Border Terrier: The Energetic and Adaptable Companion
The Border Terrier is a small but hardy terrier breed known for its friendly personality, rugged appearance, and energetic nature. Originally developed along the border of England and Scotland to hunt foxes and vermin, the Border Terrier combines determination and endurance with an affectionate temperament that makes it both a capable working dog and a devoted family companion. These intelligent and adaptable dogs thrive with owners who can provide regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training, as Border Terriers enjoy staying active and involved in daily family life. While typically affectionate and good-natured with people, they still retain the independent streak and prey drive common to terrier breeds, making early socialization and supervision around small animals important. With their wiry coat, alert expression, and cheerful personality, the Border Terrier is well suited for active individuals or families seeking a compact companion with plenty of spirit and charm.
⭐ 3 Things You May Not Know About the Border Terrier
- The Border Terrier was developed along the border between England and Scotland to help hunt foxes in rugged countryside terrain.
- The breed was specifically bred to be small enough to follow foxes into dens while still having the endurance to keep up with horses and hounds.
- Border Terriers are known for their distinctive “otter-shaped” head and weather-resistant wiry coat.
Overview
- AKC Height: 10–11 inches
- AKC Weight: 11.5–15.5 pounds
- Colors: Red, Grizzle and Tan, Blue and Tan, Wheaten
- Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
- Group: Terrier Group
🐾 Quick Facts About the Border Terrier
- Energy Level: High — Border Terriers are active dogs that need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
- Grooming Needs: Moderate — Their wiry coat benefits from regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping.
- Good With Kids: Yes — Border Terriers are generally affectionate, playful, and friendly with families and children.
- Trainability: High — Intelligent and eager to learn, they respond well to positive reinforcement training.
- Barking Level: Moderate — Border Terriers may bark to alert their family or express excitement.
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History & Origin
The Border Terrier originated in the rugged border region between England and Scotland, where it was developed as a tough and hardworking hunting terrier capable of assisting foxhunts and controlling vermin across harsh countryside terrain. Farmers and hunters in this remote region needed a small but fearless dog that could keep pace with horses and hounds while also being agile enough to pursue foxes into underground dens and rocky hiding places.
The breed was carefully developed for function rather than appearance, with emphasis placed on endurance, courage, weather resistance, and versatility. Border Terriers became especially valued for their ability to work alongside foxhounds during hunts, trailing over rough hills and farmland before entering dens to flush or confront quarry. Their wiry weather-resistant coat helped protect them from rain, cold, and thorny undergrowth common throughout the border countryside.
Unlike some terriers bred primarily for fighting or show, the Border Terrier earned a reputation as a practical working farm dog with a balanced temperament and strong adaptability. Farmers relied on these dogs not only for fox hunting but also for controlling rats and other vermin around barns, stables, and homes. Their compact athletic build allowed them to work efficiently while remaining sturdy enough for long days outdoors.
Modern Border Terriers still retain many traits shaped by their working heritage. Their intelligence, determination, curiosity, and strong prey drive reflect generations of selective breeding for hunting and farm work. Despite their energetic terrier instincts, they are also known for being affectionate and relatively easygoing with families compared to some more intense terrier breeds. Beneath the breed’s scruffy appearance and friendly expression remains a tough and resilient little working dog developed to thrive in demanding rural environments.
Breed Traits & Personality
The Border Terrier is a small but rugged working terrier originally developed along the border region between England and Scotland for fox hunting and vermin control. Built to work alongside hounds and navigate rough countryside terrain, the Border Terrier combines endurance, agility, toughness, and practicality in a compact and highly functional body.
This breed has a narrow, athletic frame with moderate bone structure, long legs relative to body size, and a flexible body designed to move efficiently through dense brush and tight spaces. The Border Terrier should appear sturdy and workmanlike rather than delicate or overly refined. Its body is slightly longer than tall, contributing to agility and endurance during long days in the field.
One of the breed’s most recognizable features is its distinctive head shape, often described as “otter-like.” The head is moderately broad with a short strong muzzle, dark expressive eyes, and small V-shaped ears that fold forward close to the cheeks. The Border Terrier’s alert but gentle expression contributes greatly to its charming and intelligent appearance.
