Best Escape-Proof Dog Harness

Some dogs are just naturally more inclined to live the escape artist life. You can try enticing them with treats, bribing them with bones, or flat-out pleading with them to behave, but time and time again they’re able to wriggle out of their harness while you’re out walking.

We can’t really blame them. There’s plenty of exciting distractions in the world when you’re a dog, and a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do, but having a hound who thinks he’s Houdini can be a huge headache for you.

As amusing as it may be to watch a game of cat and mouse between a dog and its owner, it can also be dangerous if you’re near a busy road.

Luckily, there are harnesses that are designed specifically to stop your pooch from slipping their leash.

We’ve reviewed five of the best options that are currently available on Amazon for you to consider so that chasing your dog becomes less of a permanent fixture in your daily dog-walking routine.

There’s also a buyer’s guide which contains useful information about the benefits of using harnesses and how we selected our favorites.

In a hurry? Harness your dog’s inner Houdini with the Rabbitgoo no-pull pet harness. It’s a no-brainer!

Top Pick: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness

Not only is the Rabbitgoo pet harness our top pick, but it’s actually one of the most popular choices currently available when it comes to escape-proof harnesses if 5-star amazon ratings are anything to go by, which, you know, we do.

It features two metal leash rings: one on the back, which is perfect if you’re training with your dog to help correct them when they’re pulling on the lead, and one on the front for more casual walks or particularly well-behaved pooches.

The fast-release buckles mean this harness can be easily and quickly slipped on and off, but only when you want it to, as it’s otherwise highly secure to prevent your dog from performing any disappearing acts in your local park.

Fully adjustable straps and breathable nylon material ensures that your dog is comfortable, yet it’s durable enough to withstand frequent use and harsh weather conditions. There’s even a reflective strip for improved visibility during night-time walks.

Overall this is an extremely effective, high-quality piece of dog walking equipment that is incredibly priced considering how impressive this harness is. You won’t find one better for a better price!

Pros:

• Practically impossible for your dog to escape
• Four adjustable straps for a customizable perfect fit
• Helpful top handle for better control
• Affordable option
• Manufactured using durable, breathable nylon
• Two leash rings – one located on the back and one on the front
• Visibility strips

Cons:

• Straps can be slightly tricky to adjust

Second Pick: RUFFWEAR Web Master Support Dog Harness

If you’re happy to spend top dollar for top quality, look no further than the RUFFWEAR Web Master Support harness. The ergonomic and well-thought-out design features five fully adjustable points and it’s the most customizable option we’ve looked at in this article. 

This RUFFWEAR harness is ideal for traveling over more challenging terrains and the lift and assist handle is a handy addition that allows you to help your dog tackle more challenging obstacles in their path. 

The handle is reinforced for extra durability which is perfect for larger, heavier dogs, and the overall design is geared towards long-lasting performance.

Anodized aluminum was used to manufacture the V-ring which features a webbing loop, providing two reliable leash connection points. However, these are both located on the back of the harness and there’s no front leash point to help with no-pulling training.   

Reinforced webbing around the loop handles and attachments enhances the durability of this already hard-wearing harness. It’s also padded with foam so your dog will feel comfortable wearing it, without the protective layer restricting their movement. 

Pros:

• Fully customizable fit with five adjustable points 
• Great for outdoor activities and rougher terrain
• Padded, comfortable material 
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Expensive option
• No front leash connection point for no-pull

Third Pick: Juxzh Truelove Dog Harness

Next up, we have the Juxzh Truelove dog harness which is available in a range of sizes and color options.

It costs a little more than what you’d pay for our top pick for arguably not much else to offer, but it’s still not an unreasonable price for a harness of this quality. 

It’s highly effective at keeping your dog securely strapped in to avoid any accidental escapes, and the adjustable straps mean you can create a custom fit for your dog, although some customers do report that this can be more difficult if the dog has long hair. 

