Few things are more frustrating as a pet parent than a dog that persistently slips the leash.
Luckily, you don’t need to let a dominant dog make you fearful of walking or training. If you invest in a suitable harness, you can regain control and avoid any safety issues when you’re out with Rover.
Today’s guide showcases a bumper selection of the best escape-proof dog harnesses to help you readily pick the right one for your furball.
Before you explore our reviews of the secure harnesses we tested, consider these points when comparing equipment:
Now for our roundup of the most escape-resistant dog harnesses in a crowded market segment. Do any make the right choice for your furball?
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The 14 Best Escape-Proof Dog Harnesses
1. Our Pick ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
Features
Our favorite escape-proof harness from the wide cross-section we tested comes from ICEFANG, so what do you get for your money?
The first thing we love is the huge choice of colorways and sizings. There really is something for every pet parent here. This iteration of the tactical harness is suitable for larger breeds with necks from 18 to 24 inches and chests from 28 to 35 inches.
The main body of the harness is made from a rugged and breathable mesh. This promotes comfort without compromising security. The metal buckles are load tested to 1,000 pounds, giving you complete confidence that the hardware on this harness won’t let you down. We can’t say the same for all the harnesses we tested, though, and we draw your attention throughout these reviews to any weakness in this crucial area.
The harness is not machine washable. Use some mild detergent and water to wash it by hand before allowing it to dry naturally – it won’t take long!
Connect a leash to the front clip and take advantage of the top handle if you need closer control of your furball in crowded environments.
Hook, loops, and a side panel allow you to load up your dog with all of his favorite things when you head out walking or training.
For a secure and comfortable solution to dogs prone to slipping their leash, consider this outstanding model from ICEFANG.
2. RUFFWEAR Dog Harness
Features
RUFFWEAR is one of the best-established brands in the pet vertical, so how does this escape-proof harness shape up?
The first thing we love about this harness is the vibrant red coloring. Day or night, Spot will be visible at a distance when he’s wearing this thing. If you’re not a fan of red, choose a blue or gray variant for more subtle coloring.
This harness manages to combine comfort and breathability with a classic nylon harness. Regrettably, the plastic hardware on this model is a complete letdown. Considering the reasonably high price point, we find it hard to strongly recommend a harness with weak hardware.
The pads on this model are extremely well-padded, meaning you can take full control over your dog when walking or training without causing him any discomfort.
Of the five sizes available, this is the medium harness, designed for larger medium breeds with necks from 27 to 32 inches.
Reflective trim makes this suitable for walking at night with your furry friend.
3. Voyager Step-In Dog Harness
Features
Next up comes an escape-proof dog harness that puts convenience uppermost. The step-in nature of this setup is ideal for pet parents with hectic lifestyles and no time to tinker around fitting intricate harnesses before walking their dogs. If this sounds good, read on.
One of the main things we love is the staggering array of colors you can choose from. Every pet parent can find a color and design to suit the character of their hound.
The mesh construction makes this one of the most breathable escape-proof harnesses we tested. If you have an energetic dog with a thick coat, he shouldn’t get overheated while wearing this harness.
A pair of D-rings, a hook-and-loop fastener, and a buckle work together to give you more control over your pup and to minimize the chance of him escaping when you’re walking along a busy street.
While this harness is great, we can’t say the same for this brand’s customer service department. If you run into any problems, you’ll need to pack plenty of patience!
Like all the best escape-proof dog harnesses, this model features reflective strips to help your dog stay visible in dark conditions.
This is one of our favorite harnesses for small dogs prone to pulling and escaping. It delivers outstanding security and control without sacrificing comfort for your canine.
4. Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
Features
Tactical dog harnesses are a great solution for owners of dogs prone to slipping a traditional harness and breaking free in potentially dangerous situations. How does this offering from Auroth stand and fall, then?
The first thing we like about this model is the long-lasting and weatherproof build. Considering the very keen price point, we are impressed with the durability of this setup.
