My dog is chewing his new harness.

B

Bob R

Forums Regular
We decided to buy Lucky a harness to replace his original collar. The collar obviously causes choking whenever he strains on his leash, and with him getting larger he has become increasingly strong and the pulling had become equally more forceful...thus the choking. So on his first birthday we got a harness and now a week later my wife noticed he has been chewing it and fraying is starting to show. We haven't seen him doing this but we do see the fraying. I would say he will ruin it given enough time...help from anyone would be appreciated.

Bob
 
I would definitely train him not to pull on walks! A dog walking on a lose lead is better for everyone. Try using treats to keep him interested and by your side. Also, if he pulls, change direction to recenter him. Obedience training really helps. Beginner classes may be useful. A harness seems to cause dogs to pull more! I guess I would go back to the collar! All my rescues and purchased pups did very well learning not to pull during obedience training! Good luck!
 
Both my girls know how to heal and "usually" maintain a relaxed demeanor on walks. But there are so many things to see and go after here, that it can trigger them to try and GET TO IT. Especially Savannah, she is so inquisitive, yet petite. I feared for her trachea and didn't want it to be collapsed or bruised, so that is why I switched over to harnesses for both my girls. I tried several types to find ones that didn't bug them. Kaleigh has ALWAYS been collar adverse, but doesn't seem to mind her harness. Savannah wasn't happy until I got one that had a mesh bottom. The others I think rubbed on her skin and chafed. I am pro harness, and suggest you try many types. I think you will find one that works well for Lucky. As far as chewing, in my home, if it hits the floor, it is fair game, and probably will be attacked and chew with gusto.:rolleyes:
 
I can recommend looking into the brand Lupine Pet. Their products are guaranteed for life even against chewing. We got one about four years ago for Honey and I've finally retired the harness just because I wanted to try the comfort walk styles. The harness itself is as sound as the day we got it, no fraying... same for the leash. (and the handles on the leash are so comfortable!)

That aside, both my girls chewed their first harnesses, they destroyed those, and then stopped without any intervention from us, neither have chewed any subsequent ones... So it's possibly just your pup exploring something new.

Good luck!
 
Where is he chewing the harness? When Deska was young he used to chew the tags on his collar - while it was on (god knows how). He also had a habit of chewing on the lead when he was excited. I soaked the lead in a solution of 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water, it stopped the chewing. You could try that with the harness, although you don't want the smell from being over-powering so it depends on where he's chewing.

Another option would be to put some electrical or gaffer tape over that part of the harness, or if that isn't sturdy enough (or you don't want the stickiness) put some spiral wire wrap over it. That's what cured my Burmese cat from chewing wires, and it's easily removed once the problem is solved.
 
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