Dachshunds, IVDD, and Dog Harnesses: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Do harnesses cause IVDD in Dachshunds?

If you have a Dachshund, Corgi, Basset Hound, or other long-backed breed, choosing between a harness and collar isn't straightforward. The relationship between harnesses, collars, and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is more complex than most owners realise. Here's what the research actually shows and how to protect your long-backed dog.

Understanding IVDD in Long-Backed Breeds

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) affects approximately 25% of Dachshunds—more than any other breed. Their elongated spines make them particularly vulnerable to spinal injuries, with discs between the vertebrae prone to herniation, bulging, or rupture.

Corgis, Basset Hounds, and other long-backed breeds face similar risks due to their body structure.

The Surprising Research

For years, the conventional wisdom has been simple: "Always use a harness for Dachshunds to protect their backs." But recent research has revealed something unexpected.

Important research findings:

90-95% of Dachshund disc herniations occur in the middle to lower back, NOT the neck. This is crucial because it means that while a collar puts pressure on the neck, the most vulnerable part of a Dachshund's spine is actually further back.

Dachshund Health UK (2022/23) research found that dogs wearing harnesses were twice as likely to have been affected by IVDD than those walked on collars. This shocked many vets and owners who had always believed harnesses were protective.

However—and this is critical—this doesn't mean harnesses cause IVDD. The relationship is far more nuanced.

Harnesses do not cause IVDD - but pulling on the leash / lack of training and poor harness fitting can contribute. Its important to train your Dachshund not to pull and have the correct harness fit.

The Real Culprits: What Actually Causes Problems

The research suggests that it's not the harness itself causing issues, but rather:

1. Pulling on the Lead

Whether your Dachshund is wearing a harness or collar, constant pulling puts stress on their spine and musculature. This is the single most important factor.

A dog that pulls continuously on a harness may be putting more strain on their back and shoulders than a dog that walks calmly on a loose lead with a collar.

2. Poor Harness Fit

This is where most owners go wrong. A poorly fitted harness can cause:

• Back issues and poor musculature development

• Joint problems

• Restricted shoulder movement that affects gait and puts strain on the spine

• Pressure on soft tissue and spine

• Abnormal movement patterns that stress the back

A harness that's too tight, too loose, or positioned incorrectly can actually be worse than a well-fitted collar on a trained dog.

3. Lack of Proper Adjustment

Buying the right size harness means nothing if you don't adjust it properly. Many owners put a harness on their dog and never touch the adjustment straps again—this is a recipe for problems.

This harness is fitted too loosely on this Dachshund at the neck and needs to be tighter for the standard 2 finger rule. The neck can be adjusted much tighter on this harness.

When Harnesses ARE Recommended for Dachshunds

Despite the nuanced research, veterinarians still strongly recommend harnesses in these situations:

✅ If your Dachshund pulls on walks - A collar puts dangerous direct pressure on the neck, which can trigger cervical (neck) disc problems and tracheal damage

✅ If your Dachshund has already had an IVDD incident - Especially if it involved the cervical (neck) discs

✅ For car travel - ALWAYS use a harness, never a collar (even sudden braking can cause serious neck injuries)

✅ If your dog is prone to lunging or sudden movements - Harnesses protect the neck from violent jerking motions

✅ For small or toy Dachshunds - Their necks are particularly vulnerable to collar pressure

When a Collar May Be Acceptable

For Dachshunds that have been trained to walk calmly on a loose lead without pulling, a well-fitted collar may be acceptable for walks.

However:

• You must have excellent lead control

• Your dog must not pull, lunge, or jerk suddenly

• The collar must fit properly (two-finger rule applies)

• Always consult your vet if your Dachshund has any signs of back discomfort or has been diagnosed with IVDD

Fleur Jacquard Fabric Harness Range by Hendricks and Maple

How to Fit a Harness Properly for Long-Backed Breeds

Proper fit is absolutely CRITICAL. This cannot be overstated.

Step 1: Measure Correctly

You need three measurements:

Neck circumference: Measure where a collar would sit, at the base of the neck

Chest girth: Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs

Body length: For some harness styles, measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail

Don't guess. Use a soft measuring tape and measure carefully. If your dog is between sizes, consider their body type—a chunky Dachshund may need to size up, while a slim one might size down.

Step 2: Choose the Right Harness Style

Best options for long-backed breeds:

Step-In Style Harnesses:

• Feature 4 adjustment points across the entire harness

• Better weight distribution

• Easier to achieve proper fit for unusual body shapes

• Recommended for Dachshunds with large chests and short legs

Adventure Harnesses:

• Longer chest plate accommodates long bodies better

• Multiple quick-release buckles for easy on/off

• Back handle useful for assisting older dogs or preventing jumping

• Excellent for active Dachshunds who hike or walk on varied terrain

Step 3: Adjust Using the Two-Finger Rule

This is the most important step. Most owners skip proper adjustment—don't be one of them.

Before you start: Loosen ALL adjustment straps completely.

1. Put the harness on your dog

2. Buckle all clips securely

3. Adjust each strap individually

4. At each adjustment point, use the two-finger test: Slide two fingers (laid flat) between the strap and your dog's body

   • If you can't fit two fingers = TOO TIGHT

   • If you can fit more than two fingers = TOO LOOSE

5. Check the chest strap position: It should sit at least 2 fingers' width behind the front legs to prevent rubbing in the armpits

6. Have your dog walk around: Watch for:

   • Harness shifting side to side (too loose)

   • Harness restricting shoulder movement (too tight or poorly positioned)

   • Your dog's gait - it should look natural and comfortable

7. Recheck the fit after movement

Step 4: Check for Proper Shoulder Movement

This is CRITICAL for long-backed breeds. The harness must not restrict your dog's natural shoulder movement.

