Grooming
Compared to many other dog breeds, grooming your Harrier is pretty straightforward. Their shedding is a seasonal affair (in the spring), but a weekly brushing goes a long way to keep the dead hairs to a minimum and their coat shiny and healthy. Pro tip: Take your pooch to the porch once a week to brush your dog and minimize those flyaway dog hairs in your home. Simply brush off dead hair with a natural bristle brush, a rubber curry comb, or a hound mitt like the Handson Grooming Gloves.
Harriers only need a few baths, perhaps one every three months (unless they’ve rolled in something unmentionable).
Vets can help teach pet parents how to brush their dog’s teeth (good dental hygiene is important for any dog). Start brushing their teeth when they’re a puppy, and they’ll get used to it faster. The typical Harrier’s tooth tartar isn’t too bad, but it’s something to keep an eye on. So brush daily, and make sure you get annual professional teeth cleanings by your vet (not your groomer).
Trim long toenails if they look long, or you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces. Outdoor activities may wear them down naturally, but check them about once a month anyway.
Harriers have drop ears (lowered and tight to the side of the head), putting them at risk for ear infections and yeast buildup. Check your Harrier’s ears monthly for redness and swelling, and recheck them whenever you spot your pup rubbing an ear. Consult your vet if you notice anything unusual; they may advise you to clean your dog’s ears.
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Training
Your Harrier needs moderate training to be a well-behaved family member. Like all dogs, they thrive on friendly, calm, positive reinforcement techniques. Use a lot of praise, treats and playtimes with special toys to reward them when they do a good job.
Teach them the basics, like sit, stay and come, and how to walk nicely on a leash. Harriers are hunters and have great instincts; their nose leads them. You may work on the same command for longer than expected because they get distracted. That’s OK. Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded. Keep training sessions short, and remember to take breaks before either of you get frustrated. Harriers are intelligent, and they will eventually pick it up. Remember, while you won’t be able to train their instincts to bark and chase completely away, you can help curb those behaviors.
Socialize your dog starting when they’re a puppy. Even though these dogs are very friendly, getting them used to meeting new people and other dogs while they’re young is vital to help bring out their outgoing personalities. Take them on lots of leashed walks and let them meet and sniff new friends, both two- and four-legged. Enroll them in puppy school, where they learn to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people in one location.
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Diet
Harriers do well on high-quality commercial dog food. Be sure to choose a formula that fits their stage in life (puppy, adult, senior), and look for the statement on the package that says it meets the nutritional standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Harriers will eat an entire bowl of any dog food in five minutes and want more, which can lead to obesity and health problems like heart disease and diabetes that come with it. It’s essential to have food bowls out only at mealtimes and not allow them to graze all day. Your veterinarian can help you determine how much and how often to feed your Harrier.
Avoid feeding them table scraps, cooked bones and high-fat foods, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems. Harriers might enjoy chew toys to gnaw on between meals instead. Watch the number of treats you give—those calories count, too! Again, consult with your veterinarian; they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their needs.
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Exercise
Hey, did we mention the Harrier are active dogs who love exercise? Harriers are hard-working hound dogs, and they’re so much fun. But the exercise commitment is quite a bit more extensive than, say, the commitment of a Beagle. This breed has high exercise needs—plan for 60 to 90 minutes daily. Afterward, though, these dogs do settle down well for a little Netflix binge on the couch.
In addition to the nonstop marathon training, Harriers make great hiking companions and will enjoy long walks where they can explore with their noses (this is a great way to exercise their minds, too). They also like retrieving games, like throwing the ball and letting your dog hunt for it. Mental as well as physical workouts create happy, healthy and well-behaved Harriers.
Do you like a bit of competition? Your Harrier will, too. These pups excel at dog sports, like agility, tracking and coursing (where they chase a lure around a track). Your pup gets their wiggles out, and you may come home with some snazzy first-place ribbons!
Harriers have many positive traits, but boredom is definitely something you want to avoid. Harriers will plot mischief or an escape route if they don’t get enough mental exercise, so load up on fetch toys or puzzle toys to keep them challenged.
Remember that Harriers are hunters led by their noses. Your yard must be securely fenced; otherwise, they’ll put their nose down and disappear! They can be quite the Houdini when on a scent, so keeping them on a leash when out and about is essential. If they catch a scent, these speedy dogs are off on the chase—and all your training will feel like it’s gone out the window. So, for your sanity and their safety, always keep them on a leash when you’re out and about.
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Environment
Harriers love to have company, and they’re good with families. Because working in teams is in their genes, they do better when they’re not alone. So, if it’s just you and your Harrier, you may want to add another dog to the home. While they love a social scene, watching Harriers around small children is always a good idea. Be especially careful with small pets that your Harrier might mistake for critters that need chasing, like cats and rodents.
Harriers thrive in active homes and can really make the most of an expansive, securely fenced-in yard. They may be less suited for apartment living, but if you have regular access to a dog-friendly outdoor area where they can exercise, it can be done. In addition to needing lots of company and room to roam, Harriers can be vocal (and some love to howl). They make great neighbors in suburban homes, and they love the country.
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