Escape proof harnesses, you have a houndini too, huh? Finding a no-escape harness can be tough, but I’ve done all the leg work for you in this best harness list.
Your dog ducks their head and reverses, and suddenly that harness is gone, and they’re prancing through the park, and cue the panic. That panic might even by why you’ve found this article, and why you’re looking for a new harness.
For dogs like this, it can feel like you need a harness or collar that has restrictive properties, but, I’m delighted to tell you that that’s not the case! You can get a harness that works for you and your dog.
Whether you have a nervous rescue, if you’re new dog owners, maybe a parent to small dogs who find harnesses awkward, or you’re just trying to be extra cautious, an escape-proof harness is a phenomenal option to give you the peace of mind you need.
What makes a harness escape-proof?
An escape proof harness goes longer down the body, and normally, it contains a secondary strap that secures around the tummy, known as a tummy strap or belly strap!
This strap is really important, because it sits in behind your dogs floating rib. This created a pinch point (as such) so as your dog tries to back out of their harness, it won’t be possible for the smaller strap to come over their larger chest. This makes them inescapable (the only time this goes against you if your dog doesn’t have much of a waist, by either breed or being overweight).
NOTE: Not every harness is escape proof. A lot will tell you that they’re escape proof and they’re absolutely not. So please, don’t trust the words of the product, or other lists (because half of them haven’t even tested the product… shocking that they can get away with that!). Scepticism is healthy, and now you know better, make sure you tell others that this is the only list!
What we’re looking for
Tummy strap: This is the important part!! Escape proof harnesses tighten in behind the floating rib (see the diagram above), which means that a dog of regular shape (it may be odd for bulldogs and daschunds?), will find it impossible to escape fro them as a result of this. So, these harnesses all have a tummy strap!
Adjustability and size range: We want plenty of adjustability, because not all dogs are sized the same! Adjustment points are important, and if your dog’s chest is very deep, you’re going to want to pay particular attention to the chest strap and whether it has adjustment there.
Functionality: How functional the harness is is really important. Whether it has reflective strips, whether its a comfortable fit (when measured properly). Highlighting breathable material, durability and if the leash ring is made of durable material. Durability is important, no point in investing in a good, secure harness if it falls apart in a few weeks, right? These harnesses get tested over rocks, through brush, and in general day to day life. I will also be trying to highlight when they have multiple leash attachment points, which are a great idea to avail of if you’re trying to teach things like a a loose leash walk if your dog pulls.
Best No Escape Dog Harnesses
Ruffwear Flagline Harness
Ruffwear Web Master Harness
AmazonRuffwear
Perfect Fit
Modern Icon Tracking Harness
Ray Allen – Nomad IHS Solution
Fenrir Ragnar Harness
Rabbitgoo Tactical Harness
OneTigris X Destroyer Harness
Chai’s Choice Premium Double H harness
Chai’s Choice Rover Scout Harness
Rabbitgoo Escape Proof harness
BELPRO Multi-Use Support Dog Harness
Mihachi Large Secure Dog Harness – Escape-Proof Reflective Dogs Vest with Lift Handle for Training Outdoor Adventures
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
AmazonRead Review
Other Than This, Fit Them Properly!
There’s no point in getting an escape proof dog harness and then fitting it poorly. A poorly fitted harness is unlikely to contain any dog – let alone a hound-ini!
To get the perfect fit for your dog’s body, you’re going to want to ensure you can get 1-2 fingers (1 for smaller dogs, 2 for larger breeds), under the straps at all points and if not use the adjustable straps accordingly – but it shouldn’t be more than that. This will ensure it’s a snug fit, a good fit, and not going to be slipped.
But for a full how to fit a harness, go check out How To Fit A Harness For Your Dog
Peace of mind with the best escape-proof dog harnesses
A well-fitted escape-proof harness can be true peace of mind and a good idea for any dog parent. It might take a little getting used to for your dog (Shelby walked like a crab the first time!), but overall, they’re a fantastic choice to mitigate the risk of escape. It’s something Shelby wears when we hike, but the others don’t typically need it.
If you want to know and understand more about the harnesses on the market, check out the full list of the best dog harnesses. And if you want help finding the right harness? Give me a shout.