Best Escape Proof Dog Harness
Why do you think some dogs escape from time to time and what can be done to stop such behavior? There are different species of dogs, which makes them vary in some ways. But there are few things that would never vary as long as dogs are concerned, and those are curiosity and emotional attachment to their loved ones. Because of these two factors, a dog can escape their harness to satisfy his curiosity or emotional urge.
Aside from these factors, a pup can escape because he is bored or overly restricted, which is why it is highly recommended to walk dogs on a daily basis. But what do you do when your dog is quite mischievous and keeps escaping even after you have put in consistent effort to ensure his wellbeing?
There are a few things you can try to implement to make your pet behave, one of which is investing in the best escape proof dog harness you can find. In this piece, we would introduce you to seven top harnesses for dogs in the market, why you should invest in them, why your dog may be at high risk of escape, and other important information all centered on how to make the best out of a dog harness.
How Did We Pick the Best Escape Proof Dog Harness?
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Best Overall
RUFFWEAR - Web Master, Multi-Use Support Dog Harness
Key Features
- 5-position adjustable points
- Made from foam-padded materials
- Features a reflective trim and a light loop
- Two sturdy leash connection points
Why It is Better?
- Light-weight and durable materials
- Handle loop for assisting your pooch over obstacles
- Suitable for dogs of different sizes
- Five points of adjustments
- Why Your Dog Needs an Escape Proof Harness?
- How to Pick Right Escape Proof Dog Harness
- Top 7 Best Escape Proof Dog Harness
- 1. RUFFWEAR – Web Master, Multi-Use Support Dog Harness
- 2. ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness with 2X Metal Buckle
- 3. Didog Soft Flannel Padded Dog Vest Harness
- 4. Gooby – Escape Free Easy Fit Harness
- 5. Mihachi Secure Dog Harness
- 6. WINSEE Dog Harness No Pull
- 7. BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness No Pull
- Dogs at High Risk for Escape
- Main Types of Escape Proof Dog Harness
- Combining Escape Proof Dog Harness with Collars
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Why Your Dog Needs an Escape Proof Harness?
What do you use in “handling” your dog, a retractable leash? If that is what you use, then you are probably in luck to have found this post because a retractable leash is a big “no-no” and we advocate against it in favor of an escape proof dog harness for the following reasons.
It is safer for you and your pooch in the sense that it alleviates the risk of strangulation and neck injuries by distributing pressure to the back and shoulder area of the dog’s body. This would completely cut out the chances of neck injury development and discomfort from choking.
It gives you the chance to secure your pet with a seatbelt while driving. As a law in some areas, drivers are expected to secure their dogs with a seatbelt if they must ride in a car. A harness has features that are compatible with car seatbelts, making it easy to keep them safe and under control while driving.
The reflective feature allows the increased visibility of your pet at night and in dark areas. This comes in handy when you are out walking at night and makes it easier to find your pooch if it escapes and could not find their way home.
Allows you to control or help your dog better given the handle at the back of the leash. With this handle, you can lift your dog over an obstacle, or hold them down when they are being unnecessarily restless and aggressive. It also helps in guiding your pet during training sessions.
Serves as a great option for keeping your dog in a place as opposed to retractable collar leashes that they can easily escape from if they thug at it hard enough.
Harnesses are more stylish and can be worn all day long like a vest. There are a lot of great designs and colors in the market.
How to Pick Right Escape Proof Dog Harness
It is important to place emphasis on the fact that harnesses are always (and would always be) better than the traditional choke leash. But that does not mean that you should run off and purchase just any harness on the market if you wish for your dog to enjoy your purchase.
To get the best quality product, here are some factors to take into consideration when purchasing a harness for your pet.
- Size: Sometimes, you see reviews people complaining of their canine slipping out of a harness (which disappoints them a great deal). More often than not, this condition is a result of not getting the right size for your pet. This may be an honest mistake, which can be avoided by consulting the size chart of the product manufacturer. It is wrong to intentionally buy a size larger hoping that your pet will grow into it. A lot of these products are adjustable at a couple of points at least, which means that it can still fit even if your pet grows in size.
- Material: To get the best experience, the material of the harness you should invest in should be chew-proof. Dogs love to chew, especially some larger breeds. The best chew-proof materials include high-quality nylon, leather, oxford, or any other highly recommended one.If the product you are considering cannot be reached by your dog with its teeth, you can choose to go for it as long as the material is strong enough.
