There’s been some debate lately on whether dachshunds should wear a harness or not. Some people say it’s cruel to make them wear one, while others believe that it’s the only way to keep them safe. So, what’s the truth? Should dachshunds wear a harness or not? Keep reading to find out!
Should dachshunds wear a harness?
Some vets and many dachshund owners recommend using a harness instead of a collar to walk your Dachshund. But is this really the best choice for your dog? Here we look at what experts say may be the best choice for your dog.
Dachshunds have a unique body shape. As you probably know, they have a very long body and short stubby legs. This makes them prone to back problems which can seriously affect their quality of life or even shorten it drastically.
One of the main reasons why some people choose to use harnesses instead of collars is because it provides better control over your dog. Have you ever had an uncontrollable leash walk with your Dachshund? If so, you probably understand that it’s an arduous task to make sure your dog is walking at your side.
Is a harness bad for a dachshund?
Some experts say that using a harness is not the best choice for dachshunds because it can risk their spine and back, over time. We already mentioned that Dachshunds are prone to different types of back problems. A harness puts pressure on your dog’s neck and chest, which can lead to health issues such as intervertebral disk disease.
The pressure created by the harness pulls your Dachshund’s spine to the side. You should use a harness only if your dog is completely healthy and does not present any spinal damage or other issues that could be made worse by using one.
Does it matter what kind of harness you use?
The answer to this question is yes. You should choose a harness that’s comfortable, but also sturdy enough for your dog. It must be made of adequate material, so it can withstand the weight and strength of your Dachshund.
A good example is a nylon or leather. Do not use cheap materials that will easily break, as your dog could run away from you.
How Should A Harness Fit A Dachshund?
Ideally, you should use a harness that offers control but also is comfortable for your dog. A good fit requires some careful measurements before buying it. Make sure the harness reaches up to about one inch below the collar and stops right between your Dachshund’s shoulders (if you can slide two fingers between the harness and your dog, it’s the right fit).
Is it better to train a dog with a collar or harness?
To choose whether to use a harness or not, you must first consider if your Dachshund is a good candidate for that. If your dog has a hard time walking on a leash without pulling, it’s better to start training them with a collar instead of switching to a harness.
Training them will also be easier because you can redirect their attention to you. This will create a more pleasant walking experience for both you and your Dachshund.
How To Tell If A Collar Or Harness Is The Wrong Fit For A Dachshund?
A harness that is too big or too small for your Dachshund will not provide the right amount of support. It’s important to check if your dog can move freely in it. Make sure there are no sharp edges that could hurt your Dachshund under any circumstance.
You also need to make sure that there is enough space between the harness and their neck, so it doesn’t chafe against them.
Why shouldn’t you use a dog harness?
If your Dachshund has any type of spine or chest issue, you should not use a harness because it will only make the problem worse. We already mentioned this in the introduction, but we want to stress that it’s best to check with your veterinarian before choosing whether to use a harness or not. Furthermore, if you have an active dachshund, you should use a harness as well. Active dogs such as those that like to run and play outside need the support of a harness more than average dogs.
Puppies or very young dachshunds won’t be ready for a harness until their first birthday. Furthermore, if your dog has any type of skin condition or allergies, you should avoid using a harness because it could worsen the problem.
Should my dog always wear a harness?
This is a common question and one that has no straightforward answer. Some people choose to use a harness because they want their dog to stop pulling while walking on the leash. Other people say that using a harness could risk your Dachshund’s spine or even cause them pain, especially when they pull.
To decide if you should use a harness or not, you must first know if your dog has any type of spine or chest issue. If they don’t, it’s best to ask your vet whether using a leash is okay for them. In some cases, people turn to surgery to fix the problem and after that, they still must stick to a harness. Dogs that need leash support should always use one, regardless of whether they have back or chest problems. However, if your Dachshund does not suffer from any spinal issue and they pull on the leash, using a harness would be more than enough to correct their behavior.
Can dachshunds be trusted off leash?
You should not let your dog off-leash if you use a harness, as it increases the risk of them running away from you. However, there are many examples where people let their dachshunds wander around without a leash, and they didn’t run away. This means you can still enjoy taking your dog for a walk because they won’t be on a leash, but they won’t run away either.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether to use a harness or a collar is entirely up to you. Always keep in mind that each of them has benefits and drawbacks. In some cases, one of them might be better for your dog’s health than the other. Yet remember that this decision is ultimately yours, and it depends on your Dachshund’s health condition.
