Collars & harnesses
My favorite collars are the padded, 2" wide tactical collars. The wide collars distribute any weight put on the throat over the greatest surface area. A quick google search and you will find posts from DVMs chatting about collars causing health concerns such as pressure behind the eyes, in the head, ear infection, paw licking, etc...
The other benefit to many tactical collars is the type of buckle usually used is meant to handle a high amount of stress without breaking. This is useful in emergency situations.
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The last perk of a tactical collar is they come with a handle for emergencies. By far my favorite standard flat collars.
I personally buy from "Alpine Dogs" for custom names and colors, or if you want to look fabulous and go more simple, I have been happy buying from "Spark Paws".
Alpine Dogs
Spark Paws
My current favorite collar:
My second favorite collar:
Halti
There is a lot of controversy surrounding head collars. I was taught how to properly condition, and safely use a head collar by classes with Susan Garrett. She does not teach using a head collar the same way even the package says to use it. That being said if you are working with pulling, reactivity, etc., I recommend the "Halti" brand head halter. I do not personally fancy the "Gentle Leader" brand, although I believe my mentor Susan Garrett uses that brand. There is also "Snoot Loop" and a few others to check out. If you order a Halti brand, I recommend the plain black. The colored one came in stiffer for some reason. Please do not just slap this on your dog without guidance!
Blue-9 Balance Harness
Many harnesses put pressure in unhealthy places contributing to health concerns such as arthritis or choking. Tactical harnesses, and service dog harness's look lovely, and can display helpful messages, but I would only recommend light use. A daily harness with a safer design is the "Blue-9 Balance Harness". It is also the most adjustable harness I have found, making it easier for those tough to fit breeds like English Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pit Bulls.
Pulling Harnesses
Ray Allen Harness
Bitework harnesses are also built for safer pulling. For dogs that cough and choke easily this harness has been created to put the pressure on a padded leather breastplate. This works for many sensitive dogs, but not all. My boy Trico will still choke in this, but Dannyalles boy Sora wears his every day around town because its the harness he wont choke in. I would say try a Canicross harness first, as the metal clips on this harness are large and intrusive. Use this as a backup option.
Kurgo Crash Tested Harnesses
The Kurgo crash tested harness's are my vets top recommended car harness for vehicles that cannot fit a kennel and need to use a seatbelt system for their dogs instead.
Harnesses for activities like "Canicross" are build to distribute weight and reduce pressure on the throat. We have not picked a favorite brand yet and are still trying new brands, however an "X-Back" harness is usually the best route to go for these activities. This youtube video by "trailrunners" is very useful when shopping for your dogs gear. I STRONGLY recommend anyone of any education level check out this short video!