- Durability: A lot of harnesses have handles and buckles. These, in a lot of cases, are usually the first to snap if the product is not great quality, thereby cutting down its durability. To avoid this, it is best to go for products sewn with high reinforcement stitches at high stress points.The material also plays an important role in how durable the product is. Stronger materials like high-quality nylon, oxford leather, etc. tend to last longer than other weaker and probably cheaper ones.
- Safety: A good harness should restrain the most energetic canines for the sake of their own safety at least. Be on the lookout for products that have more connectors, high-quality chew-proof materials, and reinforced stitches at high stress points.Another feature of great harnesses that ensures the security of your pet is the reflective strip. This strip glows in the dark, making the dog more visible and safer.
- Handles and attachment points: Aside from being anti-choke, another great reason a harness is preferred to a conventional leash is that they have handles and more attachment points than the latter. The handles are usually located at the back, making them strategic and convenient enough to control and help lift your canine up when necessary.A lot of them come with more than one attachment points for the pet’s identification and another for attaching the leash.
- Padding and stitches: We have mentioned reinforced stitches in high-stress areas more than once over the course of this post. That is how important it is. Another thing to look out for is padding. This would increase the comfort of your canine when wearing a harness.Some of the products are padded only at strategic points while some others are padded throughout, both of which are great.
- Connectors and buckles: The thing about connectors is that the more they there are, the safer the harness is. A connector basically consists of a ring, a strap, and a clip used to connect other pieces to a harness, like a car seat belt, a leash, an identification, etc. A buckle, on the other hand, consists of some pins hinged in a frame. It mostly serves as a fastener which that you have to do attach or undo before putting on the harness on the dog or pulling it off. Make sure that the buckles on the product you are considering are adjustable and made from durable metal or plastic materials.
- Brands: There are a lot of great brands out there that have made a great reputation for themselves. You may want to check out these brands to make things easier for you. Some of the most interesting brands to look out for include Icefang, Mihachi, Ruffwear, and Didog. Irrespective of being top of the list of recommended harnesses, it is important to check and see that any brand you choose is suitable for your pooch.
Top 7 Best Escape Proof Dog Harness
After extensive research, we came up with this list of seven most unique harnesses suitable for dogs of different traits. This product reduces pressure from around the neck and disperses it to the back and body of your pet. It can be defined as an advanced collar that does a better job of holding, taming, controlling, and ensuring that your pet stays in place when needed.
We also included their features, pros, cons, and descriptions of our picks to help you make the best decision when shopping. So, here goes.
1. RUFFWEAR – Web Master, Multi-Use Support Dog Harness Review
Key Features
- 5-position adjustable points
- Made from foam-padded materials
- Features a reflective trim and a light loop
- Two sturdy leash connection points
- Comes with a guarantee
We Like
- Light-weight and durable materials
- Handle loop for assisting your pooch over obstacles
- Suitable for dogs of different sizes
- Suitable for an amputee, service, and working dogs
- Five points of adjustments
- 30-day returnable policy
We Don’t Like
- Does not have a front clip
- Price is a little bit on the high side
The next best escape proof dog harness on our list is by Ruffwear. This product was designed not only for service and working dogs, but also for amputees and feeble canines who do not tug at their leashes a lot (if at all). Like other harnesses of high quality, this product has reflective trim strategically positioned on the straps for easy visibility and increased convenience for your canine. It comes in five different sizes, which makes it ideal for dogs of different forms and sizes.
Plus, it has five points of adjustment, which makes it easier to customize the harness to fit your dog better. The material is lightweight, durable, and padded with foam, making it easy to wear for your pets.This product is a little bit on the high side regarding price, but according to a lot of the reviews, it is a worthwhile investment.
2. ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness with 2X Metal Buckle Review
Key Features
- 2 metal buckles
- 4-position adjustable
- Materials: Nylon
- Comes in six different sizes
- Front clip leash attachment
We Like
- Made from excellent materials
- 1000 lb. proof-load test with Bartack and X in Box sewing pattern
- A 4-position adjustable feature
- Features a no-pull front clip
- Comes with a hook and loop panel
We Don’t Like
- May be a little uncomfortable
- Not all of the buckles are made with metal
There are a lot of reasons this product made it to our list as the best escape proof dog harness. First off, it is made with very strong materials that are 1000 lb. proof-load tested. This means that it can stand tough pulls without falling apart. The buckles, sewing pattern, and adjustable feature makes it all the more secure for your pooch. However, there have been some complaints about the buckle because some are made of metal while others are made of plastic. The metal ones seem to work just fine, but that cannot be said about the plastic ones.