The no-pull harness will help to correct your dog’s behavior and aid in training if you’re teaching them not to pull, whilst also being comfortable for your pet to wear even for prolonged periods of time if your walk turns out to be a lengthy one. 

Ergonomically designed and sturdily constructed, the handles and dual leash attachment points are reinforced with nylon webbing for better durability.

Additionally, a reflective strip means you’ll always be visible to oncoming traffic or to other dog walkers which will reduce the risk of accidents. 

Pros:

• Prevents your dog from escaping their harness
• Handles for better control 
• Cool and comfortable for your dog to wear 
• Durable nylon material 
• Easy to put on and take off thanks to quick-release 
• Reflective light strips for improved visibility 

Cons:

• Getting the perfect fit can be tricky, especially for longer-haired dogs 
• Slightly more expensive option

Fourth Pick: ThinkPet No-Pull Harness

If you’re someone who prefers to take your dog out in the evening, then you’ll be impressed with the all-around visibility that the ThinkPet no-pull harness has to offer. Fluorescent strips are placed all over the harness for serious reflective light and high visibility. 

This is an option that’s particularly well-suited to larger breeds of dog, such as huskies or labradors.

There’s only a single leash attachment at the front of the harness which is great for no-pull practice, but the handles included are thicker and more durable than some of the other options we’ve looked at for better control. 

To prevent escape, the lock design means your dog is securely strapped into the harness until you choose to remove it, which can be done swiftly and efficiently using the quick-snap buckle fastenings. 

Utilize the 4 adjustable points of the harness to create a fit that’s comfortable for your dog.

Premium material was used in the manufacture of this harness to provide the highest quality, and the high-density nylon means it’s robust enough to stand up against wear even with frequent use. 

Pros:

• Highly reflective which is ideal for walking after dark
• Front clip encourages less pulling on the leash 

Cons:

• Not a dual leash attachment harness

Final Pick: Didog Soft Flannel Dog Vest Harness

We’ve chosen another affordable option to finish our list of the five best escape-proof harnesses, but the Didog dog vest harness once again proves that last definitely does not mean least. 

This harness is built to last with a D ring that’s been welded into place for ultimate durability. You’ll effectively reduce the amount of pulling you experience whilst ensuring that your dog can’t escape, or use the welded O ring for more casual walks.

With a single buckle that makes it easy to put on and take off, the harness is lightweight and simple in terms of design, weighing almost half of some of the other harnesses that are available. It’s also available in sizes down to XXS for smaller dogs. 

Don’t worry about choking or hurting your dog as the front leash attachment and wide pads mean the harness is comfortable to wear at all times.

The soft padded fleece that was used keeps your dog warm while the outer material has been stitched with two lines of reflective thread. It’s not the most visible option available, but it’s better than total darkness.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to put on and remove
• Doesn’t pull too hard or choke 
• Welded front D ring for a longer lifespan 
• Comfortable to wear and won’t cause irritation to your dog’s skin or fur 
• Reflective lines for nighttime visibility 
• Affordable option

Cons:

• Sizing isn’t true to size and the front is not adjustable

Best Escape-Proof Dog Harness Buyer’s Guide

Why Choose a Harness?

There are many advantages to using a harness when you’re out on walks. Compared to collars, they’re more secure and allow for better control if your dog is prone to pulling on the lead.

They’re also thought to be a kinder option as they’re more comfortable compared to collars which can be rough around your dog’s neck or lead to injuries if pulled too hard. 

Types of Harness

Try to find a fit that suits both you and your pooch, as there are different types of harnesses for you to choose from.

You’re looking for the safest and most secure option, of course, but it’s important to make sure your dog is comfortable or they’ll only try to escape from their harness more. 

The type of harness you choose will also depend on the size of your dog and how they behave when you’re on a dog walk. The main types of harnesses that prevent escape include the following: 

Back-Clip Harness

If your pup seems a little reluctant to wear a harness, you might have better luck trying a back-clip harness as it’s unobtrusive and easy to strap your dog into without getting tangled in the process. They also tend to provide convenient attachment points for your leash. 