Watch your Dachshund walk from the side. Their front legs should move freely with full range of motion. If the harness is limiting their stride or causing them to move awkwardly, it's either:

• Too tight

• Positioned incorrectly

• The wrong style for their body shape

Restricted shoulder movement leads to:

• Abnormal gait

• Compensatory movement patterns that stress the spine

• Muscle strain

• Potential contribution to back problems over time

Step 5: Regular Fit Checks

Check and readjust your Dachshund's harness fit:

• Weekly for puppies (they grow fast!)

• After weight changes (even 500g can affect fit)

• Every 2-3 months for adult dogs

• Seasonally (winter coat vs summer coat affects fit)

• If you notice any rubbing, red marks, or behaviour changes

• After every wash (straps can shift during washing)

After-Walk Skin Checks

After the first few walks with a new harness (or after adjusting), check your Dachshund's skin carefully:

Check these areas:

• Behind the front legs (armpits) - most common area for chafing

• Across the chest where the strap sits

• Around the neck

• Under the belly strap

• Along the spine where the back strap sits

Look for:

• Red marks or indentations

• Rubbing or hair loss

• Any signs your dog is uncomfortable (scratching, trying to remove the harness)

If you find any issues, adjust immediately before the next walk.

The Bottom Line: How to Protect Your Dachshund's Spine

The harness itself doesn't cause IVDD. What matters is:

1. Training is MOST Important

Teach your Dachshund to walk on a loose lead without pulling. This is the single most protective thing you can do, whether they wear a harness or collar.

Consider professional positive-reinforcement training if your Dachshund pulls constantly.

2. Proper Fit is Non-Negotiable

If you choose a harness (which is recommended for most Dachshunds), it MUST:

• Be the correct size

• Be adjustable at both chest and neck

• Be properly adjusted using the two-finger rule

• Allow full shoulder movement

• Be checked and readjusted regularly

3. Invest in Quality

Choose a harness that is:

• Fully adjustable at multiple points

• Lined with breathable mesh to prevent chafing

• AU/NZ safety tested for car use

• Machine washable

4. Know When to Use What

Always use a harness for:

• Car travel (non-negotiable)

• Dogs that pull

• Dogs with previous IVDD incidents

• Puppies still learning lead manners

• Any situation with sudden movements or jerking

A collar may be acceptable for:

• Well-trained adult Dachshunds that walk calmly on a loose lead

• Carrying ID tags (always keep a collar with ID on your dog)

• Very short bathroom breaks in controlled environments

Always consult your vet if:

• Your Dachshund shows any signs of back pain

• Your dog has been diagnosed with IVDD

• You're unsure which option is best for your individual dog

5. Prevent High-Impact Activities

Regardless of harness vs collar, protect your Dachshund's back by:

• Minimising jumping (on/off furniture, in/out of cars)

• Using ramps or steps for furniture and vehicles

• Avoiding stairs when possible

• Preventing rough play with larger dogs

• Keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight

• Providing regular gentle exercise

Signs of IVDD to Watch For

Seek immediate veterinary attention if your Dachshund shows:

• Reluctance to move or jump

• Crying out in pain when picked up or touched

• Hunched back or stiff gait

• Weakness in the legs

• Dragging back legs or loss of coordination

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Shivering or trembling

• Reluctance to raise their head

IVDD can be a medical emergency. If your dog shows sudden severe symptoms, especially loss of leg function, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.

Other Long-Backed Breeds

This guidance applies equally to:

• Corgis (Pembroke and Cardigan)

• Basset Hounds

• Scottish Terriers

• Pekingese

• Shih Tzus

• Beagles (to a lesser extent)

• Any breed with a long back relative to their leg length

Measure your Dachshund and choose a harness that will fit them perfectly with adjustment at both the chest and neck points and matching collars and accessories from Hendricks and Maple.

Hendricks & Maple: Designed for Proper Fit

All our harnesses are specifically designed with adjustability in mind because we understand how critical proper fit is for your dog's health:

✅ Fully adjustable at both chest AND neck - Essential for achieving the two-finger rule fit at all points

✅ Step-In Style harnesses with 4 adjustment points - Ideal for hard-to-fit breeds like Dachshunds

✅ Adventure harnesses with longer chest plates - Perfect for long-bodied breeds

✅ Breathable mesh lining - Prevents chafing even with daily use

✅ AU/NZ safety tested - Safe for car travel (always use a harness, never a collar)

✅ Machine washable - Easy maintenance without losing shape

We don't sell reversible harnesses because they can't be properly adjusted at the neck—and proper fit isn't negotiable when it comes to your Dachshund's spinal health. We also do not sell harness designs with a strap across the chest at the front either because they often rub and cause discomfort and if not sitting correctly can affect the dogs natural gait.

For more general information about harness types and choosing the right one for your dog, read our complete guide: Dog Harness vs Dog Collar: Which Is Best for Your Dog?

Browse our collection of adjustable dog harnesses. Worldwide shipping available. FREE shipping Australia-wide on orders over $150.

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