The breed’s harsh wiry double coat was developed specifically for protection against cold weather, rough vegetation, and outdoor hunting conditions. The dense undercoat provides insulation while the coarse outer coat helps repel dirt and moisture. Coat colors commonly include red, grizzle and tan, blue and tan, or wheaten shades.
The Border Terrier’s tail is moderately short, thick at the base, and carried upright when alert or active. The breed moves with smooth, energetic, and ground-covering strides that reflect endurance and agility rather than exaggerated motion.
Overall, the Border Terrier projects toughness, intelligence, athleticism, and practical working-terrier functionality beneath its small and rustic appearance.
For a broader comparison of how this breed’s size compares to others, see our Dog Size & Weight Guide.
Temperament & Personality
The Border Terrier is known for being affectionate, intelligent, energetic, and highly adaptable. Unlike some more intense terrier breeds, the Border Terrier often combines classic terrier determination with a relatively balanced and easygoing personality, making it especially popular as both a working dog and family companion.
With family members, the breed is usually loving, loyal, and emotionally connected. Many Border Terriers thrive on companionship and prefer remaining involved in family activities throughout the day. Their affectionate nature often makes them excellent companion dogs for active households.
The breed is generally friendly and sociable with people when properly socialized. Border Terriers are often more socially outgoing than some other terriers and tend to adapt well to a variety of family environments.
Despite their friendly temperament, Border Terriers still retain strong terrier instincts. They are naturally curious, determined, and highly interested in scents, movement, and exploration. Many individuals retain strong prey drive and instinctive chasing behavior toward small animals or moving objects.
The Border Terrier is intelligent and usually eager to engage with people, although the breed also possesses independent thinking and occasional stubbornness typical of terriers. Positive interaction and mentally engaging activities help maintain focus and cooperation.
Because of their energetic and curious nature, Border Terriers generally do best when given regular activity and mental stimulation. Without enough engagement, some may develop nuisance barking, digging, chewing, or escape-oriented behavior.
The breed is often emotionally balanced and adaptable compared to some more reactive terriers, making it relatively versatile for both active family homes and smaller living environments when exercise needs are met consistently.
Border Terriers are typically alert and observant without being excessively aggressive or territorial. Many make excellent watchdogs while still remaining friendly and approachable companions.
In the right home, the Border Terrier becomes an affectionate, entertaining, and highly loyal companion with wonderful balance between terrier spirit and family-friendly temperament.
For a broader overview of personality differences between breed groups, visit our Dog Breed Temperament Guide
Exercise & Training Needs
The Border Terrier is an active and intelligent breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Although compact in size, the breed was developed for physically demanding hunting work and possesses impressive endurance and energy.
Daily walks, active play sessions, outdoor exploration, and mentally engaging activities are important for maintaining both physical and emotional well-being. Many Border Terriers especially enjoy hiking, scent games, agility, earthdog activities, and interactive family play.
Mental stimulation is especially important because the breed is naturally curious and intelligent. Puzzle toys, trick training, scent work, and varied routines help prevent boredom and encourage healthy mental engagement.
Training is often rewarding because Border Terriers are intelligent and generally responsive to positive interaction. Positive reinforcement methods using praise, treats, encouragement, and engaging sessions typically produce excellent results.
Like many terriers, however, the breed can display independent thinking and occasional stubbornness. Harsh correction or repetitive drilling often creates resistance rather than cooperation. Border Terriers usually respond best to calm consistency and mentally stimulating training routines.
Early socialization is important to help encourage confidence and adaptability around different people, environments, sounds, and animals. Puppies should receive controlled positive exposure to varied experiences during development.
Because of their prey drive and curiosity, Border Terriers should generally not be trusted off leash in unsecured areas unless recall training is exceptionally reliable. Secure fencing is important because many individuals enjoy digging or exploring independently.
The breed adapts relatively well to apartment or smaller-home living when exercise and stimulation needs are consistently met. However, Border Terriers are happiest with owners who actively engage with them through play, activity, and interaction.
For owners seeking a compact but energetic and intelligent terrier with strong family companionship qualities, the Border Terrier can become an exceptionally rewarding and versatile companion.
Learn more on our Dog Training Page.
Grooming Requirements
The Border Terrier’s harsh wiry double coat is relatively low-maintenance and highly practical for active outdoor lifestyles. The coat was specifically developed to protect the breed during hunting work in rough weather and difficult terrain.