This product is produced in six different sizes and each size comes with a four-position adjustable feature for a more custom fit. You also gain an increased level of control when walking your dog in this product due to its no-pull front clip. You can connect your leash to this clip for easy redirection. You can also pull the back legs of your dog off the ground if you need to.
3. Didog Soft Flannel Padded Dog Vest Harness Review
Key Features
- Comes in different sizes and colors
- Soft fleece padding that is wider than the strap
- Reflective lines on the straps
- Quality and durable nylon material
- Welded rings on the strap
- Size adjustable
We Like
- Prevent choking when pulling
- Easy to put on or pull off
- Comfortable and soft
- Multifunctional rings
- Featuring reflective lines
- 100% money-back guarantee
We Don’t Like
- Some dogs may slip out of it
The Didog harness is the fourth best escape proof dog harness on our list seeing as it is functional and cost-effective. Speaking of functionality, this product is designed to hold your pet in the strongest pull without any fear of chocking. This is credited to the D ring at the front, which is designed to alleviate weight from the neck and redistributes it to the body.It is also easy to work with – it is lightweight and such a quick fit with just one buckle to control the harness. This makes it one of the easiest to put on and take off as often as required. This product is comfortable and well-designed with durable materials.
A few people seem to have problems with their dog slipping out of this product, but that, according to the manufacturers, could be a result of not using the appropriate measurement of your pet in reference to the sizing chart. That notwithstanding, the manufacturers are willing to accept this product with a 100% refund if you are not satisfied with this purchase for any reason with no questions.
4. Gooby – Escape Free Easy Fit Harness Review
Key Features
- Designed for small dogs
- Step-in design
- Neoprene and POM plastic materials
- Compressed foam inside the leash pad
- Rubber adjustment tab
- Patented escape-free design
We Like
- Fit perfectly on the dog’s body
- Comes in five different sizes
- Easy to wear and take off
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Padded leash to avoid choking
We Don’t Like
- Does not work for dogs larger than 35lb
- Buckle may dig into the spine while pulling
This is a great one for you if you own a little escape artist. It has a 4.5-star rating out of over 700 reviews and still counting, and it does not cost a lot. It comes in five different sizes, all in turquoise blue color with the largest being 35 lb. There are other harnesses from this brand that are great, but not as great as this one as it was designed specifically with effective escape-free features.Although it is expected that the harness is snugly tight on the dog, it does not, in any way, expose your pooch to a choking risk due to the compressed foam-padded shoulder.
The neoprene material fits perfectly in a contour-like manner and provides extra insulation, which comes in handy in cold weather situations. To enjoy this escape proof dog harness to the fullest, make sure the harness is properly sized. To do this, make sure that there is no space left at the back of your dog when she is wearing the harness to avoid slipping. The POM plastic material holding the leash ring is unlikely to fall apart, which is great since it is also connected to the adjustable tab.
5. Mihachi Secure Dog Harness Review
Key Features
- Available in two sizes
- Five-point adjustable
- Lift handle
- Made of quality polyester, plastic, and mesh
- Foam padded leg loop
- Anti-choking D-ring leash attachment
We Like
- Great adjustment flexibility
- Reflective lines on the harness
- Simple but durable safety buckle
- Compatible with car seat belts
- A convenient back handle for control
- Soft mesh panels underneath
We Don’t Like
- Does not come in a wide range of sizes
- May not work for very stubborn and aggressive pets
There are quite a number of great things about this product that can get you to not help but buy it. Let us start with the impressive back lift handle, obviously. It is designed to stand out in a fashionable and functional manner. With it, you can easily help your pet over an obstacle while taking a walk, playing, or training. Next is the adjustability of the product. You can alter the fit in five different ways to create a perfect fit for your pooch, holding them in an inescapable but comfortable position. There is also a comfortable mesh panel and compressed foam for better comfort and motion.
This inescapable dog harness is lightweight, easy to wash and maintain, easy to wear and pull off, and made of quality materials. It is also compatible with car seatbelts to hold your pet down while riding in a car. On the downside, this product is not made in a wide range of sizes; just two of them in black color. Plus, it may not be a great fit if your pooch is stubborn and aggressive.
