9 Best Harness for Dogs That Escape (2022)

Is your dog an escape artist? A Houdini hound? If so, you’re probably tired of chasing after the pooch once it gets off the harness. While protective dogs are courageous, their athletic and keen nature will also make them prone to escaping. They do this by backing out of the harness or chewing the material off. To solve this problem, you need the best harness for dogs that escape instead of the cheap strap types.

I’ve reviewed more than 30 dog harnesses and the 10 options I listed here stand out because of their escape-proof design.

DOG HARNESS	BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Our Top Pick!  OneTigris Tactical MOLLE Dog Harness		Check Price
	RUFFWEAR Flagline Multi-Purpose Harness		Check Price
	PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness		Check Price
	RUFFWEAR Web Master Dog Harness		Check Price
	ICEFANG Tactical Operation Dog Harness		Check Price
	Kurgo Padded Dog Harness		Check Price
	Gooby Escape-Free Dog Harness		Check Price
	Didog Escape-Proof Dog Harness		Check Price
	OneTigris K9 SUBMARINER Tactical Harness		Check Price
	OneTigris No-Pull Hiking Harness		Check Price

How do dogs escape from their harness?

Before we dive into the harness options, it’s important to understand how your dog escapes from its harness. There’s no magic involved here. The following are some of the tactics dogs use to slip out of their harnesses and vests.

Backing out. Many dog breeds are intelligent so it’s only a matter of time for them to know how a strap harness works. By backing out and pulling at the same time, the pooch can slide its front legs out of the restraint.

Chewing. Aggressive chewers are notorious for this habit. This is the reason why strap harnesses are easy to escape from. The doggo can chew the material until it comes off. From there, the canine can escape and run away.

What dog breeds are more likely to escape?

All dogs can escape a harness under specific circumstances. However, some canines are sneakier than others. The following breeds are highly known for being escape artists:

• Pit Bull
• Jack Russell Terrier
• Chihuahua
• Labrador Retriever
• Beagle
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Cairn Terrier
• Dachshund
• Belgian Malinois

Aside from the breed, other factors like aggressive chewing, anxiety, and leash aversion will push a dog to escape a harness. It’s important to train your pet properly to avoid any escaping situation, no matter what harness you’re using.

In case you’re looking for an escape-proof harness, these 10 picks I reviewed here will not disappoint:

Best Harness for Dogs That Escape – 10 Foolproof Picks!

OUR #1 CHOICE

OUR TOP PICK: OneTigris Tactical MOLLE Dog Harness

Product Name: OneTigris Tactical MOLLE Dog Harness

Product Description: In my opinion, the title ‘best harness for dogs that escape’ goes to OneTigris Tactical MOLLE Vest. This is a rugged and durable harness that’s almost impossible for any dog to take off. It’s made of 1000D nylon to resist abrasion, dirt, moisture, and chewing. This is made to withstand your dog’s escape efforts, no matter how big or small the breed is. Moreover, the inner part of the harness has a mesh lining to keep it comfortable for your doggo. The chest strap is also padded so it will not chafe the skin even on extended use. Aside from that, this has reinforced metal clips, UTX-Duraflex buckles, and webbing to foil any escape attempts. You can also use the webbing to attach the MOLLE add-ons that are included in the package.

Offer price: 23

Currency: USD

Availability: InStock

• CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

• Material
• Design
• Fit
• Durability
• Value for Money

Overall

5

Summary

This harness is bundled with an EDC pack for water, an EMT pouch for first aid kits, and a tool pouch where you can stash toys, treats, and poop bags. There’s also a ‘Do No Pet’ patch in case you want to use it.

Overall, the weight of the load will also help calm a dog but make sure that you don’t put heavy items on it. And since this harness is large and well made, any dog will find it hard to escape as long as it’s sized properly.

Lastly, this harness has two-grab handles for added control on your pooch. This suits Bulldogs, German, Shepherds, Huskies, and other large breeds.

Pros

UTX-Duraflex buckles with metal clips

Made of 1000D nylon

Bundled with 3 pouches

Cons

The rear strap is a little too far back for puppies

RUNNERS-UP

RUFFWEAR Flagline Multi-Purpose Harness 

If you don’t need the extras on the OneTigris harness, I suggest that you consider the RUFFWEAR Flagline Harness. This is a versatile harness that you can use when hiking or walking with your dog. It’s guaranteed escape-proof for your peace of mind.

Moreover, this harness is made of Ripstop nylon with excellent moisture-wicking properties. It also comes with a debris-resistant liner to keep your dog clean and dry on your outdoor adventures.

Aside from that, this dog harness has a reflective trim with a loop for a Beacon light. This is added safety, especially if you’re going out with your dog at night.