The nylon build is suitable for use in all winds and weathers, and the dark coloring should mask everyday wear. Although the harness is not machine washable, you can easily wash it by hand with some mild soap and water.
Of the multiple sizes available, this is the large one designed for dogs with necks from 18 to 29 inches.
The harness is fitted with a pair of D-rings to help you stay in control of dogs prone to pulling on the leash.
Adjustability is commendable. Take advantage of four adjustability points to get as snug a fit as possible on your bigger dog. Fit is everything with escape-proof harnesses and this model is one of the strongest performers in that regard of all the models we tested.
Although you should find that most dogs remain secure inside this harness, if you have a committed escape-artist determined to break out, this might not be the most effective solution.
5. OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness
Features
OneTigris serves up a military-inspired tactical dog harness that makes the ideal weapon in a battle against escape-artist dogs.
Despite the intricate appearance, this harness is a cinch to fit on Fido. Once you’ve slipped the harness on, use the four quick release buckles to snap it into place.
If you often walk your dog in busy environments, you’ll appreciate the top handle. We found that this provided superb control over dogs in heavy pedestrian traffic.
For owners of dogs prone to pulling, the design of this harness should help to cut that behavior down. there is one V-ring on the front of the harness where you can attach Spot’s leash.
While the main body of the harness is well put-together, we can’t say the same for the plastic hardware. On those grounds alone, we find it hard to strongly recommend this harness.
6. ThinkPet No-Pull Harness
Features
ThinkPet delivers a padded and highly effective harness ideal for dogs that pull on the leash and dogs that tend to slip traditional harnesses. How does it shape up, then?
The main benefit of this model is the way it hits the perfect sweet spot of comfort, security, and durability. Many escape-proof harnesses fail in at least one of those areas, making them difficult to recommend.
This is one of the larger of the harnesses in the line suitable for most large breeds with necks from 18 to 26 inches. If that doesn’t sound like the right fit, explore the many other sizes after accurately measuring your furball.
The main body of the harness is made from a long-lasting and comfortable nylon, while a breathable mesh inside ensures that Rover can wear this harness for hours without overheating.
Reflective strips are ideal if you take your dog out for walks at night.
With two integrated D-rings, this harness allows you to take full control of dogs that pull on the leash, keeping them in check without causing them any discomfort.
7. rabbitgoo Escape-Proof Dog Harness
Features
Next in line is the first of a pair of rabbitgoo escape-proof dog harnesses.
By far the best thing about this superb harness is the adjustability. With five separate points around the neck, belly, and chest, you can tweak the harness until it snugly fits your pooch and provides you with complete control without hurting your hound.
Inside the harness is a breathable mesh that keeps your dog cool, even if he is wearing the harness for extended periods.
The polyester lining is designed to withstand the elements and to mask most everyday stains.
Like most harnesses, this is not suitable for machine washing. Use some mild soapy water and allow the harness to dry naturally before heading out with your hound.
While the harness feels good out the box, we have concerns about longevity due to the build quality and the hardware. Overall, we feel you could find better options than this above and below. That said, it may very well make the right choice for your furry friend.
8. Gooby Easy-Fit Harness
Features
Do you have a small dog at home who breaks out of traditional harnesses with ease? If so, Gooby has the ideal solution in the form of this easy-fit harness designed with the needs of smaller dogs in mind.
One of the primary benefits of this model is the fact it is machine washable. Most of the harnesses we review today require washing by hand, not to everyone’s liking.
Another huge plus is the ease with which you’ll slip this harness on and off your dog. Encourage Spot to step into the harness and then use the quick-release buckles to snap it into place.
The buckles, unfortunately, are the major drawback here. They feel flimsy and weak in the hand, and we have serious concerns about lifespan due to the hardware.
The neoprene construction provides a winning mixture of comfort and control. The material is also extremely long-lasting.
9. RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
Features
Another entry from RUFFWEAR next with this classic front range harness for dogs that tend to escape.
