As Cavapoo owners we want what’s best for our pets.
Right?
I mean, they’re our babies! And we’ll go to any length to ensure their wellbeing and safety.
Cavapoos are, of course, a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle.
They’re an amazing breed, showcasing love and affection to their owners and, generally, to everyone.
They also have rocket bursts of energy that motivates owners to use leashes when it’s time for them to go outside for walks or for a bathroom break to fertilize nature’s landscapes.
Owners have a couple of choices when using a leash on their Cavapoo—a harness or a collar.
The decision between the two shouldn’t be based on cost or the ease of use.
Instead, the selection should be determined on safety and comfort for our Cavapoos.
A harness or a collar?
Which one should you choose?
Well, after reviewing the many benefits of using a harness, I believe you’ll agree that choosing a harness is the best decision!
A Harness Reduces Injuries to the Neck Area
We should always practice preventive measures to ensure that our pets are safe.
Making sure the home environment is free of danger by removing small objects like remote controls from the reach of Cavapoos is a prime example.
But we should be equally concerned about canine safety when our pups are outside.
And that involves using a harness when we leash our furry family member to go for a walk.
Cavapoos, along with other small canine breeds, have an escalated risk for neck injuries.
Using a collar can intensify the pressure against a Cavapoo’s neck and trachea by a quick pull or sharp tug.
A harness, however, allows pressure to be distributed across the dog’s chest and back, keeping the neck and trachea healthy.
Failure to protect the neck and trachea area can lead to a broken windpipe, breathing issues, difficulty in swallowing, and plain ole misery.
A Harness Protects Your Cavapoo from Getting Loose
Dog owners share great anxiety that their pets might somehow get loose while out on a stroll.
A personal example is in order.
The very same day that we brought our 12-week-old Opie home I thought we lost him! I carried him out after dark to use the bathroom. I thought that there was no chance in the world that a puppy so small and tiny and innocent could get away from me. Well, he sprinted away the second I set him down! Caught off balanced, I fell on the driveway. When I was vertical again, I saw two brown puppy eyes looking at me. Thankfully, I was able to corral Opie and bring him back inside. I learned a valuable lesson that day! Never, ever, ever carry Opie outside without a leash!
A harness is a splendid invention that offers protection against your dog getting away.
The way that harnesses are made provides a more secure approach when needing to carry your pup outside.
In addition to the secure body fit, there are rings on the harness to attach the leash that gives double or even triple protection.
A collar, on the other hand, can easily slide off your puppy’s neck, allowing him to make a break for it.
A Harness is More Comfortable for Your Pup
Harnesses, with their jacket-like design, are tailored to fit snuggly on your canine family member, providing comfort during time outside.
However, collars, if loose, can slide and move on your dog’s neck.
This movement, coupled with the leather, nylon, and polyester material that collars are composed of, can agitate the skin and cause sores.
A Harness is Safer for Your Cavapoo During Car Travel
You may love to travel with your Cavapoo, whether it’s running down to the local Walmart or a trip out of town.
Keeping your Cavapoo safe and free from roaming back and forth in the seat is crucial for his safety and yours as well.
A roaming pup can be very distracting, resulting in an automobile accident.
So, for your sake and his, use a harness!
You can connect harnesses to seat belts, keeping your pup from moving around too much in a moving vehicle.
However, connecting your dog’s collar to the seat belt is not a good idea at all.
Not only will it make your Cavapoo uncomfortable, but it could place a lot of stress on his neck area.
Here’s a thought: What happens when you hit your brakes suddenly?
The answer is FORWARD MOTION.
The result?
A trip to the Veterinarian!
Using a Harness Promotes Better Bonding
It goes without saying that putting a harness on your Cavapoo will take more time than clipping a leash on his collar.
And, while the thought of ease may be more appealing to you, remember that the more time we spend with our Cavapoos, the more bonding we’re able to do.
Putting a harness on a dog is a team effort requiring both owner and pet.
It’s like putting a jacket on your small child.
If your child twists and turns while you’re trying to put a jacket on him, you’re going to have a difficult time.
But if he cooperates and works with you, it’s going to be a snap!
When it comes to your pup, you’re gently navigating your dog’s front legs and paws through the harness openings.
And to do this your canine buddy has to trust you.
He must feel comfortable with you.
And he’s bonding more with you every time you put his harness on him!
There’s something else to consider about the subject of bonding.
Yes, bonding occurs better if you use a harness instead of a collar when getting your Cavapoo ready to go outside.
But as you take that walk, you want your Cavapoo to walk gracefully without any missteps or interruptions.
As I mentioned earlier in this post, using a collar could lead to a more jerking or pulling motion by you.
This could discourage your dog from taking walks, thereby reducing bonding time with him.
Harnesses Come In a Better Display of Colors and Variety
We live in a world of fashion and style.
So, it’s important that our canine family members look sharp!
Harnesses are available in many colors and styles, allowing you to match the harness with your dog’s personality.
If your pup is full of energy and pep, choose a bright color like red or yellow.
If he’s more laid back, then choose a cooler color like white or baby blue.
You can also select from a wide variety of designs that’ll add that extra special touch to your Cavapoo.
On the other hand, when it comes to collars, you’re more limited.
While you still may have several colors to choose from, you’re going to be limited when it comes to styles and designs.
