The Dog Walking Dilemma in the City
In New York City, dog walking isn’t just a daily routine—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you're navigating the hustle of Midtown, brunching in Williamsburg, or enjoying a morning stroll in Central Park, how you walk your dog matters. That includes what your dog wears.
And the age-old question remains: Should I use a collar or a harness?
While both have their place, more and more NYC dog parents are ditching the traditional collar in favor of harnesses—and for good reason. Let’s break down the key differences so you can make the best decision for your pup.
The Collar: Pros, Cons, and When It Works
Pros:
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Easy to put on and take off
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Great for holding ID tags
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Fine for dogs who don’t pull
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Minimalist look
Cons:
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Can put pressure on the trachea and neck
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Unsafe for dogs who pull, lunge, or have breathing issues
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Not ideal for training
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Easy to slip out of for smaller or narrow-headed dogs
Best for:
Dogs who walk calmly on a leash, spend most of their time off-leash, or wear collars primarily for ID and style—not for walking.
The Harness: Why It's the Top Choice for Urban Dogs
Pros:
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Evenly distributes pressure across the chest
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Prevents choking and neck injuries
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Offers better control (especially in high-traffic areas)
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Great for training and no-pull walking
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Escape-resistant designs available
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Often more comfortable for dogs with anxiety or sensitive necks
Cons:
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Can be bulky if poorly designed
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Some models can be tricky to put on
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May cause chafing if not properly fitted
Best for:
Almost any dog in NYC—especially puppies, pullers, anxious walkers, and breeds prone to respiratory issues like French Bulldogs or Pugs.
Why NYC Dog Owners Are Choosing Harnesses
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Crowded sidewalks and fast-paced streets mean you need maximum control.
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Small dogs and flat-faced breeds (like Frenchies, Boston Terriers, etc.) are more vulnerable to tracheal damage with collars.
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More people are prioritizing safety and comfort over tradition.
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Harnesses today are stylish and functional, so there's no reason to settle for outdated gear.
Enter Dogistry: Harnesses That Elevate Your Walk
At Dogistry, we’ve designed harnesses with the NYC dog parent in mind—blending fashion, function, and freedom.
🌟 The SoHo Harness – For Small Dogs Who Want to Stunt in Style
Awarded 2023’s Harness Innovation of the Year, the SoHo combines high-end design with smart, safe features:
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No-pull front D-ring
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Step-in design (no over-the-head struggle)
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Escape-resistant
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Available in trend-forward colors
Perfect for pups under 25 lbs with a big city attitude.
💪 The NoMad Harness – Built for Bigger City Dogs with Energy
Ideal for dogs between 25–50 lbs, the NoMad is where style meets strength:
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Tech pocket for Apple AirTag
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Reflective trim for nighttime walks
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Grab handle for added control
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Dual D-rings for training and tags
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Soft, breathable material for all-day wear
Think of it as the harness equivalent of your favorite utility jacket—with better hardware.
Collars Still Have Their Place—Here’s When to Use Them
Collars are still great for:
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Holding ID tags
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Stylish flair when not walking
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Wearing around the house or yard
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Dogs with perfect leash manners
Just be sure your dog’s collar isn’t their primary walking tool—especially if they’re young, reactive, or prone to pulling.
The Hybrid Approach: Collar + Harness = The Best of Both Worlds
Many NYC pet parents are using collars and harnesses together:
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Collar for ID and quick tags
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Harness for all walks, training, and outings
This combo offers peace of mind, extra safety, and lets your dog stay chic and secure.
Final Tips for Choosing What’s Right
✅ For training: Harness
✅ For fashion-only flair: Collar
✅ For busy city streets: Harness
✅ For lounging or tagging only: Collar
✅ For reactive dogs: Harness with no-pull features
✅ For ultimate comfort & style: Dogistry’s SoHo or NoMad harness
Final Word: It's Not Just a Walk—It’s a Lifestyle
Your daily dog walk is one of the best parts of your day. Make sure you and your dog are set up for success. While collars may have started the journey, harnesses are here to keep you both safe, stylish, and in total control.
Ready to upgrade your walk?
Explore Dogistry’s award-winning collection of harnesses at Dogistry.com and find the fit your pup will love—and so will you.
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