What Collar Do We Use?
- Paws To Peaks
- 11 maj
- 3 minut(y) czytania
What if the collar you chose says more about you than your dog?
The Confusing Start
At first, things weren’t entirely clear. The internet was packed with conflicting advice: harnesses are a must, harnesses are bad, only use a collar, only use a martingale collar…And everyone offering advice had their own set of strong arguments - full of praise for one solution and firm rejection of all others.
Trainers, Trust, and First Steps
We decided to listen to the trainers. But it didn’t take long to notice that real objectivity is rare. Trainers tend to recommend what they personally use - and those preferences vary wildly. Some also promote products from sponsors or their own shops.
As new dog guardians, we faced a tough decision. Our priority was simple: Mrok’s comfort. And so began our search for the best collar or harness for our dog.
The Puppy Harness Phase
Little Mrok started off with a puppy harness. His proportions were changing so fast that this seemed like the most reasonable choice. Mrok didn’t complain - he was busy exploring the world. Our years of experience with cats didn’t prepare us for how fast he would grow.
Martingale Collar - A Test That Didn't Last
We tried a martingale collar too - meant to support loose-leash walking. Technically good, but in practice… not ideal. Hardware placement meant the leash hung under his neck and constantly got between his legs. It wasn’t worth the hassle. The collar went into the gear box.
Why We Chose a Harness Again
The harness felt more stable. Clipping the leash was always predictable. There was room for the GPS tracker. We began testing different models - and went with the Ruffwear Front Range for our first 3-week trip.
The Big Trip: Portugal and Beyond
The harness went through everything: lakes, the Atlantic, dirt, sun, and smells. It performed well. We added the Garmin collar with GPS, and technically, there were no problems.
But Then Mrok Said: "I Prefer the Collar"
Back home, we noticed something: Mrok hesitated every time we reached for the harness.
One day, I held the harness in one hand and the old collar in the other.“Which one?” Tail wagging, Mrok grabbed… the collar.
When a Dog Speaks Plain Human
That moment stayed with us. Sometimes dogs don’t whisper with subtle signs - they speak loud and clear. And when they do, we should listen.
Why the Harness Didn't Work
Probably: too much contact, too much surface, too much "gear."The joy on his face after switching back said it all. And the long trip? A necessary step to discover what he really preferred.
Our Current Setup
For a while, we used the martingale plus the Garmin collar. Then we realized: just add a D-ring to the Garmin. Problem solved. That’s what we’ve been using ever since.
Mrok even lets us know when he’s ready for a trip - by bringing us the GPS collar.
Add-Ons for Special Situations
For kayaking, we add a Hunter life jacket. On long expeditions, we carry a dog evacuation harness - just in case. From our background in rescue work, one thing is clear: safety always comes first.
Final Thoughts - Ask Your Dog
If the gear isn’t meant for technical tasks, less is often better. Let the leash connect you, but don’t overload your dog with human ideas.
The gear industry will sell anything. But before you buy that harness with gear loops, water pouches, and tactical padding…
…just look at your dog running across a field with nothing on. That’s the smile of freedom.
And if you still don’t know what to choose?
Ask your dog :) .
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