The coarse outer coat helps repel dirt and moisture, while the dense undercoat provides insulation and protection from cold temperatures. Weekly brushing is generally sufficient to remove loose hair, dirt, and debris while maintaining healthy coat condition.
Slicker brushes, stripping tools, and metal combs are commonly used for routine coat maintenance. Many owners also occasionally hand-strip the coat to preserve proper texture and maintain the breed’s traditional appearance, particularly in show dogs.
Although Border Terriers are considered relatively low shedders compared to many double-coated breeds, regular grooming still helps reduce loose hair accumulation and maintain healthy skin circulation.
Bathing should be done only occasionally because excessive bathing may soften the harsh coat texture and strip natural oils from the skin and coat. Most Border Terriers naturally stay fairly clean with regular brushing and routine maintenance.
Routine grooming should also include nail trimming, dental care, ear cleaning, and inspection of the skin and paws after outdoor activity.
Because the breed’s coat is naturally weather-resistant and practical, grooming needs are generally manageable compared to many longer-coated companion breeds. Consistent maintenance helps preserve the Border Terrier’s rugged texture, healthy skin condition, and classic rustic terrier appearance.
With proper coat care and regular grooming, the Border Terrier remains comfortable, healthy, and well-suited for both active outdoor lifestyles and close family companionship.
Learn more on our Dog Grooming Page.
Health Overview & Testing
The Border Terrier is a small, energetic, and highly adaptable working terrier known for its wiry coat, otter-shaped head, and determined yet affectionate personality. Originally developed along the border region between England and Scotland for hunting foxes and controlling vermin, the Border Terrier is generally considered a hardy and long-lived breed, but like many terriers and small active dogs, it can still be prone to certain inherited and chronic health concerns. Understanding common Border Terrier health problems and recommended breeder health testing can help puppy buyers make more informed decisions when selecting a healthy puppy. Because this breed combines endurance, agility, a compact athletic build, and a strong prey drive, maintaining healthy joints, neurological health, eye condition, and overall body condition is especially important throughout the dog’s life.
Health issues sometimes seen in Border Terriers may include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, allergies, heart disease, hypothyroidism, and canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS), sometimes referred to as “Spike’s Disease.” Some individuals may also develop skin sensitivities, dental disease, or obesity-related joint stress later in life. CECS is a neurological condition seen in some Border Terriers that can cause episodes involving muscle cramping, unusual movements, or temporary coordination problems. While not every Border Terrier will develop these conditions, understanding the breed’s health tendencies allows owners to make better long-term decisions regarding breeding, grooming, nutrition, exercise, and preventive veterinary care.
Health Testing & Responsible Breeding
Responsible Border Terrier breeders should perform appropriate health screenings before breeding in order to reduce the likelihood of inherited conditions being passed to future generations. Many puppy buyers are encouraged to ask about health testing, but they are often unsure which evaluations are most important for this breed. In the Border Terrier, careful attention to orthopedic, neurological, eye, and overall structural health is especially valuable.
Buyers should ask whether the sire and dam have completed patella evaluations, hip evaluations when appropriate, and ophthalmologist-performed eye examinations. Responsible breeders may also discuss epilepsy history, canine epileptoid cramping syndrome (CECS), allergy tendencies, cardiac health, and overall longevity within their bloodlines. Some breeders may additionally utilize genetic testing for inherited eye conditions or neurological concerns when appropriate depending on pedigree history.
At this time, Border Terrier breeder health testing relies primarily on veterinary evaluations, orthopedic screening, eye certification, and long-term pedigree knowledge rather than a large number of widely used breed-specific DNA panels. However, responsible breeders should still be willing to openly discuss inherited health concerns within their breeding program and explain the purpose of any testing they perform. Ethical breeders understand that preserving the Border Terrier involves much more than maintaining hunting instinct or appearance — it also includes protecting stable temperament, healthy movement, neurological wellness, and long-term quality of life.
Before Border Terrier puppies are placed into new homes, they should receive a complete veterinary wellness examination that evaluates the heart, eyes, knees, bite alignment, neurological responses, parasite status, overall structure, and general physical development. Because small active breeds can sometimes develop luxating patellas or orthopedic strain during growth, careful early monitoring is especially important. Puppies should also leave with age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, feeding guidance, and recommendations for safe socialization, training, and exercise during development.
