Harrier

Compared to many other dog breeds, grooming your Harrier is fairly easy. Their shedding is essentially 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 like the UltraCruz Horse Brush, a Roma Brights rubber curry comb, or a hound mitt like the Handson Grooming Gloves.

Harriers don’t need a lot of baths, perhaps one every three months (unless they’ve rolled in something unmentionable).

Vets can help teach pet parents how to brush 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 a few times a week working up to daily, and make sure you get an annual professional teeth cleaning by your vet (not your groomer).

Long toenails need to be trimmed if they appear too long or you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces. Outdoor activities may wear them down naturally but make sure to check them about once a month anyway.

Harriers do 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 check them again whenever you spot your pup rubbing an ear.

Your Harrier needs a moderate amount of training to be a well-behaved member of the family. Like all dogs, they thrive on friendly, calm and positive reinforcement techniques. Use 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. These pups are hunters, and while Harriers have great instincts, they’re led by their nose. You may find yourself working on the same command for longer than you expect, 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.

Don’t forget to socialize your dog, starting when they’re a puppy. Even though these dogs are very friendly, it’s important to get them used to meeting new people and other dogs while they’re young 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 how to play nicely with other puppies and meet new people all in one location.

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 the health problems like heart disease and diabetes that come with it. It’s important to have food bowls out only at mealtimes and not let them 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 or high-fat foods, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems, too. 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, as they are in the best position to help you pick the right food for your dog based on their needs.

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. There’s a certain energy level and exercise need that must be met for this breed, and that bar is set pretty high—plan on 60 to 90 minutes every day. Afterwards, 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 and are led with their nose. 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. This is also why it’s important to keep them on a leash when out and about. 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.

Harriers love to have company, and they’re good with families. Because they’re meant to work in teams, they do better when they’re not alone a lot. 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, it’s always a good idea to watch dogs, including Harriers, around small children. Be especially careful with small pets who your Harrier might mistake for critters that need chasing, like cats and rodents.

Harriers thrive in active homes, of course, and are better in houses with expansive, securely fenced-in yards, so, they’re not recommended for apartment living. 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.