We’ll lead off with the major downside: the fit and finish of this harness is fairly poor. Resultantly, we have concerns about lifespan. On the plus side, the harness is priced quite keenly.
We love the wide selection of colors you can choose from here. We recommend picking darker colors if you want to mask stains and everyday wear-and-tear.
There are two attachment points on the harness, allowing you to take complete control over Fido when you’re training or walking by using a regular leash in combination with this harness.
The fabric has reflective trim, so your mutt will remain visible, even if you’re out and about in the dark.
There is a pocket built in so you can use this to stash your dog’s ID or anything else you need close at hand.
Overall, this is a reasonable harness that should stop most dogs from escaping, so if you have a medium breed that needs keeping in line, what are you waiting for?
10. Kurgo Enhanced Strength Dog Harness
Features
As we edge to the end of today’s collection of escape-proof harnesses, how does this model for small breeds stand and fall?
The main thing we like with this harness is the strength of the attachments and hardware. As you’ll see from the models above, this is a common weak point with harnesses, and one we have drawn your attention to throughout today’s reviews.
This harness is designed to restrain your dog inside the car as well as when you’re out for walkies. You get a seat belt tether included, so you can benefit from crash-tested kit, as well as getting a harness ideal for walking and training.
Choose from a clutch of bright colors to suit the temperament of your pooch and get a cost-effective harness that should return plenty of faithful service.
The only significant downside of this harness is the fact your smaller dog may find it too hot if you leave it on for extended periods, so buyer beware.
11. rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness
Features
Another entry from rabbitgoo next with this classic tactical harness. If you have a larger breed at home and he is prone to slipping his harness or breaking out when you’re out for walkies, read on.
You can choose from a decent spread of colors to suit. This iteration is finished in a pale tan, but we prefer darker colors when it comes to dog harnesses.
While you should find that this harness prevents your dog from escaping, it is not the best option if your dog tends to pull heavily on the leash. Explore some harnesses better suited for that purpose above and below.
In addition to effectively stopping your furball from escaping, this harness is also light enough that it won’t burden Spot. This is not something we can say for all harnesses designed with the needs of larger breeds in mind.
The exterior of the harness is made of dense and long-lasting nylon. Inside, your pooch will benefit from a soft and breathable mesh that won’t irritate or chafe his skin.
You can adjust this harness for the snuggest fit by tweaking the four adjustment points. A clip at the front and back of the harness helps you to take complete control of Rover while walking or training.
12. Gooby Sport Harness
Features
Another harness from the Gooby stable up next, but is it any good?
Our favorite aspect of this harness is the rugged and weather-resistant build. If you spent lots of time walking Rover outdoors in all winds and weathers, this is one of the best harnesses you can choose from that standpoint.
Four-point adjustability ensures that you can get a snug fit, assuming that you choose the right size harness for your mutt. This model is labelled medium and is designed for most medium dogs with chests from 14 to 22 inches. If that sounds right, read on.
There is a wide range of different colors to choose from, so you can introduce some more fun into walks and training. This iteration is finished in a dark gray. We prefer darker colorways to mask wear-and-tear.
Although the harness should keep most dogs safely inside, you may find that true escape artists will work their way out of it. If you have a dog like this, consider consulting a professional dog trainer.
The hardware on this model is rugged and unlikely to let you down, completing a winning package that is a much smarter proposition than the Gooby model we highlight above.
13. Didog Padded Dog Harness
Features
As we near the end of our escape-proof dog harness reviews, we have time for another highly effective harness for small breeds. If this sounds like something you have been looking for, read on.
The main selling point here is the lightweight nature of the harness. Even if your small dog tends to fight on the leash, the last thing you want is to burden him with a heavy harness. Weighing just 2 ounces, this offering is ideal for energetic toy breeds and small breeds.
You can choose from a wide variety of colors to suit the temperament of your furball. This harness comes in a baby blue. We prefer darker colors when it comes to dog gear as those colors hide stains and marks more easily.