A responsible Border Terrier breeder should willingly provide documentation of completed health clearances and openly discuss inherited health concerns affecting the breed. Puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who avoid health discussions, refuse to provide testing information, or claim their dogs are completely free of health problems. Ethical breeding focuses on reducing inherited risk through careful selection, health screening, pedigree knowledge, and lifelong breeder support rather than making unrealistic promises.
Preventive Care & Long-Term Wellness
Maintaining healthy body condition and regular exercise is especially important for the Border Terrier because this breed is naturally active, curious, and energetic. Without sufficient physical activity and mental stimulation, some individuals may become restless, vocal, destructive, or prone to weight gain. Regular exercise helps support cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, joint stability, coordination, and emotional well-being throughout life.
Mental enrichment also plays an important role in long-term wellness for the Border Terrier. Scent games, obedience work, puzzle-solving activities, hiking, digging areas, and interactive play help provide healthy outlets for the breed’s natural terrier instincts and intelligence.
The Border Terrier’s harsh wiry coat generally requires regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping or coat maintenance to help maintain healthy skin and coat texture. Grooming sessions also provide an excellent opportunity to monitor for skin irritation, parasites, lumps, coat-quality changes, or other developing health concerns.
Maintaining healthy weight is especially important because excess weight places additional strain on the knees, hips, spine, and cardiovascular system. Although naturally active, some Border Terriers living primarily indoors may gain weight if calorie intake and exercise are not carefully balanced.
Routine veterinary examinations throughout adulthood and senior years remain important for monitoring neurological wellness, eye condition, dental health, mobility, skin health, and overall quality of life. Early detection of developing health concerns often allows for more successful long-term management and improved outcomes.
Lifespan & Senior Border Terrier Care
The Border Terrier is often a long-lived breed, with many individuals living approximately 12 to 15 years or longer when responsibly bred and properly cared for. Senior Border Terriers may gradually develop arthritis, hearing decline, vision changes, dental disease, reduced stamina, or decreased mobility as they age. Some older dogs may also become more prone to stiffness or weight gain during the senior years.
As Border Terriers enter their senior years, many owners focus on maintaining moderate low-impact exercise, healthy weight management, dental care, supportive bedding, mental stimulation, and regular wellness monitoring. Because the breed often remains emotionally connected and mentally alert throughout life, continued companionship and enrichment remain important even during old age.
With attentive care, preventive veterinary support, responsible breeding, and a healthy lifestyle, many Border Terriers continue to thrive as affectionate, energetic, and highly devoted companions well into their senior years.
Is This Breed Right for You?
The Border Terrier is an energetic, affectionate, and highly adaptable terrier breed known for its cheerful personality, intelligence, and strong bond with its family. Originally developed for fox hunting and vermin control, the Border Terrier thrives when given companionship, exercise, and opportunities to stay mentally engaged.
While loving and entertaining, the Border Terrier is not the ideal fit for every household. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide:
✔ Ideal for:
- Active families seeking a small but energetic companion
- People interested in hiking, scent games, or outdoor activities
- Owners wanting an affectionate and adaptable terrier breed
- Homes able to provide regular exercise and interaction
- People willing to commit to training and mental stimulation
❌ Not Ideal for:
- People wanting a completely low-energy lap dog
- Homes unable to provide regular physical activity
- Owners unprepared for strong prey drive and digging instincts
- People unwilling to manage coat maintenance and grooming
- Homes where the dog will frequently be left alone for long periods
Finding a Responsible Breeder or Rescue
If you’re interested in bringing a dog of this breed into your home, consider adopting from a rescue organization or finding a reputable breeder.
Find a Reliable Rescue:
Read our page about how to adopt from a reliable dog rescue.
Find reliable rescues through our Dog Rescue Directory.
Find a Responsible Breeder:
Read our information page about buying a healthy puppy from a responsible breeder.
Find responsible breeders through our Dog Breeders Directory.
Puppy Considerations
Border Terrier puppies are curious, playful, and highly observant from an early age. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training are important to help puppies develop confidence, emotional stability, and appropriate behavior.
Because these puppies mature into energetic and determined terriers, early structure and consistent training are especially important. Their natural prey drive and independent thinking can become stronger as they mature.
