made an educated decision, visit Pet Fashion & Grooming to purchase your quality pet supplies and the latest dog fashion. Contact them online or give them a call at (347) 726-9409 to learn more.