I also like the load-dispersing chest and belly panels of this harness. It keeps dogs comfortable, especially large breeds. And if you have a pooch that can easily back out of a harness, this one from RUFFWEAR will solve the problem. The added straps make it almost impossible for canines to escape.

In addition, this RUFFWEAR harness has six points of adjustments to customize the fit for your dog. It also has three attachment points using an aluminum V-ring and two webbing loops. This also offers control over your dog using the lift-and-assist handle.

Overall, this harness is lightweight but designed to prevent escapes. You can also get this in teal, red, and gray colors in a wide range of sizes.

PET ARTIST Tactical Dog Harness 

Another tactical harness I recommend is the one from PET ARTIST. This one is similar to the harness from OneTigris, but with a lower price tag.

To start, this harness is made of high-grade polyester with a sponge interlayer. There’s also an external mesh lining to keep the harness breathable and comfortable to wear.

To keep this harness in place, there are elastic straps so you can easily adjust the fit of the vest. It’s paired with an international reach standard buckle as well as a heavy-duty metal buckle. This buckle is loaded tested to endure up to 1,000 lbs.

Aside from that, this harness has two attachment options. You can use the metal ring on the rear and the D-ring on the chest. I also like the two grab handles placed on the front and rear so you can distribute the weight when carrying the pooch. This is aside from the vertical handle with rubber padding.

Like the OneTigris harness I reviewed above, the PET ARTIST vest comes with a MOLLE system. You’ll receive a tool pouch, waist pouch, and EMT bag that you can hook on the system on top of the harness. There are also two US flag patches added.

Overall, the material is solid but make sure that you take proper measurements on your dog to get the right size. The bonus part is you can get this harness in brown, green, and black colors.

RUFFWEAR Web Master Dog Harness

Another RUFFWEAR harness I swear by is the versatile Web Master. This is an anatomically designed harness suitable for your dog’s outdoor adventures. It’s made of Ripstop nylon that can take the beating of wear and tear. It also has excellent moisture-wicking properties to keep your pet clean and dry at the same time.

Aside from that, this RUFFWEAR harness has a mesh padding for added comfort. It’s paired with reflective trims and a safety light loop to keep your pooch safe during night walks.

This harness also has foam-padded straps and a reinforced handle so you can control your dog while keeping it comfortable. In addition, this has five adjustment points to ensure that your dog enjoys a full range of motion without the risk of escaping.

For leash attachment, you can use the anodized V-ring. There’s also a webbing loop where you can attach a small pouch or a tag.

Overall, I love this harness and the extra buckle located at the flank really stops my Houdini dog from backing out of it. Also, the sliding padding prevents the strap from chafing my dog’s skin. It seems comfy since my pooch isn’t wriggling it out. I also appreciate the instructions added in the package on how to put the harness on.

ICEFANG Tactical Operation Dog Harness

For dogs that are defying the odds to escape a harness, I highly recommend the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness. This is made of durable nylon with bartack stitches to endure force. There are X stitch patterns on each joint so this harness is guaranteed to carry a heavy load.

Aside from that, this has an updated MOLLE system. It includes 4 hooks and 2 loops but the XL size gets an additional hook for stability. However, this specific harness isn’t bundled with pouches, but for its price, I don’t mind buying it separately.

Another highlight of this harness is its two V-rings that can be used for short leash training and long leash respectively. There’s also a front clip D-ring to suit the leash setting you prefer for your dog.

Moreover, this harness has seven adjustment points along the chest, shoulder, and belly. You can easily achieve the right fit for your doggo.

Overall, this harness is also non-pulling. I also like that it has separate adjustments for the neck and chest, which is something that other harnesses don’t always get right.

So far, this harness is holding up pretty well on my rambunctious German Shepherd. My pooch wears it every weekend and it hasn’t shown signs of wear and tear yet.

I just wished they used metal buckles at the back of the vest. Other than that, this is an excellent harness to get.

Kurgo Padded Dog Harness

If you have a small to medium canine, you should check the Kurgo Padded Dog Harness. This has padded chest support to keep your Houdini dog comfortable. This is paired with a breathable mesh lining to wick sweat and keep the harness ventilated.

Aside from that, this Kurgo harness has lightweight but durable quick-release buckles. It will not rust even if your dog loves soaking in water. Since this harness is made for smaller breeds, I can let the plastic material pass since it looks durable anyway.

Moreover, this harness has a V-neck design that distributes force all over the dog’s upper body. It also reduces the risk of escaping since the gap at the back of the neck is very limited. I also like the back handle that allows me to pick up my dog.

For added safety, Kurgo also placed reflective trims along the material. However, I just wish that they also included an added loop for a Beacon light. But considering its price, I think it’s not really a big issue.

Overall, this harness can fit dogs with a neck girth of 18 to 30 inches. You can also get this in three color combinations as well as a wide range of sizes.

