How to Make a Dachshund Harness

Dachshunds have unique proportions. Since this popular pet is long and short, it can be hard to find a harness to fit one properly. This might be especially difficult if your Dachshund weighs less than 15 pounds. You can make a Dachshund harness without much difficulty, although it does require some planning and proficiency with a sewing machine. With a little patience, you can make a custom-tailored Dachshund harness that will make your dog the envy of the dog park.

Things You'll Need

  • Sewing machine or heavy gauge needle and thread
  • Cloth leash
  • Scissors
  • Dachshund
  • Permanent marker or tailor's chalk
  • Metal ring
  • Metal buckle or fastener
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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Material

    • 1

      Cut the metal hardware and hand loop off the leash. The remaining leash will become the Dachshund harness. Discard the loop and hardware you just removed

    • 2

      Wrap the leash around the thickest part of your Dachshund's chest. Leave about a finger's length of extra material and mark where the material meets again with the marker or tailor's chalk. Unwrap the material from the Dachshund and cut at the mark. This will form the back loop.

    • 3

      Wrap the leash around your Dachshund's neck. Mark where the material meets with the marker or tailor's chalk. Unwrap the material from the Dachshund and cut at the mark. This will form the neck loop.

    • 4

      Mark off a length of material from the back of your Dachshund's neck to where the back loop will go. Leave enough on either end to loop around the neck and back loops. This will form the back length.

    • 5

      Mark off a length of material from the underside of your Dachshund's neck to where the back loop will rest. Leave enough on either end to loop around the neck and back loops. This will form the neck length.

    Assemble the Harness

    • 6

      Sew the neck loop closed. Use a strong thread and make sure your needle is sturdy enough that it won't snap.

    • 7

      Loop the back length around the neck piece. Snug the loop so the neck piece moves freely through it but without leaving extra space. Sew the loop closed.

    • 8

      Loop the back length around the metal ring and the back piece. The metal ring should be above the back piece (this is for a leash.) Snug the loop so the back piece moves freely through it but without leaving extra space. Sew the loop closed.

    • 9

      Sew the buckle or fastener to the underside of the back loop.

    • 10

      Sew the underside of the neck loop to the underside of the back loop.