My beagle puppy, Ace has an elongated soft pallet. When he becomes excited (usually about eating, lol) is playing, looking up, or sleeping with his head up he snorts and wheezes. The vet said it's really not a big deal usually, but can be surgically corrected fairly easily. I was told this problem usually affects short muzzled breeds, like bulldogs and pugs, but is not unheard of in Beagles. We are certain he doesn't have allergies or a respiratory infection that could be causing similar symptoms. Does anyone have experience with getting this fixed? Does it really improve the quality of life for the dog or do most people have it done because the sounds the dog makes irritate them? We don't mind the noises, we just want to be sure it's not causing him discomfort.
Oh, also, is it a good idea to use a harness instead of a regular collar when I start leash training? I don't want to put any undue stress on his breathing if he tries to pull.