It is a common behaviour among puppies to act stubbornly during their growing years, especially in breeds that are highly energetic. The training period shapes their personalities and how they respond to the commands of their owners. If you have recently brought home a French Bulldog, it is crucial you train it correctly to avoid behavioral issues as they grow older. Teaching your pet to obediently walk on a leash is a crucial step in training them. However, if you are confused about choosing French Bulldog harnesses or collars, we can nudge you in the right direction. While collars were quite common for all dog breeds a few years back, many studies advise against using them. This holds true even for Frenchies. A French Bulldog is a better choice as it has several advantages that prevent injuries and health issues to the breed in the long run. In this article, we will explore some major reasons why your Frenchie needs a harness compared to a collar. Let’s begin.
Explained: Why Collars and Choke-Style Leashes Are Not Ideal for French Bulldogs?
Wondering what impact a dog collar or choke-style leash causes on your French Bulldog? Let us explain. Fastening a collar around your pet’s neck can cause severe health complications.
Frenchies belong to the brachycephalic breed, which in simple words, means they are “short-headed.” Did you know that, as per a study by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, such breeds find it challenging and obstructive to breathe because of the distinct shape of their head, throat, and muzzle? In order to keep your most loyal companion healthy, safe, and comfortable, it is essential that you understand their struggles before making a choice between a collar and a harness.
A collar exerts excessive pressure on a French Bulldog’s neck, especially when they pull. This leads to problems like restricted breathing and sometimes choking and may even cause spinal injuries in the long run. Frenchies are also susceptible to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a health issue that results in severe pain, nerve damage, and paralysis.
If you wish to avoid this harm to your beloved pet, we recommend staying away from collars altogether and instead using French Bulldog harnesses. Let us now discuss what makes a harness an ideal choice for Frenchies.
5 Reasons Why French Bulldog Harnesses Are The Right Choice
If you have a French Bulldog, introduce them to a harness and see all the differences you experience on an everyday basis. Here’s why:
- Even Distribution of Pressure
Unlike collars, French bulldog harnesses evenly distribute pressure across the dog’s chest and back. This significantly minimizes the risk of injury to the breed, which is already predisposed to several health issues.
- Improved Control and Manageability
If you think a harness just offers safety, that’s not it. A pet parent also needs to have enough control while handling their dog. When you take your French Bulldog outdoors, it may spot another animal and consider it playtime or may feel anxious or wild in busy streets. Moments like those are not easy when you need to control your dog from running to catch a squirrel or jumping on people. A collar definitely does not help! French Bulldog harnesses offer improved control and manageability due to multiple points of control, giving you peace of mind while allowing the dog to have free movement.
- Behavior & Comfort Impact
How would you feel if there is something constantly pressed against your neck – choked right? This is how your beloved Frenchie feels when you make them wear a collar. French Bulldog harnesses give them comfort and more importantly, the freedom to be in their natural behaviour.
- Walks and Training Sessions
A collar may be too tight or too loose around the neck, either choking them or making it easy for them to slip out of it. Now, French Bulldog harnesses allow better control over your pet, due to multiple leash attachment points. It also does not restrict their movement, something essential for these highly active dogs! The result – you can gently guide your dog and reinforce positive behaviors without causing them any harm or discomfort. The better their walks and training, the better dogs they will be!
- Reduced Chances of Potential Injuries
When your dog pulls on a collar leash, it puts excessive strain on their neck and spine. Over a period of time, they may develop health issues in those body parts. A well-designed, appropriate size harness as per their build can mitigate this risk of injuries.
Types of French Bulldog Harnesses
French bulldogs are a unique breed due to their distinct frame and specific needs. As we have discussed, French Bulldog harnesses can help prevent severe injuries and health conditions. The following are a few types of harnesses you can choose from for your Frenchie:
- Standard Harness
A quite common type, standard harness easily wraps around the chest and back of dogs. Though these are relatively easy to fasten, they may not offer much control to owners, especially if your pet likes to pull.
- No-Pull Harness
These harnesses, as the name suggests, are built specifically for dogs who are prone to tugging. The harness discourages pulling behavior by exerting pressure on the dog’s chest if it tries to drag you.
- Vest-Style Harness
These French Bulldog harnesses are super comfortable for the breed because of the wider chest area. It evenly distributes pressure across the dog’s body, keeping them both secure and comfortable.
Conclusion
French Bulldogs have unique physical traits that expose them to the risk of certain health issues. Their brachycephalic snouts cause issues with their breathing, while their tiny yet muscular bodies may cause spinal and neck issues. Well-fitted French Bulldog harnesses not only offer maximum comfort to the breed but also keep them safer in comparison with traditional collars. These harnesses ensure your pet is safe during training, outdoor adventures, and daily walks. Try out different harnesses as per the demeanor of your Frenchie to see which one puts them at the most comfort while keeping them secure enough. Hope this will help you make an informed choice for your beloved pet.