Exercise your Bulldog using a harness

Going for a walk or a car ride is just about the most exciting thing in my bulldog’s life. I am careful to harness them and never use collars around their necks. A bulldog’s neck is very thick so you’d think they were okay in that department. They have very small tracheas and the strength they have can crush their airway in a matter of seconds if they are tugging or pulling at a collar. So take them for a stroll around the cul-de-sac but not on long distance trips and use a harness. Bring a squirt bottle and teach them to drink from it. Take along doggie poop bags for when the “urge” hits them to go potty. Watch the heat and don’t walk them during the hottest part of the day. If a bully’s temp gets higher than 103 degrees you’re in trouble and they need a cool bath or quick shower. My favorite brand of harness are the Joyride harnesses. They are easy to put on and take off. Please always use a seatbelt clip for your baby to be securely in place when you drive.

• If you’d like to purchase a Joyride harness or seatbelt clip please visit the merchandise page of this website!

My first bulldog Tankie one died at only four months old, while he was being puppy-sat.

He choked to death after his collar got caught on the back plumbing handles at the base of a toilet. He was attempting to retrieve a toy that got lodged behind the toilet while playing in the bathroom. It took only seconds for him to strangle and die. I was heart broken and never have really gotten over losing him.

If I can help even one of you who read this avoid the heartache I feel from losing Tankie One something good will come out of what I went through. PLEASE harness your bulldogs.