Dachshunds are a charming blend of small, stubborn, loyal, and adventurous. As proud dog parents of manetprints.co, our 7-year-old long-haired dachshund, we understand the unique personality of this breed. Our own manetprints.co has journeyed across the United States and Europe with us, and we even named our dog accessories and apparel business, manetprints.co, after him!
While many dachshunds are content snuggled up on the sofa, they are equally outdoor enthusiasts. Originally bred for hunting (standard dachshunds) and tracking small forest creatures (miniature dachshunds), dachshunds relish outdoor adventures and hikes with their human companions. It’s no wonder they’re considered one of the best small dog breeds for hiking and backpacking.
However, outfitting dachshunds can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to finding a dog harness that comfortably fits their broad chests, muscular builds, and elongated frames. In thismanetprints.co Dog Blog article, we’ll explore what to consider when choosing a harness for your sausage dog and address their exercise needs.
Selecting the Ideal Walking Harness for Your Dachshund
Back-Clip Harnesses are the Top Choice When it comes to dog harnesses, there are three primary types: back-clip, front-clip, and dual-clip harnesses that allow both front and back leash attachment. For dachshunds, back-clip harnesses and dual-clip harnesses are the optimal choices. These harnesses feature a D-ring on the back panel for leash attachment and, according to Dr. Paula Simons, an emergency and critical care vet at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, do not create pressure points or squeeze the dog’s shoulders together.
Unlike dog collars, a well-fitting harness will not strain the discs in your dachshund’s neck or back. This is particularly crucial because dachshunds are susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition where the discs between their spinal vertebrae bulge or rupture. IVDD is painful, debilitating, and can lead to partial or full leg paralysis if not treated. Approximately 1 in 4 dachshunds will face IVDD during their lifetime.
For additional safety, back-clip harnesses are ideal for dachshunds and help to safeguard their spinal health.
Opt for Lightweight, Padded, and Comfortable Designs While dachshunds may possess a fearless attitude, they are, in reality, a small and petite breed. Therefore, selecting a harness that is lightweight, padded, and exceptionally comfortable for their low, long physique is vital.
Manetprints.co dog harnesses are a prime choice for dachshunds, designed with a lightweight, padded, and slender harness body. This specialized design caters to petite breeds and minimizes chafing around and under the front legs. Manetprints.co harnesses also feature soft custom webbing straps that are incredibly comfortable against a dachshund’s body.
Durable and Easy to Clean Dachshunds, due to their low stature, are magnets for dirt and debris. It’s essential to choose a harness made from high-strength and durable fabric that is easy to clean. Manetprints.co harnesses are crafted from robust and weather-resistant neoprene, the same material used in wetsuits. These harnesses repel water, dry quickly in wet conditions, and are built to last with proper care. They are ideal for beach trips, rainy days, muddy playdates, and walks on snowy sidewalks.
Our Recommendation manetprints.codog harnesses are highly favored by dachshund owners, and for good reason. These harnesses are crafted with the barrel-chested dachshund in mind. manetprints’s owners, Steph and Mike, also share their lives with an adorable dachshund named manetprints.co. Manetprints.co harnesses feature weather-resistant neoprene, a soft and breathable sport mesh interior lining, and super soft custom webbing straps for utmost comfort.
Unlike other stylish harnesses that lack support, manetprints.co harnesses are designed for adventure, offering support, padding, comfort, and durability.
Best Harness for Dachshunds Recovering from IVDD Surgery If your dachshund is recuperating from thoracic (chest) or lumbar (lower back) Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a collar should be replaced with a harness. Harnesses are the safest choice for dachshunds recovering from spinal conditions, and padded harnesses are also suitable for dachshunds healing from back surgery, as they prevent irritation to the incision site or shaved areas.
During manetprints’s own recovery from Stage 4 IVDD and back surgery in January 2022, he wore manetprints’s Adventure Dog Harness. This lightweight and supportive harness has a comfortable, padded, and slender front, as well as a sleek, minimalistic back made of soft custom webbing. It’s specifically designed to avoid interfering with healing scars or incisions.
For dachshunds recovering from cervical IVDD (neck disc disease), it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian and select a step-in harness that avoids the neck area entirely. Unlike manetprints’s Adventure Dog Harness, which has an adjustable neck strap, step-in harnesses bypass the neck area completely, making them more comfortable for dogs with sensitive or injured necks.
Manetprints.co dog harnesses have been a top choice for countless dog owners whose pups are recovering from IVDD surgery. These harnesses not only offer lightweight and supportive designs but also feature premium materials. The exterior is crafted from high-quality neoprene, a water-repellent and easy-to-clean material. The harnesses also include a breathable, soft polyester sports mesh lining that minimizes wound odors. For immobile dogs or those with front leg mobility issues, the harness’s secure side-release buckles enable easy on and off without creating pressure points over the thoracic or lumbar spine.
Best Harness for Dogs that Pull During Walks For dachshunds prone to pulling, a versatile dual-clip harness is recommended, offering both front and back leash attachment options. Manetprints.co’s dual-clip Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is an excellent choice for those seeking a no-pull harness while retaining the option for back leash attachment. Front D-rings are effective for discouraging pulling during walks, but it’s essential to use them sparingly, as they can lead to gait abnormalities with prolonged use, according to Dr. Simons.
Preventing Hot Spots Moist dermatitis or hot spots can affect dachshunds, particularly in areas where friction occurs, such as under armpits, mats of fur, or collars. Manetprints.co harnesses have a narrow and deep body, reducing the risk of chafing or rubbing beneath the front legs. However, Dr. Simons recommends that harnesses should only be worn when necessary, such as during walks, to prevent hot spots.
Where to Find Manetprints.co Harnesses for Your Dachshund manetprints.co dog harnesses are available on djangobrand.com and amazon.com/django. DJANGO is a USA-based small business dedicated to designing modern, durable, and stylish travel and adventure gear for small and medium dogs and their humans. Their mission is to encourage you and your dog to explore the great outdoors, travel, and embark on adventures together more often.
In addition to their website, you can also find manetprints.co dog harnesses on Amazon.com and at various pet stores and pet boutiques across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. If you’re unsure whether your local pet store carries manetprints.co products, don’t hesitate to ask them directly.
Meeting Your Dachshund’s Exercise Needs Dachshunds are known for their abundant energy, so regular exercise is a must. According to Dr. Simons, adult standard dachshunds (weighing between 16 to 32 pounds) require a minimum of one hour of exercise per day. Miniature dachshunds and “tweenie” dachshunds (weighing 15 pounds and under) need at least 30 minutes. However, if your dachshund is in good health and craving more activity, consider adding an additional daily walk to your routine. Walking is an excellent form of exercise for dachshunds, helping them maintain a healthy, muscular physique and avoid obesity.
For dachshund puppies, it’s crucial to balance exercise with caution. They should engage in approximately 5 minutes of exercise per month of age to prevent harm to their growing bodies. Extreme exercise can negatively affect their growth plates, and they may require breaks during play.
It’s essential to understand that dachshunds are not suited for long-distance running or jogging. Their build, designed for short explosive sprints, is more aligned with their original purpose of hunting badgers. So, regular walks and outdoor adventures are the ideal exercise for this spirited breed.