Most of all, this Kurgo harness is protected by a lifetime warranty. That says a lot about the brand’s confidence in the quality of their products.

Gooby Escape-Free Dog Harness

Another simple harness that you can get for your dog is the Gooby Escape-Free Dog Harness. This is made for small breeds under 35 lbs. So if your tiny furball is an escape artist, this might be the ideal option.

The Gooby harness is made of neoprene to keep your dog comfortable. It also offers warmth during cold days, which is a big plus. Neoprene also dries fast in case your pooch soaks in water.

Aside from that, this has an adjustable neck and chest design to achieve the best fit for your pet. The back part of the neck doesn’t have too much space so it’s impossible for your dog to back out of this harness.

Moreover, this has four adjustment points so it will feel like a glove on your dog. I also like the non-cinching Martingale-inspired extension where you can attach the leash. This way, the harness won’t become loose and allow your dog to escape.

For the enclosures, this harness uses POM plastic buckles and hexagonal rings. This is enough for small breeds. I really find this great for Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Jack Russel Terriers. This harness is also machine-washable, which is a convenient feature.

Lastly, you can get this harness in six different colors and three different sizes. Take note that the sizing is intended for small breeds, even if it states ‘large’.

Didog Escape-Proof Dog Harness

For large doggos that just won’t stay put in a harness, this one from Didog might be the answer. This is made of nylon with enough padding to keep your dog comfortable. Aside from that, this has multi-point adjustments to achieve the ideal fit for your pet.

Moreover, this has a double air mesh lining to wick off moisture and heat. It’s paired with reflective trims to keep your pooch safe during low-light conditions. The straps are pretty durable and well-padded, too, which is very important.

This has a D-ring at the back, though I wish they designed it with another one in front. Nevertheless, this is an impressive harness for this price range. Overall, this fits escape artist breeds like Staffordshire Terrier, Belgian Malinois, Rottweiler, and German Shepherd.

I also noticed that my dog pulls less whenever he’s on this harness. He seems relaxed, too, which is probably due to the hugging effect of the material. Also, I can attest to how escape-proof this is because my aggressive chewer and puller dog is no match to the design of this harness.

I can say that this is a well-made harness, which is a steal for its price. My only gripe is that it’s not very easy to put on a reluctant dog. I had to put the harness over my dog’s head and pull it down to get his legs into it.

OneTigris K9 SUBMARINER Tactical Patrol Harness

The OneTigris K9 Patrol Harness is made of 500D nylon with UTX buckles. It’s paired with a MOLLE system with two sides and 3 rows. It has a loop panel where you can hook up patches and pouches.

Aside from that, the SUBMARINER harness has a neoprene neck strap to keep the pooch comfortable. There’s also a fully adjustable belly strap to achieve a secure fit. It will also prevent your dog from escaping.

Moreover, this has a durable grab handle so you can retrieve your dog whenever needed. Aside from that, the entirety of the harness has a mesh design that keeps it breathable even during long walks in the park.

This harness fits large dogs like Dalmatians, Labrador Retrievers, Siberian Huskies, and German Shepherds. It’s available in a medium and large size so you can easily choose which fits your pet well.

I also like the 3.5” x 3.5” patch where you can stick different signs like ‘Do Not Pet’, ‘Trained & Friendly’, and more.

Overall, this is a well-made harness with tight stitching, firm straps, and reinforcement enclosures. This harness does a good job and it doesn’t choke my dog, which is everything that I need.

OneTigris No-Pull Hiking Harness

My last recommendation for this roundup is the OneTigris Tactical Harness. True to the brand’s quality, this one is made of 1000D nylon with padding to keep your dog comfortable. It also has a breathable mesh lining for ventilation.

Moreover, this sports an X-bungee design where you can attach pouches. It also has UTX Duraflex buckles that don’t give off easily. This will ensure that there’s no way for your doggo to escape or back out of the harness.

Aside from that, this has a front chest ID patch panel where you can stick any patch you want for your dog. This is in addition to the loops at the back where you can clip other items.

One thing I really appreciate about this harness is the two D-rings. There’s one in front and one at the back, which lets you choose how you will connect the leash. For added control, this OneTigris is also equipped with a reinforced handle so you can easily grab your dog when needed.

For a tactical harness, this one is really a steal. It looks great on large dogs and I’m very satisfied with how long this harness lasts. This is made for heavy use, from hiking, swimming, and other outdoor adventures with your doggo.

How to choose a harness for dogs that escape

When looking for the best harness for dogs that escape, it’s important to be meticulous. There are a ton of options in the market so finding what suits your dog can be a challenge. But to narrow down your options, you should check for the following:

🐶Design

The first thing you should check is the design of the harness. For escape artists, you should avoid harnesses made of thin straps. An eager dog can back out of this and run away.