6. WINSEE Dog Harness No Pull Review
Key Features
- Available in four different sizes and colors
- Recommended for medium-sized dogs
- Reflective straps
- Slide adjuster for chest and neck girth adjustments
- Two metal D-rings
- Made with chew-proof 1680D oxford material
We Like
- Reinforcement stitches at high- stress points
- Durable D-rings on front-back range
- Easy to put on and pull off
- Comfortable and promotes greater mobility
- Made from quality and chew-proof materials
- Reinforced nylon handle
We Don’t Like
- Leash ring may cause choking when pulling
- The front piece is not adjustable
This product is more than just the regular ones out there. It has an elegant appearance without sacrificing functionality. The Winsee inescapable dog harness comes with two different D-rings where you can attach your dog leash and ID: one on the neck collar and the other on the chest.The strength of these rings and the harness is not entirely questionable thanks to the reinforced stitches and quality materials it is made with – chew-proof materials that are breathable and soft with some sponge padding to cushion any pressure and increase convenience.
The reflective lines along the straps increase the visibility of the harness, making it convenient for use at night and in darkness.Aside from being a great design, this product is also easy to work with. It takes just little effort to put it on your pooch or take it off. Operating this product is quite easy thanks to the lockable snap buckle made from high-quality material.
7. BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness No Pull Review
Key Features
- Made in four different sizes, all black
- Two quick-snap adjustable buckles
- Reflective lines
- Back handle
- Front and back rings
- Made with oxford material
We Like
- Easy to wear and take off
- Flexible size choice
- Breathable and comfortably padded material
- Sturdy back handle for better control and lifting
- No-pull design that makes it easy to walk a dog
We Don’t Like
- Breakable plastic adjusters
- Does not smell so good freshly unboxed
This is a great product for big dogs. It is made of premium durable nylon oxford material, which is chew-proof. Sown with reinforcement stitches at high-stress points and comes with two adjustable quick snap buckles that are easy to wear. There is the no-pull and no-choke feature that distributes any form of pressure to the rest of the body to avoid choking, which may lead to other neck injuries like a collapsed trachea.
The harness is also padded in the interior to make it more comfortable for your pooch. It has a handle at the back with which you can lift your dog and control their motion. You can comfortably take your pooch on a drive in your car while wearing this harness since the product is compatible with car seatbelts. It is easy to wear, pull off, and clean.
Dogs at High Risk for Escape
Sometimes, getting the best escape proof dog harness may not do much for you if your dog has some underlying issues. It may keep your pet from running off, but it does not guarantee their total wellbeing. On that note, dog owners are advised to put in the required effort to find out “why” these canines instinctively want to run off every now and then.
Here are some of the most common factors that put these canines at a high risk of escape.
- Anxiety and fear:
It has been reported that a lot of dogs who suffer fear and anxiety as a result of loud sounds are most likely to run off to avoid the noise. This is especially the case when the dog is still new and not used to loud sounds. There are a few things you can do to calm your pet in such a case, one of which is putting it in a harness to hold them in place while they get used to the new environment.
Dogs that are at a high risk of anxiety and fear include new pets, especially those that just left an animal shelter to a new location. Dogs with health problems or those that have suffered a tragic experience may also have such a problem.
Those of them that have grown accustomed to animal shelters may find it hard to settle down and would want to run off.
- Social isolation:
Dogs are very social animals and should be treated as such. Leaving them alone on their own without any interactions for a long time can make them bored and more than willing to run off to find some form of socialization from somewhere. This is usually common among younger dogs that are under three years old and have a lot of energy to spare. Getting a suitable harness is one of the ways to keep them in check most of the time.
- Separation and changes:
Just like a lot of humans, these animals do not handle changes so well in most cases. For instance, if there is a change in your family schedule that meant your pet being left alone more often than usual, relocation to a new residence, or sudden disappearance of a loved one, your pet may feel the urge to run off.
Other signs that show your pet is finding it hard to adjust to separation and changes are:
- Following you around all the time
- Greeting you with wild excitement all the time
- Not wanting to let you leave the house, digging and scratching at doors and windows
- Escaping regularly and coming back later in the night when there is someone at home
- Barking, howling, destructive chewing, and whining
And so on.
