Are You Struggling With a Houdini Hound?
Does your dog slip out of their harness as soon as they see a squirrel? Have they ever made a great escape on your evening walk? When it comes to dogs, there’s a wide range in how easy or difficult they are to keep restrained on leash. Some pups are happy to trot by your side, while others seem intent on making a break for it at the earliest opportunity.
If your dog is an escape artist, you know how scary and frustrating it can be when they slip their harness or collar. Not only can they injure themselves or get lost, but they can wreak havoc by chasing cars, cyclists, wildlife, or other dogs. And you’re left holding a limp leash wondering how on earth they got free.
The good news is that with the right combination of secure harnesses, proper training, and consistency, you can contain even the most Houdini-like of dogs. Read on to learn about the best escape-proof harnesses to securely contain your canine escape artist.
Why Dogs Escape
There are a few key reasons why dogs try to escape from their harnesses:
Boredom – Dogs that are under-exercised or don’t get enough mental stimulation can become bored and try to escape simply for something to do. According to research from the University of Kentucky (1), dogs that are left alone for long periods without enrichment are more likely to develop escape behaviors.
Anxiety – Anxious or stressed dogs may try to flee perceived threats while on walks. Dogs with separation anxiety, noise phobias, or general nervous dispositions are prone to escaping their harnesses. According to veterinarians (2), anxious dogs feel vulnerable when restrained and try to break free.
Excitement – The sight of another dog, person, or prey animal can trigger a dog’s chase instinct. A dog may attempt to bolt towards the stimulus if its harness doesn’t have adequate control features (3). This is especially common in breeds like huskies and hounds that were bred to hunt.
In addition to mental state, there are also certain harness features and improper fits that can make it easier for dogs to back out of harnesses. Proper training is key to curbing escape behaviors over the long-term.
Risks of Escape
Dogs that manage to escape from their harnesses face several major risks. One of the biggest dangers is the chance of getting lost. Once free of their harness, dogs can wander away quickly and get disoriented, making it extremely difficult for owners to find them. According to PetMD, lost dogs have a high likelihood of ending up in shelters or sustaining injuries before being reunited with their families.
Another major risk is the possibility of being hit by a car. Dogs that escape while on walks near roads are at high risk of running into traffic and being struck by passing vehicles. This can lead to severe injuries or even death in some tragic cases. Pet owners should be especially cautious using harnesses near busy streets.
Even without automobile accidents, escaped dogs still face the risk of various other injuries. Loose dogs may get into altercations with other animals, eat hazardous materials, or fall and hurt themselves while unsupervised. Wandering dogs also run the risk of cuts, sprains, and other injuries. Ensuring dogs don’t escape their harnesses reduces these potential dangers.
Types of Secure Harnesses
There are several types of secure dog harnesses designed to prevent escape, including:
Head Halters
Head halters like the Sporn Mesh No-Pull Dog Harness wrap around a dog’s muzzle and neck to provide more control over pulling. The straps tighten when the dog pulls, guiding their head back towards you. This design discourages pulling and lunging behaviors that can lead to escapes.
No-Pull Harnesses
No-pull harnesses like the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness redirect a dog’s forward motion when they pull or lunge, making it difficult for them to build momentum to back out of the harness. They apply gentle pressure across the chest and shoulder blades to discourage pulling.
Padded Harnesses
Padded harnesses like the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness have padding on the chest strap and belly band to provide comfort and prevent chafing so dogs are less inclined to wriggle out. The padding disperses pressure and reduces irritation.
Features of Escape-Proof Harnesses
When shopping for an escape-proof harness, there are a few key features to look for:
- Proper Fit – The harness should fit snugly without restricting movement. It should not allow room for the dog to wiggle out. Look for adjustable straps and sizing options.
- Double Security – Escape-proof harnesses have two attachment points, usually around the neck/chest and belly. This prevents the dog from backing out of the harness.
- Martingale Loops – These tighten when pulled, but do not choke the dog. They prevent the neck straps from being jerked loose during escape attempts.
According to Rover, “A good escape-proof harness should be made of sturdy materials that do not break easily under pressure.” Nylon, leather, and neoprene stand out in this regard.
The Xingyue Escape Proof Harness is a top choice featuring padded neoprene, dual security points, and martingale style loops for optimal escape prevention.
Best Escape-Artist Harnesses
When looking for a secure harness for an escape artist dog, some top products stand out. The Ruffwear Web Master Harness is a top choice, featuring a reinforced design and extra straps to prevent slipping out. It gets rave reviews for preventing escapes while still being comfortable on walks. The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is also recommended for its five adjustment points and steel nesting buckles, making it very difficult to wiggle out of. For smaller dogs, the Rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness has padding on the chest and belly straps to avoid escapes. Reviewers say it’s perfect for expert escape artists.
Proper Use of Escape-Proof Harnesses
To ensure an escape-proof harness works effectively, proper fitting and adjustments are crucial. The harness should be snug but not constricting – you should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your dog’s body (Source). Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s sizing guidelines and measure your dog before selecting a size. Adjust all straps, including around the neck, chest, and belly, to remove any excess slack while still allowing your dog to move comfortably.
It’s also important to supervise your dog while they are wearing the harness, especially during the initial training period. Check for any signs of chafing or irritation and watch to ensure your dog is not able to wiggle out. You may need to initially limit their access to potential escape routes. Proper fitting and supervision will help reinforce that slipping the harness is not possible.
Training Tips
Proper obedience training is crucial for preventing escape attempts. Work on reinforcement-based training to teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash without pulling or lunging. Practice loose leash walking, recall commands, and having your dog focus on you instead of distractions. Consistency and positive reinforcement help reinforce good leash manners. According to Whole Dog Journal, addressing the underlying motivation for escape is also important. If your dog is trying to get to something or is fearful, anxious, or easily distracted, work on desensitization and counterconditioning to change their emotional response. Consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist can help identify and correct the root cause of escape attempts.
When to Ask a Professional
Dogs who are chronic escape artists require expert help to address the root cause of their behavior. According to the ASPCA, “If you can’t find a behaviorist, you can seek help from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT), but be sure that the trainer is qualified to help you.” They recommend looking for trainers who are knowledgeable about animal behavior and use positive reinforcement techniques.
A professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can assess if your dog is escaping due to separation anxiety, boredom, or other issues. They can then create a customized training plan to meet your dog’s needs. For severe cases of separation anxiety or fear-based escaping, medications may be recommended in conjunction with behavior modification training. According to the Humane Society, “You may need to seek out the help of a professional trainer, or talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications that might help your dog while you work on the underlying issues.”
Dog owners should seek professional help sooner rather than later for escape artists. The longer the behavior continues, the more ingrained it becomes. Addressing it early can help prevent your dog from being injured or lost during an escape attempt. A trainer can also advise you on secure harnesses, yard fencing, and containment systems to keep your dog safe in the interim while undergoing behavior training.
Conclusion
There are a number of effective harnesses on the market that will prevent even skilled escape artists from slipping out. The key is finding a properly fitted harness designed specifically to prevent escapes that also considers your dog’s comfort and mobility. Models with extra straps and tightening points across the torso often work best. Proper introduction and positive reinforcement training are also essential to help your dog accept wearing a new escape-proof harness. With patience and consistency, you can curb your dog’s escaping behavior and help keep them safe on walks. If your dog continues to escape every harness after training, consulting with a veterinary behaviorist may be the next step. By taking action to prevent escapes now, you can enjoy more relaxing walks with your dog in the future.