Finding a great dog harness for dachshunds is challenging. Finding the best harness for dachshunds that pull is even more tricky.
Dachshunds are a loyal, brave, and adventurous dog breed with a very unique build. Their long, low-slung body, and short legs give them a distinctive shape that is not always easy to outfit. What's more, dachshunds' elongated spine and deep chest require specialized care, especially for activities involving movement or pressure distribution.
In this article, we highlight how to find the best harness for dachshunds that pull and offer two reputable harness options for you to consider.
What to look for in a high quality dog harness
There are a few must-have features to look for when shopping for a high quality harness for your dachshund—especially if he or she is a puller on walks. Here are key factors to consider:
- Fit and Support: Look for a dog harness specifically designed for small, long-bodied dogs like dachshunds. A padded and long chest panel is key and will provide much-needed support when your doxie spots a squirrel and starts pulling like a sled dog. In terms of support, the harness should distribute pressure evenly across the dog's strong chest, rather than the neck or back.
- Adjustability: Since dachshunds have unique proportions, an adjustable harness is key to achieving a snug and comfortable fit. The best harnesses for dogs offer adjustable neck and chest straps. Additionally, the straps should not rub against legs or restrict movement in any way.
- Padding: A well-padded harness will maximize comfort and support. Soft padding also reduces the risk of chafing, which can be common in dachshunds.
- No-Pull Feature (Optional): Some no-pull dog harnesses have a front clip for leash attachment, which discourages pulling by turning the dog’s body when they pull. This feature can be beneficial for training your dachshund and help to reduce pulling and strain over the long term.
The best harnesses for dachshunds that pull
DJANGO offers two high quality harnesses for dachshunds that pull. The harnesses meet all criteria mentioned above and are loved and worn by dachshunds all around the world.
Harness Option #1: Adventure Dog Harness
The DJANGO Adventure Dog Harness has a long, padded, and supportive front panel that wraps comfortably around a dachshund's robust chest. The webbing back panel is very soft and lightweight against the dog's body. With the Adventure Dog Harness, all weight is distributed evenly across the dachshund's strong and hard chest bone during movement and pulling.
DJANGO launched its Adventure Dog Harness in 2020, and the harness has become a doxie lover favorite ever since. You can find this harness both on djangobrand.com and Amazon.com.
Other features of the Adventure Dog Harness include reflective piping for evening outings and a solid cast brass D-ring for leash attachment.
Harness Option #2: Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness
The Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is very similar to the Adventure Dog Harness (harness option #1, above) in terms of materials and workmanship. Both of these Django harnesses are made with premium neoprene and very soft custom webbing, and they are both padded and soft against the body.
A distinguishing feature of the Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is the front D-ring on the harness chest panel. This D-ring allows for front leash attachment, which can help deter pulling over time.
What is the purpose of the front-clip on a dog harness?
Attaching your leash to the front clip of your dog's harness can deter your dog from pulling over time. How so? When your dog attempts to pull with this leash-harness set up, his or her chest is pulled to the side. This is not the outcome the dog desires —he or she is trying to pull forward like a sled dog!
With consistent use, a no pull harness should train your dog not to pull. Most dogs learn that pulling is not giving them the outcome they want, and most pull less as a result.
How is the Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness different from the Adventure Dog Harness?
Here are all of the key factors that make the DJANGO Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness unique in fit and function and a favorite amongst many dachshund owners:
- Front and back D-rings: The Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness has two D-rings, one on the back panel for standard leash attachment and another on the front panel for front leash attachment. The Tahoe harness' front D-ring is optional and for dachshund owners that prefer front leash attachment for training purposes or everyday use.
- Back Panel: Since the Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness has a front D-ring for optional leash attachment, it has a padded and soft neoprene back panel to support front leash attachment. The Adventure Dog Harness, on the other hand, has a more simple and lightweight webbing back panel.
- Hardware: The Tahoe No Pull Harness has silver plated zinc alloy hardware, while the Adventure Dog Harness has solid cast brass hardware. Both are beautiful and classic and hold up really well over time.