This type of harness is best suited to dogs that are already pretty well-behaved and less likely to pull on the lead, which could potentially lead to pulling you along with them.

Font-Clip Harness 

Different from back-clip style harnesses in that any pull will be felt around the dog’s chest area rather than their back, these types of harnesses are helpful if you think your dog could use a bit of extra direction as they provide you with more control. 

If you’re training with your dog, front-clip harnesses encourage your dog to pull against you less while you’re walking. However, it’s easy for your furry friend’s little legs to get caught up in the straps which can result in accidents or injury if you’re not careful. 

Tightening or Constricting Harness

We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this style, but there are also tightening harnesses that are designed for dogs who are prone to pulling too much when you’re out walking.

This can be a particular problem if you’re the owner of a larger breed whose strength matches (let’s be honest, surpasses) your own, so tightening harnesses help to correct this behavior. 

It’s important to note that tightening harnesses should never cause your pooch any pain. They’re designed to provide additional pressure at the absolute most, so if you think your dog is uncomfortable a different harness style might be more suitable.

Handles and Leash Attachment

We’ve already touched on this briefly, but different harnesses feature different attachment points. It’s worth repeating, however, because each type of attachment has its own advantages. 

As we’ve already mentioned, chest attachments mean pulling your dog along in the chosen direction will be an easier task, whereas attached to the back you’ll be giving more control back to your dog, allowing them more ‘freedom’ whilst you’re out and about. 

Some of the more well-rounded options will offer a dual attachment to suit your personal preference. It’s also worth looking out for harnesses that feature handles that are separate from the lead attachment loops.

Handles make it much easier to lift your dog into your vehicle, for example, or if they do manage to escape, it gives you something to hold onto when you catch them. 

Getting The Right Size

It should be pretty obvious, but the harness you end up choosing is too big for your dog then it’s going to be much easier for them to escape from it. Even the best escape-proof harness out there can’t be effective if the loops and straps are too loose. 

On the other hand, too small and your dog might be uncomfortable. This can hurt or irritate their skin and fur where it rubs against them, therefore it’s important to pay attention to the size guidelines provided by the manufacturer and to research the size your dog needs. 

Some harnesses are adjustable to provide a perfect fit, so you do have room to be a little bit out on your measurements, but you should still measure your dog as accurately as you can, although we know this is easier said than done if you have a wriggler on your hands. 

Is it Chew-Proof?

It doesn’t matter how securely you fasten the straps of your dog’s harness if it’s made of a material that is easily chewed through, something which larger breeds are especially gifted at when they’re unable to twist and turn their way to freedom. 

Pliable material is best suited to the job as it’s more durable, so look out for harnesses made from nylon, canvas, and denim as these materials are more likely to withstand a nibble here and there.

Don’t forget to factor in fastenings as well, as metal clips will last much longer than plastic fastenings which could snap.

The ultimate fool-proof way to make sure your harness is chew-proof is to opt for one with a design where the straps are positioned around your dog’s chest area, as this makes it harder for your dog to reach and chew through them. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to get a dog back on its leash after it’s escaped?

If you decide to purchase one of the escape-proof harnesses from this article then this is something you won’t have to deal with as often. In the event that your dog does manage to slip out of the harness, the most common advice is to stay calm. 

Dogs can sense fear or panic, so immediately chasing after them will likely make them get more excitable as they’ll think it’s a game.

Instead, try slightly turning your back as if to walk in the other direction (but don’t actually take your eyes off your dog – the only thing worse than trying to catch a dog is trying to find one) and call them back to you. 

This is where your recall practice will come in handy, as if they think you have a tasty treat waiting for them, your dog is 

Why does my dog refuse to move when I try to take it for a walk? 

There could be a number of reasons why your dog has decided to drag behind you when you’re trying to take them for a walk, sometimes even flat-out sitting down and refusing to move.

It may be a lack of leash training that’s causing your pup to act out, fear, medical issues, or because they’re simply tired through over-exercising.