Dog Owners - Dachshund Harness & Muzzle Recommendations

[AmongMadPeople]

Hopefully my friends on the Dis can help me out with some dog product recommendations...

Our Dachshund/Pekingese mix needs to be walked on a harness now. She has never really worn one before. I got one like I have bought for other dogs in the past - a nylon one you slip over their head, put one leg through and fasten on the side of their chest. Unfortunately, this caused a lot of rubbing on her armpits. The "holes" for the arms are too small for her thick dachshund arms. Anyone have any suggestions for a harness better suited to thick-bodied dogs? One that they step into and fastens on the top where the leash goes? Ones of those mesh, non-strappy ones?

Also, I have been considering getting my border collie a muzzle. I only plan on using it for our waits in the vet's lobby, and when she meets new dogs (which will be happening at Christmas, and the meeting really needs to go well). I am going to get her into dog classes as soon as I can to improve her socialization, but Christmas and the vet will happen before that will. Petsmart online only showed a mesh type wrap around the snout. Any experience with those? Are they the best type?

Thanks for any help anyone can give!

 

[walden]

Hopefully my friends on the Dis can help me out with some dog product recommendations...

Our Dachshund/Pekingese mix needs to be walked on a harness now. She has never really worn one before. I got one like I have bought for other dogs in the past - a nylon one you slip over their head, put one leg through and fasten on the side of their chest. Unfortunately, this caused a lot of rubbing on her armpits. The "holes" for the arms are too small for her thick dachshund arms. Anyone have any suggestions for a harness better suited to thick-bodied dogs? One that they step into and fastens on the top where the leash goes? Ones of those mesh, non-strappy ones?

Also, I have been considering getting my border collie a muzzle. I only plan on using it for our waits in the vet's lobby, and when she meets new dogs (which will be happening at Christmas, and the meeting really needs to go well). I am going to get her into dog classes as soon as I can to improve her socialization, but Christmas and the vet will happen before that will. Petsmart online only showed a mesh type wrap around the snout. Any experience with those? Are they the best type?

Thanks for any help anyone can give!

On the harness you could look at the velvet no-pull version here. They come in XS and S and are very adjustable. I had one of these for my greyhound with Laryngeal Paralysis and it did not chafe his armpits at all.
http://www.wiggleswagswhiskers.com/products/harnesses/index.htm

We use greyhound kennel muzzles when introducing new dogs. I'm not sure they will fit a BC but I'll look for some links for you.

ETA: Link for muzzle. You can buy them more cheaply but this place will work with you to size for other breeds and has a good return policy if it doesn't fit. Read the sizing info carefully.
http://www.k-9designs.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=85

 

[SandrA9810]

Another good option for socializing on the leash, is a Halti. It's used to prevent the dog from pulling by closing their mouth and turning their head in a different direction. Since dogs generally lead with their heads, it frustrates them and they stop pulling. But it has also come in handy when meeting other dogs or strangers. I simply pull up on the leash, it closes her mouth and turns her head towards me.
It would be good for the vets office, and for getting to dog classes. But I don't think it's what you want to deal with all day on Christmas, unless it's a short visit.
I found mine on Ebay for 5$ and a few dollars more for shipping. Best investment I ever made. And the Halti works much much better than the gentle leader (I've used that one as well with another dog, and his poor snout kept getting rubbed raw).

 

[christiane]

1. Harness: The Buddy Belt is great for dachshunds.
http://buddy-belts.com/m_37.asp

2. Muzzle: I would only buy a "basket" type muzzle. This type of muzzle allows your dog to pant which is very important in stressful situations like waiting at the vet's. The cloth type muzzles that hold the mouth closed are too restrictive & only meant for a very short time. They don't allow panting & your dog could choke wearing it if he had to be sick.

Here are some photos of a basket muzzle & tips for using it:
http://ontariospca.ca/2-behavtips-dog3.shtml

 

[AmongMadPeople]

Thanks for the suggestions and links!

A harness like the Buddy Belt is what I'm leaning toward for my dachshund. I think she'll do much better with it.

I also thought basket type muzzle would be better for panting, which is important because she pants a lot. I'm going to go look and see what I can find in stores tomorrow, and visit the dog training place and ask when their next round of classes start. I've been talking to the other dog owner we'll be seeing on Christmas so we have a plan for doggie introductions.

I've been considering getting a head collar for walking purposes, so maybe I'll take the plunge and try that out too.

 

[RALIKA]

my doxin is 11 years. Dont walk them on anything but harness as you can really injure there back. I would take him to pet store and try on different harness. I use a rope one it goes over his head and then you but his legs thru and the cinch thing tightens at the top and has a ring for the leash that has worked really well.