Few things are cuter than watching a dachshund trot down the street, ears up, tushie wiggling and nose sniffing out trouble. Unfortunately, if you're walking your doxie without a harness, you could be risking his health and safety.
Walking Oscar with his leash attached to his collar puts a great deal of stress on his spine, which is already more delicate than the average dog’s. One pull in the wrong direction could injure a disk in his spine or trigger intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a debilitating genetic condition commonly found in the dachshund breed.
Your dachshund's physiology also puts him at risk for escape. Most dachshunds' heads are about the same width as their necks, so it's very easy for him to slip out of his collar when he sees something he needs to investigate further – at a dead run.
To keep your baby safe, walk him with his leash attached to a harness. Designed to distribute pressure evenly across his whole body, not just his spine and neck, a harness will help prevent him from accidentally injuring himself. Few dogs can wiggle out of a properly fitted harness, and most harnesses also work with seat belts.
Harnesses are available in a wide array of designs, ranging from inexpensive nylon to fancy boutique styles. Fabric and mesh harnesses are not only the most stylish choice, but also the most durable, lasting up to ten years. Look for a harness with strong Velcro closures around the chest and neck, preferably one reinforced with a safety clasp. Attach Oscar’s leash to the D-ring on the back of the harness, and watch that doxie tushie wiggle.
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