So, if you’re wanting to dress up your Cavapoo or give him that extra special look, go for a harness over a collar!
Should I Leave a Harness On My Cavapoo All the Time?
As with other pet products, harnesses were invented and made for a specific purpose.
The purpose of harnesses is to train and keep your pup safe.
Behavioral training that encourages your dog to go outside to use the bathroom or to walk in stride by his owner can be accomplished by using a harness.
Also, as has been emphasized in this post, a harness provides safety for your pup, keeping him at an “arm’s length” with his owner, instead of allowing him to dart after other dogs or animals.
So, after using a harness on your amazing Cavapoo, take it off and set it in a proper place where he cannot reach it and possibly get tangled up in it.
Here are four reasons why you shouldn’t leave a harness on your pup all the time.
- Keeping a harness on your dog all the time will cause your dog’s hair to matt. Whether your pup takes more after the King Charles Cavalier Spaniel (with straighter and longer hair) or the Poodle (with tight curls), leaving a harness on will result in matted hair.
- Keeping a harness on all the time could cause chafing, leading to sores. Also, not taking his harness off will block that area from getting air, resulting in odor.
- Keeping a harness on after you carry your pup outside could cause safety issues. At times when your Cavapoo is alone (when you run an errand) or at night (in his crate), there’s the possibility of him getting his harness caught on something else, risking injury.
- Keeping a harness on all the time may confuse your dog. When you show him his harness, he should link that with going outside. If you keep his harness on after he comes back in, you may have a difficult time connecting with him about going outside. His harness should equate with going outside!
Top Harnesses to Buy!
Wouldn’t you like to bypass having to spend hours and hours looking for those special harnesses for your Cavapoo and instead go straight for the top ones on the market today?
Well, let’s start out with Good Housekeeping, after all, it’s a household name!
The Good Housekeeping Institute has tested dog products for over a hundred years.
That spells expertise and research that can be trusted.
Here are a few of the harnesses they suggest that you consider:
Wild One Harness
Image-Use Permission Granted by Wild One
- Best Stylish Dog Harness for Small Dogs. If you’re interested in buying one of the more comfortable and luxurious looking harnesses, Wild One Harness is for you! With three leash attachment points and a cushiony fabric, this harness offers style and comfort. It comes in nine beautiful classic colors and three amazing limited edition colors! You can’t go wrong with this one! By clicking on the above link, you’ll be carried to Amazon’s website to learn more about this stylish harness.
- Best Overall Dog Harness. The Rabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness is the king of the mountain! This harness is flying high because it has four adjustable straps to keep your dog secure. Coupled with many varieties and sizes, this harness is a winner! Click here to be carried to Amazon so you can read more about it and make that decision to buy!
- Best Value Dog Harness. If you’re searching for the best value for your money, look no further than Puppia Soft Dog Harness. The softer polyester fabric is just right for smaller dogs that have a lot of energy! Because of its softer construction, this harness doesn’t rub against their sensitive skin, causing chafing. Remember earlier in my post where I mentioned that one of the features to consider when buying a harness is comfort? This harness provides that! Click this link to be carried to Amazon to buy this awesome leash!
Puppia Soft Harness
(Image used by permission from Puppia)
Now, here’s a look at VetStreet.
VetStreet has helped veterinarians over 30 years in caring for pets and relaying that information to pet owners.
Their selection of top harnesses is based on five things: Design, Comfort, Safety features, Reviews, and Price.
Here’s their list:
- Overall Best Dog Harness and Leash Set goes to Best Pet Supplies Voyager Dog Harness and Leash Set. Voyager is a good choice and is economical. It’s long lasting because of its durable material and it’s very easy to use! Click on the above link to be carried to Amazon.com to make your purchase. You won’t regret it!
- Best Small Dog Harness and Leash Set. VetStreet’s choice goes to Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Air All Weather Mesh Harness and Leash Set. It comes in a wide range of colors to fit your likes and your dog’s personality. Check it out by visiting the above link that’ll carry you to Amazon!
Let’s wind this down by looking at Buyers Guide.
Over a million shoppers use Buyer’s Guide every week to help them decide what products to buy.
Their research of 16 different categories ranging from baby products to garden items to pet products (and everything in between) is a testament of their dedicated work.
Now, with that in mind, glance at their top choices for dog harnesses!
- At the top of their list of Best Dog Harnesses 2024 is PHOEPET No Pull Dog Harness. Why is this leash so remarkable? What makes it so popular among dog owners? Buyers Guide gives it 5 stars and a 10.0 rating because of its sturdiness, durability, comfort, stretch, thickness, and easy to use features. Click this link to be carried to Amazon to learn more!
- Second place goes to Pawaii Dog Harness. It received a 9.8 rating which is impressive. It’s easy to clean, sturdy, comfortable, durable, and has a great value for your money. Here’s Amazon’s link to buy this awesome harness!
Conclusion
Harnesses or collars?
I’ve done the homework for you as to why you should choose harnesses over collars for your awesome dog.
Again, your choice should be based on safety and comfort.
And today’s market offers you a host of colors and styles that’ll make you and your dog the envy of the neighborhood as you take that daily stroll!
I’ve given you several superb harnesses to choose from. Products that your Cavapoo will love!
Now, go ahead and make that purchase!
Buy a harness for your dog.
Do it TODAY!
-Howell
