Finding the Best Harness for Basset Hounds and Their Owners

Basset Hounds are adorable, but their short legs and long bodies can make them prone to back problems if they pull on the leash. A well-fitting harness is essential to prevent discomfort and injury.

Basset Hounds are known for their strong sense of smell and can easily get distracted, making them pull on the leash. This is why a harness with a front-clip attachment is recommended, as it discourages pulling and allows for better control.

A good harness should be comfortable and allow for a full range of motion, making it perfect for Basset Hounds that love to sniff and explore.

Basset Hounds need a harness that provides better support and control compared to traditional collars, so harnesses are an excellent choice for them.

You'll want to measure your Basset Hound's chest to choose the right size harness. Use a soft measuring tape or a piece of string to measure all the way around the largest part of their chest.

Choose the smallest size that fits within that measurement to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

A front-clip harness is a great option for Basset Hounds, as it allows you to better guide where your dog is going. With the leash attached at the center of your dog's chest, you can give gentle tugs to redirect your dog.

However, be aware that a front-clip harness may still not be effective enough to tackle serious behavioral issues, and you may encounter more leg entanglement due to the leash being attached lower to the ground.

To add extra control points and distribute pressure evenly, consider using a training leash in conjunction with your Basset Hound's harness. This leash is designed to work with the Freedom No-Pull Harness and provides additional control options.

Harnesses are an excellent choice for Basset Hounds, as they provide better support and control compared to traditional collars.

Basset Hounds should wear a harness, as they distribute pressure more evenly across the dog's chest and shoulders, reducing the risk of injury.

Harnesses can help prevent your dog from pulling on the lead, making walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Front-clip dog harnesses are a type of harness that allows you to attach the leash at the center of your dog's chest, giving you better directional control.

With a front-clip harness, your dog will turn toward you when you give it a gentle tug to redirect them, but it still isn't effective enough to tackle serious behavioral issues.

Harnesses reduce the risk of injury and provide better control while walking your Basset Hound on a lead, making them a better option than collars for this breed.

There are several harness options available for basset hounds, each with its own unique features and benefits.

A good harness should fit your basset hound comfortably, with a snug fit that allows for a little extra room for growth or coat length. Measure your basset hound's girth around the broadest part of their chest, and choose a harness that fits within that measurement.

The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is a popular choice for basset hounds, known for their adventurous spirit. This harness features two leash attachment points, providing excellent control, and is designed for extended wear.

You can also consider a head halter harness, which straps around your dog's neck and has a lead looped around their snout. However, this type of harness requires your dog to adjust to wearing it around their face, and should not be used with a retractable leash.

The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness is a top choice for Basset Hounds, designed for extended wear and comfort during all-day outdoor adventures.

Its lightweight and durable design makes it perfect for Basset Hounds known for their adventurous spirit. The harness features two leash attachment points, providing excellent control, which is crucial for training Basset Hounds.

The reinforced webbing at the chest withstands pulling, while the aluminum V-ring on the back offers additional control. Foam-padded strips across the chest and belly ensure equal load distribution, providing comfort when running, walking, or resting.

The Ruffwear harness offers a customizable fit with four convenient points of adjustment, allowing a full range of motion for your Basset Hound. An easily accessible ID pocket allows for safe storage of your dog's tags.

Chai's Choice adventure harness features a handle so that you can easily get a grip on your hound if it's required. This can be useful if your basset has a tendency to jump around the car.

The PUPTECK harness includes two leash points on the back, both made of metal for added strength. This allows more versatility when connecting leashes.

Front-clip harnesses are a great option for dog owners who want to reduce pulling on the lead. They work by attaching the leash at the center of your dog's chest.

This design allows for better directional control when walking your dog, making it easier to redirect them if they start pulling.

However, it's worth noting that front-clip harnesses may not be effective enough to tackle serious behavioral issues, so they should be used in conjunction with training.

With a leash attached lower to the ground, you may encounter more leg entanglement with a front-clip harness.

The head halter harness is a unique option that straps around your dog's neck and has a lead looped around their snout. It's designed to guide your dog's attention forward as you walk, eliminating distracted behavior.

Unlike other harnesses, the head halter doesn't attach around the chest, but rather under the chin with a D-ring. This allows for greater control as you walk.

The head halter is not a muzzle, and it's not meant to induce pain. However, it's essential to note that your dog's breed can't have a pushed-in snout for it to be effective.

Your dog may need time to adjust to wearing a head halter, and they may even try to remove it. Be patient and consistent, and they'll learn to tolerate it.

Remember, using a head halter requires careful consideration, especially with regards to the leash. Avoid using a retractable leash and never yank on the halter with force to prevent pain and injury to your dog.

Measuring your Basset Hound for a harness is crucial to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Adult Basset Hounds can weigh up to 25-30kg, so you'll want to size up correctly.

To measure your Basset Hound, start by ensuring they're standing on a flat surface. Then, use a soft measuring tape to measure around the widest part of their chest, just behind the front legs. This is the chest girth measurement.

The chest girth measurement for an adult Basset Hound can be around 25-35 inches. It's essential to take an accurate measurement and allow for a little extra room for coat length or growth.

You'll also want to measure around the base of their neck, where a collar would typically sit. This is the neck measurement.

Here's a quick rundown of the steps to measure your Basset Hound:

By following these simple steps, you'll be able to find the perfect harness for your Basset Hound.