Puppies benefit from:
- Early socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and environments
- Positive reinforcement training and consistent routines
- Daily play sessions and mentally stimulating activities
- Scent games, interactive toys, and problem-solving exercises
- Regular grooming handling and coat-care routines
Because Border Terrier puppies are intelligent and energetic, early training and healthy outlets for their curiosity can help support balanced long-term behavior.
Living With a Border Terrier
Living with a Border Terrier is often rewarding for owners who appreciate affectionate, playful, and highly adaptable dogs. These dogs generally form close bonds with their families and often enjoy participating in everyday activities and outdoor adventures.
The Border Terrier requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain healthy and emotionally balanced. Many enjoy hiking, scent work, interactive games, obedience training, and opportunities to safely explore outdoor environments.
This breed generally does best in homes where it receives companionship, structure, and opportunities to stay mentally occupied. Without enough engagement, boredom may lead to digging, barking, chewing, or other undesirable behaviors.
Although affectionate and friendly with family members, Border Terriers may naturally chase small animals due to their terrier instincts. Secure fencing and leash safety are important because many individuals will instinctively pursue interesting scents or moving animals.
Feeding a balanced, high-quality diet and maintaining a healthy weight are important for supporting joint health, muscle condition, mobility, and overall wellness. Routine veterinary care, grooming, exercise, training, and companionship all contribute to helping the breed thrive.
Final Thoughts…
The Border Terrier is an energetic, affectionate, and highly adaptable terrier breed that thrives with owners who appreciate active companionship and intelligent interaction. Their cheerful personality, sturdy nature, and loyal temperament make them wonderful companions in the right homes.
With proper exercise, socialization, preventive care, training, and companionship, the Border Terrier can become a deeply rewarding and highly devoted lifelong companion.
Are you considering adding a Border Terrier to your family?
🐶 Border Terrier FAQs
How long do Border Terriers live?
Border Terriers typically have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. With proper nutrition, routine veterinary care, and a healthy lifestyle, many live long, active lives. As a small, sturdy breed, maintaining dental health and a healthy weight is especially important.
What is the Border Terrier temperament like?
Border Terriers are known for being friendly, affectionate, and adaptable. Unlike some terrier breeds, they are generally good-natured and less aggressive. They enjoy companionship and are known for balancing terrier energy with a more easygoing personality.
Are Border Terriers good family dogs?
Yes, Border Terriers can make excellent family dogs. They typically do well with children and enjoy being part of family life. Their size, temperament, and adaptability make them a good fit for many households, including active families.
Do Border Terriers shed a lot?
Border Terriers are low to moderate shedders. Their wiry coat requires regular brushing and occasional hand-stripping or trimming to maintain its texture and reduce shedding. Grooming needs are manageable compared to many other terrier breeds.
Are Border Terriers easy to train?
Border Terriers are intelligent and generally eager to please, making them easier to train than many terriers. Positive reinforcement, consistency, and early training work best. They respond well to engaging, reward-based training methods.
Similar Breeds You Might Like
If you’re interested in the Border Terrier, you may also enjoy learning about these similar small and terrier-type breeds:
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Norwich Terrier – A small, sturdy terrier known for alertness, affection, and adaptability.
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Cairn Terrier – A lively terrier with a confident personality and strong independence.
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Dandie Dinmont Terrier – A distinctive terrier valued for loyalty, intelligence, and a gentle disposition.
🐾 Lisa’s Picks for Border Terriers
As someone who has worked with dogs for over 50 years—including more than 20 years helping with housebreaking and everyday care—I’m often asked for product recommendations. I’ve found that a few simple items can make a big difference in a dog’s comfort and daily routine.
If you have a Border Terrier or are planning to bring one into your home, these products and tips can help support your journey together.
🛏️ 1. Dog Beds
👉 My Tip: Waterproof Bed Protection (My Personal Favorite Trick)
One thing I personally do is use twin-size waterproof mattress covers over larger dog beds. They’re easy to wash, protect the bed beneath, and save money long-term—especially helpful for puppies, seniors, or heavy shedders. You can find different colors and patterns that fit your decor.
For tiny dog beds, you can use waterproof pillow covers that fit over the beds to protect them and save money long-term.
I use the same idea around the house, too. Washable, waterproof couch covers are a simple way to protect furniture from dirt, shedding, and accidents—especially helpful with puppies, seniors, or dogs that love the couch.