The harness is not machine washable, but you can easily give it a clean with some mild soap and water. Dry it thoroughly and naturally before fitting it to Fido for his next walk.
Despite the lightweight properties of this harness, you should find it gives you much more control over small dogs that battle on the leash.
Buckles are made from nylon and feel quite solid and durable. That said, the main body of the harness does seem flimsy, giving us concerns about lifespan.
Overall, this is one of the cheapest and most effective solutions for owners looking to stop their small dogs from escaping.
14. BELPRO Dog Harness
Features
To round out our showcase of the best escape-proof dog harnesses, we have an offering from the BELPRO stable designed to meet the needs of most medium-sized dogs.
You can choose from a handful of muted colors, including this plaid blue. The nylon harness comes with reflective strips that help your mutt to stay seen if you’re walking in gloomy conditions.
Inside the harness, a soft and breathable mesh ensures that Rover is not overheated or uncomfortable when he’s wearing this thing.
Another key benefit of this harness is its lightweight nature, enabling you to dissuade escape tendencies without burdening your hound.
This model features a class-leading five points of attachment, putting many more expensive harnesses to shame on this front.
The overall build is impressive with reinforced stitching eliminate one of the most common weak points. The only complaint we can level at this harness is that the hardware feels brittle, making us question the likely life span of this harness. Overall, we feel there are better options above that perform the same job without concerns about buckles letting you down.
FAQ
1) What are escape-proof dog harnesses and what is their intended purpose?
An escape-proof dog harness is a type of harness that is designed to prevent dogs from breaking free or escaping. These harnesses are usually used for dogs pull strongly or have a history of slipping traditional harnesses.
2) How does an escape-proof dog harness work?
An escape-proof dog harness is equipped with extra-secure straps, buckles, and locking mechanisms in order to prevent dogs from slipping out and breaking free. Some harnesses also have padded panels across the chest and belly for increased stability and comfort.
3) Which dogs are best suited for this type of harness?
Escape-proof harnesses are best suited for dogs who are strong pullers, escape artists, or have a tendency to slip out of traditional harnesses. They are also ideal for furballs who require extra security while training or handling in a high-stress environment.
4) Can I use an escape-proof harness when walking and training my pup?
Yes, escape-proof harnesses can be used for either walking or training. They are designed to provide added security and control while still allowing for mobility and comfort.
5) How do I correctly measure my pooch for this type of harness?
To measure your dog for an escape-proof harness, you will need to measure around their chest and neck. Make sure to measure snugly to ensure a proper fit.
6) Are escape-proof harnesses comfortable for dogs to wear?
Most escape-proof harnesses are designed with the comfort of the dog in mind, but the level of comfort can vary depending on the design and materials. It's important to look for a harness with soft padding baked in, highly adjustable straps, and a secure fit that is snug without being restrictive.
7) How should I fit an escape-proof harness to my dog?
Fitting an escape-proof harness typically involves slipping the harness over your pup’s head, securing the chest strap, and adjusting additional straps.
8) Are escape-proof harnesses easy to clean?
Some harnesses are machine washable, while others require hand washing or wiping down with a damp cloth.
9) Can I combine an escape-proof harness and a leash?
Yes, an escape-proof harness can be used with a leash. Most escape-proof harnesses have a D-ring or other attachment points for a leash.
10) What are the most important elements in an escape-proof dog harness?
When choosing an escape-proof harness, pick one with a snug and secure fit, adjustable straps, soft and padded materials, and a design that promotes mobility and comfort. Consider your dog's breed, size, and activity level, as well as any specifics like pull strength or escape tendencies.
Conclusion
We hope today’s guide has given you plenty of suitable options if you need to keep your furball from breaking away when you’re out for walkies.
Stick with any of the harnesses we review today, and you can buy with confidence and your eyes open.
Before you go today, take a moment to bookmark Rabies Challenge Fund. We have a busy content schedule for the coming months, so pop back any time you need guidance on choosing the best pet gear. See you very soon!