Instead, look for a harness with a vest-like design. It has extra straps that make it a challenge to get off. Also, it has a larger material that runs through the dog’s back. Aside from keeping the pooch leashed, it also offers added security and warmth during cold days.

🐶Purpose

Next, consider where you’re going to take your pooch with the harness on. If you’re taking the dog for a swim, look for a material that dries quickly like nylon and neoprene.

For hiking, you will need a harness with reinforced handles, loops, and hooks. This way, you can attach important items to your dog while keeping control of its movements.

Lastly, typical walks around the neighborhood will usually need a decent double loop harness. You don’t need a very large vest since it can be hot, especially on a sunny day.

🐶Fit

Take note that the fit of the harness can make or break its purpose. It’s important to take actual measurements of your dog’s neck and chest girth. Also, you shouldn’t get a harness that fits by the inch. There should be a few inches of allowance so your pooch can grow with it.

Moreover, it’s important to check the individual sizing charts of each brand. Like clothes, it can be tricky to find the right fit if you’re going to rely on the small, medium, large sizing.

Remember that the harness shouldn’t be too tight nor too loose. It should fit like a glove to prevent gait problems. Sometimes, dogs are eager to escape from their harnesses because it’s uncomfortable for them.

🐶Material

Dog harnesses are made of a wide variety of materials. The following are the most common:

• Nylon. This is an affordable option that’s also durable enough to handle moderate pulling. The good thing about nylon is it’s easy to clean and it dries pretty fast.
• Polyester. Polyester is often used on tactical harnesses because it’s durable, stylish, and comfortable to wear for long periods. However, it tends to be slightly more expensive than nylon harnesses.
• Neoprene. Neoprene harnesses are ideal for cold days. It’s usually affordable and can be machine-washed on a cold cycle.
• Mesh. Lastly, mesh is often used as a lining for the harness so it will remain breathable and comfy to wear. It can be paired with any of the three materials mentioned earlier.

🐶Padding

The straps and chest part of the harness should be properly padded. This will keep your dog comfortable in case you have to carry them by the harness’ handle. The padding will also prevent the material from chafing the dog’s skin.

However, you should mind how thick the padding will be. Thicker padding is best for colder seasons. But during summer, it’s best to opt for a thinner type.

🐶Adjustability

Dog harnesses should have multiple adjustment points to achieve the best fit. I always prefer harnesses with separate adjustments on the neck and chest since these are the critical areas where the fit will vary.

Also, a highly adjustable harness is a wise choice since you can use it from your dog’s puppyhood to adulthood.

🐶Attachments and enclosures

For the basics, you should look for durable quick release buckles as well as D-rings where you can attach the leash. I suggest checking the placement of the leash clip to ensure that it fits your dog.

For harnesses, you can also opt for one with the so-called MOLLE system. This stands for Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment. It’s a system of webbing, loops, and hooks where you can mount pouches. These pouches can carry light items like dog toys, treats, and poop bags.

If you have the budget, you can invest in a dog harness with a built-in Beacon light mount.

Aside from these, the harness should have reflective trims for added safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to leave a harness on a dog all the time?

A: No, you should never leave a harness on a dog all the time. This will ruin their coat and skin, which will end up in irritation. After going outdoors, it’s best to remove the harness to clean it and let your dog’s fur breathe. No matter how breathable the harness is, you should never leave it on for 24 hours straight.

Q: Can my dog wear both a collar and a harness? 

A: Yes, but make sure that you clip the leash on the harness instead of the collar. This way, the force will be distributed all over the dog’s upper body and not concentrated on the neck. Meanwhile, you can put a training collar on your dog to keep it from running away in case it gets to escape. Just make sure that you get the right size to prevent hurting your dog.

Q: Are front clip harnesses bad for dogs?

A: No, as long as you use it right. Front-clip harnesses allow you to control where your dog goes. However, you shouldn’t pull too strongly or your doggo will become uncomfortable. Like any harness, it’s important to use it responsibly.

Q: Do harnesses calm dogs down?

A: Some harnesses can calm dogs due to their hugging feeling. Still, some canines may need to be trained to get used to any type of restraint. Proper sizing is also important to ensure that your pooch will be comfortable while wearing the harness.

Q: Why does my dog cower whenever I attach the leash to the harness?

A: Cowering is a sign that your dog isn’t happy. It probably associated leashing into something unpleasant. Nevertheless, this is very easy to turn around with some treats and training. You can also integrate the leash during playtime so your pooch will associate it with something exciting.

Final words

With the best harness for dogs that escape, even the sneakiest canine can’t trick you. Just make sure that you get the right size, material, and features to ensure that your pooch will be comfortable. It will also give you better control over your pet, especially if you’re taking the dog on hikes and other outdoor activities.

What do you think of these harnesses? Let us know below!