* Orthopedic Foam Dog Beds:
A high-quality orthopedic bed is one of the best investments you can make for your dog. I recommend these for every breed, once they are out of the chewing stage, especially as they age. They provide joint support, improve comfort, and help dogs truly rest.
* Tough Dog Beds for Dogs That Chew:
If your dog tends to chew or destroy their bedding, a standard plush bed may not last long. In these cases, I recommend tough, chew-resistant dog beds made with reinforced materials.
These are designed to hold up better against digging, scratching, and chewing, and can save you from constantly replacing beds. While no bed is completely indestructible, choosing a more durable option can make a big difference.
* Puppies need Simple Washable Bedding:
For young puppies that are still learning house training, I often suggest starting with simple, washable blankets instead of an expensive dog bed.
Thick towels, fleece throws, or washable pads work very well during this stage. They’re easy to clean, quick to replace, and help protect your main dog beds until your puppy is more reliable. Once house training is more consistent, you can transition to a more permanent, supportive bed.
✂️ 2. Proper Grooming Tools for the Border Terrier Coat
Border Terriers have a harsh, wiry outer coat with a dense undercoat, so using the right grooming tools makes a big difference.
A gentle slicker brush works well to remove loose hair and keep the coat tidy, while a metal comb can be used for detail work—especially around the face, legs, and other areas where tangles may develop. Regular hand-stripping is recommended to maintain the coat’s proper texture and natural appearance, although trimming may be used for easier maintenance.
Border Terriers shed lightly year-round, but hand-stripping helps remove dead hair and keeps the coat in good condition.
Regular brushing:
- Helps remove loose hair
- Maintains coat texture
- Keeps the coat healthy
🦴 3. Treats (Great for All Dogs)
- Jerky Treats for Dogs: Almost all dogs love soft, easy-to-break NATURAL jerky treats. They’re perfect for rewarding good behavior without overfeeding. Soft jerky treats provide protein and are easy to chew.
- Tiny Treats for Small Dogs
For small dogs, I recommend using very tiny, NATURAL training treats that are soft and easy to chew. This lets you reward often without overfeeding.
- Stronger Chew Treats for Larger Dogs
Dogs that enjoy a more robust chewing experience will benefit from stronger chew treats. Some larger dogs may still go through them quickly, while others will take more time—so it often depends on the individual dog.
👉 My Tip: Check Ingredient Labels
I always recommend checking the ingredient label when choosing treats at the store. Dogs don’t need added sugar or artificial ingredients, and some treats can upset their stomach or cause diarrhea. Look for all-natural ingredient labels, and single ingredient or few ingredient labels are preferred.
It’s important to note that even among the same breed, some dogs enjoy chewing more than others, and many have preferences for certain types of chews. If you notice bleeding gums during chewing, it’s a good idea to have your dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out any dental issues.
🧠 4. Enrichment Toys for Mental Stimulation
Border Terriers are active, so giving them something to do is important.
An enrichment toy can help:
- Prevent boredom
- Reduce unwanted behaviors
- Keep their mind engaged
When choosing an enrichment toy, think about your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs love puzzle toys and mental challenges, while others are happier with something they can chew or carry around.
🐕 5. Safe, Comfortable Harness, Collar & Leash
From my experience, choosing the right walking gear can make a big difference in both safety and control. Some harnesses and collars are designed to help prevent dogs from slipping out, which is especially important for strong or easily startled dogs, and those are the types I personally recommend for safety.
Harness: A quality, comfortable properly fitted harness can make walks more comfortable and easier to manage—especially for dogs that tend to pull or get excited outdoors. If you have a dog that tries to wiggle out of their harness, search for an “escape proof” harness that has an extra strap towards the back.
Collar: I use and prefer safety martingale collars, as they can help prevent dogs from backing out of their collar while still being more gentle than traditional collars when used correctly.
Leash: Choose a lightweight leash for small dogs and a sturdier, heavier leash for larger dogs to ensure good control. Nylon leashes are strong and long-lasting. Some leashes also include a comfortable padded handle.
👉 My Tip: Avoid Retractable Leashes
I don’t recommend retractable leashes, as they can break and tangle easily and create safety issues and tripping hazards.
💡 Lisa’s Tip:
You don’t need a lot of products to care for a dog well… just the right ones. Focus on comfort, consistency, and routine, and you’ll make life easier for both you and your dog.
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