Harness vs Collar: What We’ve Learned From Watching Dogs on Walks

If you spend enough time around dogs (and dog owners), you start to notice something interesting.

Every dog seems to have their own walking style.

Some dogs trot happily beside their humans like perfectly behaved little professionals. Others zig-zag across the footpath like they’re following invisible treasure maps. And then there are the determined sniffers who suddenly plant their feet and refuse to move because they’ve discovered the most fascinating patch of grass in the universe.

As dog lovers and founders of Lila Co, we see a lot of dogs out and about. At beaches, parks, cafés and neighbourhood streets, one thing we always notice is the different types of walking setups people use.

Some dogs wear collars.
Some wear harnesses.
Some wear training collars.
And some look like they’re wearing something straight out of a hiking expedition.

It got us thinking: what actually makes a good walking setup for a dog?

Collars vs Harnesses: What We See in the Real World

Collars have traditionally been the standard for dogs. They’re simple, lightweight and convenient.

But when you watch dogs closely during walks, collars can sometimes create challenges.

Dogs that pull on the lead tend to put a lot of pressure on their neck when wearing a collar. For smaller breeds or enthusiastic walkers, this can lead to discomfort or a lot of constant tension during walks.

Harnesses, on the other hand, distribute pressure across the dog’s chest and body rather than concentrating it around the neck.

That’s why many dog trainers and vets recommend harnesses, particularly for:

• small dogs
• dogs that pull (excluding when you are training)
• puppies learning to walk on lead
• dogs with sensitive necks (e.g. greyhounds)

From what we observe at parks and beaches, harnesses seem to give dogs more freedom to move naturally while still giving their owners good control.

Why We Chose to Design Dog Harnesses

When we started building Lila Co, we knew one thing for certain: walks are one of the most important daily moments between dogs and their humans.

It’s exercise.
It’s exploration.
It’s bonding time.

So we wanted to create something that made those moments comfortable, secure and fun. That’s why our adjustable dog harnesses were designed around three main priorities:

Comfort

Dogs should be able to walk, sniff, run and explore without rubbing or restriction.

Our harnesses use soft neoprene fabric with breathable mesh lining, helping keep dogs comfortable even during longer walks or warm weather.

Fit

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes.

That’s why our harness design includes adjustable neck and chest straps, so you can find the right fit whether your pup is small, lean, fluffy or somewhere in between.

A good harness shouldn’t twist, ride up or feel restrictive.

Control

Every dog owner knows that walks sometimes involve a bit of chaos.

Other dogs appear.
Interesting smells happen.
Exciting distractions suddenly emerge.

Our harness includes front and back alloy D-rings, allowing for both standard lead attachment and training support for dogs that may still be learning good walking habits.

Walking Gear Should Also Be Fun

Let’s be honest - dog walks are also a little bit of a fashion moment.

If you’re heading out to the park, the beach, or a dog-friendly café, why shouldn’t your dog look as good as they feel?

That’s why we design our harnesses with bold, playful prints that reflect the personality of the dogs wearing them.

One of our favourites is the Surf Dogs Adjustable Harness, inspired by beach adventures and the carefree spirit of dogs who love the outdoors.

Pair it with a matching leash and poop bag holder and you’ve got the full Lila Co walk set.

You can explore our harnesses here:
👉 Adjustable Dog Harnesses

The Bottom Line

There’s no single “perfect” walking setup for every dog.

Some dogs do perfectly well with collars.
Others feel more comfortable and secure in a harness.

But from what we see out in the world, harnesses are becoming the go-to choice for many dog owners who want a combination of comfort, safety and control.

At the end of the day, the best walking gear is the one that lets your dog enjoy the walk just as much as you do.

And if it happens to look great at the same time… well, that’s a bonus.

Explore Lila Co Harnesses

If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish harness for your dog, explore our adjustable harness collection here:

👉 https://lilaco.com.au/collections/harnesses

Designed in Australia for dogs who love adventure.