- Sexual adventures:
As from the age of six months, dogs tend to seek sexual relations from the opposite sex, especially when they are intact without any health impairment. Controlling their movement with the help of a suitable harness would keep them in place. This would help reduce indiscriminate breeding and euthanizing millions of unwanted pets every year.
Main Types of Escape Proof Dog Harness
Dogs are unique in different ways. You have to consider the personality of your pet to help you decide which type of escape proof would be perfect for him. In this section, we will discuss the three main types of escape proof dog harnesses on the market.
- Front-clip harness: This is the ideal type of harness for pets that pull on their leash all the time. It comes with a ring in the front of the leash, usually at the chest area, where the leash can be attached. For a pet that pulls a lot, this type of harness would reduce the chances of choking and other neck injuries since there would be no pressure exerted on the neck area. It gives you better control and works great when taking your canine for a walk.
- Back-clip harness: This type of harness is also great for walking your pets, especially if they are small. It is designed with a ring attached to the back of it where you can clip the leash. It prevents choke, improves control, and reduces objections on the path of your pet. If yours is not an obedient pet, you may want to go for other options as this type of harness is most ideal for dogs that are already well-trained.
- Tightening harness: This type of harness is a little unusual and not as common as the first two. It works by getting tighter on the dog’s body with every pull. This increases pressure with every pull and discourages the behavior. In other words, it can cause a level of pain on the dog, enough to make it stop whatever it is doing and nurse the affliction. While this sounds like a great idea, it should not be used, except in extreme cases and with caution. There is nothing fun about intentionally inflicting pain on your pet.
Combining Escape Proof Dog Harness with Collars
Some people do love to have their pet wearing their harness all day, but in all honesty, that’s about the longest a lot of them are allowed to wear it. A lot of them are easy to put on and pull off, so it is not such a big deal. However, if your pooch is an escape artist, you may want to get a collar to be worn constantly.
How is this important, you may ask? First of all, you need to know that on no condition should you attach a leash to this collar like people use to do before the invention of harnesses. The reason for this is that it may cause choking and other neck-related issues when you use a leash on the collar of a dog that pulls a lot at it.
So, what is the point of getting a collar? The point is to take advantage of the clip on it, which can be used to hold the identification of the dog. When it runs off, good Samaritans may find him and get in touch with you with the help of that ID.
One more thing, always make sure to update your dog’s ID all the time. It should have information about your contact – phone number preferably – and any other information that you may wish to include in it. A lot of people choose to add their name and their pet’s name, the city they live in, and the address of their house.
Frequently Asked Questions
So far, we have covered most of what you need to know about how to get the perfect harness for your canine, what to look out for when shopping for one, and so on. But there are still some other questions you may have. In that regard, we selected some of the most frequently asked questions about this product and answered them. So, here goes.
The best way to go about this is to check out the measurement chart, usually made available by the manufacturers online. Take a look at any of them and use that to select one that fits your pet.
Sometimes, your dog may slip out of a seemingly well-fitted harness. To avoid this, you have to follow the rule that says that you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the harness and body of your canine. This would also guide you in preventing using an excessively tight harness on your pet.
For dogs that have a lot of fur, you may want to move the fur apart before doing the finger test to make sure you get it correctly. Always make sure that your fingers are against the skin of your pet when carrying out the check.
Not necessarily. Tightening harnesses do not hurt, per se, they put pressure not on the lungs or airways of your pet, but on the barrel of his body and muscles. To get the best out of using this type of harness, it is important to make sure you put it on the dog properly and only use with caution.
It is best to use the tightening harnesses in extreme cases or in training sessions conducted by professional dog trainers.
The answer is yes, but it has to be done in a strategic manner. To do this, it is recommended to use a carabiner that can be clipped on to the harness, collar, and leash at the same time. If you are not familiar with this, you can ask your veterinarian or professional dog trainer to help you with some recommendations. Be sure to purchase a carabiner that is strong enough to withstand it when your pet starts to pull.
If this is the first time you are getting your pet to wear a harness, it may be likely to put up some resistance at first. What you have to do is get them to be close enough to you and talk to them calmly.
Start by placing the harness in the right order on the floor and then lifting it to their belly and chest. At this point, you can bring the strap around and buckle it up at the rear and front. Always check how well it fits with a finger test. If it is too tight or loose, you can readjust the buckle as required.
Conclusion
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