Best Collar and Harness for a Pomsky Dog

Pomsky dogs are very active and require multiple walks each day. Whether you have a new pomsky puppy or an adult pomsky dog, you will want to make sure you have the right leash, harness and collar. This post compares dog collars and harnesses and includes our recommendations for the best collars and harnesses for pomsky dogs.

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Types of Collars

There are a variety of different dog collars, each with a unique purpose and function.

Flat Collar: Flat collars or buckle collars can be made out of a variety of materials including nylon, cotton or leather. They are a simple and durable collar option. Some collars have a side-release clip that snaps together and others have a buckle with a buckle and metal prong that fits into one of the holes on the collar, based on the size of your pomsky dog’s neck. Flat collars come in a variety of sizes, patterns and designs so you can easily find one that is comfortable and fits your pomsky dog’s personality.
Martingale Collars: These collars are another good option for pomsky dogs. Martingale Collars are often made out of nylon, polyester or a similar soft and durable fabric. These collars slightly cinch or tighten when your dog pulls on the leash, which prevents your dog from slipping out or backing out of their collar. Martingale collars can be used when training your pomsky dog. They are a great option if you are worried about your pomsky slipping out of their collar.
Smart Collars: Smart collars often include a battery that needs to be recharged or replaced; however many smart collars have batteries that can last months. Some smart collars are designed to track your dog’s location through GPS or measure your dog’s fitness and health through heart rate monitors and step tracking. Smart collars have a durable nylon, polyester, or leather strap attached to the electronic device that tracks your dog’s information. Some smart collars use 4G LTE with a phone carrier company and require a monthly subscription.
Head Collar: Head collars are less common and are typically used when initially training a dog to heel. A head collar fits around a dog’s muzzle and has a leash attached to it, allowing the trainer to direct the dog’s head. We do not recommend using these collars very often, but they can be beneficial during structured training sessions.

Make Sure Your Dog’s Collar Fits Well

When you first purchase a new collar, make sure it is adjustable and will fit around your dog’s neck well. You can always start by having the collar loose around your pomsky dog’s neck, then tighten it while it is on your dog.

Your pomsky dog’s collar should be snug enough that it cannot pull off of their head. There should be enough space between the collar and your dog’s neck to slip your finger inside the collar and go all the way around your dog’s neck. It is important that you don’t have your pomsky dog’s collar too tight, because this can lead to serious health problems, such as a collapsed trachea, especially if your dog pulls on the leash while wearing the tight collar.

Types of Harnesses

Step in Harness vs. Over the Head Harness

Step in Harness: A Step in Harness allows your dog to step into the harness (place one front paw on either side of the center line) and has a buckle and spot to hook up a leash just behind your dog’s neck/on their upper back.
Over the Head Harness: An Over the Head Harness requires your dog to put their head through the opening, then secures into place with two buckles - one on each side of their mid section.

Front Clip Harness vs. Back Clip Harness

Front Clip Harness: A Front Clip Harness has the leash attachment point at the front, near your pomsky dog’s chest, and just below their neck. Having the hook in front of your dog is beneficial because it can prevent your pomsky dog from pulling. When your dog attempts to pull on the leash or walk ahead of you, they will naturally be turned toward you since that is where the leash is attached.
A Front Clip Harness gives you more control over your pomsky dog and allows you to steer them while walking. One drawback of this type of harness is that sometimes the leash might rub against your dog’s neck, get tangled under your dog’s legs or get in the way of your dog’s head while they are walking.

Back Clip Harness: A Back Clip Harness has the leash attachment hook on your dog’s back, typically in the center of their back, between their shoulders. Having the leash on your dog’s back gives your dog the freedom to walk and explore, without being turned around when they pull or walk too far ahead of you. The Back Clip Harness applies pressure to your dog’s chest when they pull. Since the leash is attached on the back of your dog’s harness, it is less likely to get in the way of your dog while walking.

Recommendations from Pomsky Owners

The best collars for pomskies are simple Flat Collars with a clip that snaps together, or Martingale collars. Either of these options are durable and comfortable for pomsky dogs and can be easily adjusted to find the perfect fit. When walking your pomsky dog, we recommend you always use a harness.

When choosing a harness for a pomsky, we recommend an Over the Head Harness with a Back Clip. Most pomsky owners prefer the Back Clip Harness because it stays out of the way of your pomsky’s head, neck and legs. The key to a successful walk with your pomsky dog is to train them how to loose leash walk using positive reinforcement methods from when they are a young puppy.

Summary

Pomsky dogs require frequent walks and you will want to make sure you have the right collar and harness. There are a variety of collar and harness types, each with their own benefits. When choosing a harness and collar, make sure it is a good fit for your pomsky and that your dog is not able to slip out of it.