This Is How To Stop A Dog Slipping Out Of A Harness
To stop a dog from slipping out of a harness you should firstly identify if your dog escapes because they can slip their shoulders free or they chew through the straps. If your dog slips their shoulders free, you should invest in an escape proof harness. Alternatively, you can use the t-shirt method or connect a carabiner between your dog’s harness and collar to reduce the likely hood of your dog slipping out. If your dog chews through the straps to slip free, you should invest in a harness made from durable materials that has straps out the the reach of your dog’s mouth.
Table of Contents
How Dogs Slip Out Of A Harness
There are two main methods of how dogs slip out of a harness – slipping their shoulders free or chewing through the straps.
1. Slipping Their Shoulders Free Of The Harness
The slipping out shoulder method involves a dog that is very flexible. Dogs that are a master of this method usually back out of the harness. This involves pulling backwards on the leash and simultaneously slipping their elbows, shoulders and then head through the straps.
2. Chewing Through The Harness Straps
This method is for the dog who doesn’t like to contort their body to slip out of the harness. These dogs prefer to use their teeth and jaws to naw through to freedom. If your dog likes to chew through their harness, one way to stop it is to purchase a harness made of very durable materials, only put the harness on while on walks and also apply no-chew dog bitter spray onto the harness.
Our Top Picks: Must Have Dog Products!
Dogs That Are Most Likely To Slip Out Of A Harness (+ How To Stop Them)
1. Destructive Chewers
Harnesses that have been chewed on are super easy for dogs to slip out of. The weakened fabric at certain points can make the harnesses very loose or just snap. If your dog is a destructive chewer, to stop him/her slipping out of the harness, you should look for a new harness that is made highly durable materials and also in a design that is hard to reach when put on.
2. Nervous Dogs
Nervous dogs are likely to slip out of a harness as they don’t feel safe being confined to it. This is common for adopted or shelter dogs who might have anxiety or just not be used to having harnesses on. To stop a nervous dog from slipping out of a harness, you should put extra effort into harness training your dog. Start at home by introducing the harness with treats. Get your dog to sniff the harness and reward him for the good efforts. then gradually build your dog up to putting the harness on. Practice walking inside before going outside. Continue treating your dog when he is walking properly and not struggling to pull the harness off. I also suggest that you watch this dog walking training video to get more specific advice for your dog!
3. Dogs With Small Heads & Lanky Builds
Traditional dog harnesses are designed to fit a generic dog body. However dogs come in a wide range of sizes and shapes so not every harness is suited to certain breeds. This is especially true for dogs with small heads or lanky builds or dogs with very flexible front limbs that can often slip out of a harness without much effort! To stop a dog with an unusual body build slipping out of a harness you should do research into harnesses that are specifically made for that breed. You should then pair that harness with a dog walking training regime to re-teach your dog to walk with a harness on without slipping out of it!
4. Dogs That Don’t Like Being On A Leash
Some dogs become very agitated when they are put on the lead to go on a walk. These dogs are going to start twisting and pulling as a way to escape the lead. And unfortunately this often results in slipping out of their harness and a not so fun chasing game around the neighbourhood. To stop a dog that doesn’t like being on a leash from escaping, you should do some positive reward training with treats or toys inside your house when the harness is on. Get your dog very used to and happy having the harness on while inside and then gradually move to walking outside.
Read this: Are No Pull Harnesses Really Worth It?
The Solution – An Escape Proof Dog Harness
An escape proof harness is constructed with very secure connectors, high quality materials, multiple lead attachment points and also handles to give yourself more control over your dog. They usually have three straps that wrap around your dog’s body instead of two which makes it super difficult to escape out of!
My Top Recommendations For Escape Proof Dog Harnesses
1. RUFFWEAR, Web Master, Multi-Use Support Dog Harness, Hiking and Trail Running, Service and Working, Everyday Wear
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Didog Multi-Use Escape Proof Dog Harnesses for Escape Artist Dogs,Reflective Adjustable Padded Sports Vest Harlter for Medium Large Dogs Hiking Walking Trails
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
3. BELPRO Multi-Use Support Dog Harness, Escape Proof No Pull Reflective Adjustable Vest with Durable Handle, Dog Walking Harness for Big/Active Dog
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Unconventional Solutions That Stop A Dog Slipping Out Of A Harness
If you don’t want to purchase a special escape proof harness these are some great alternate solutions on how to stop your dog slipping out of his harness:
1. Use A Collar And A Harness
Many owners don’t put a collar on their dog when a harness is on. This is a huge mistake if your dog often escapes from the harness! Then if your dog does slip out of the harness, he/she is still connected to you by the collar.
If your current dog harness does not have a carabiner to attach the harness to the collar, this one is a good choice. Just clip it to the harness and to the collar.
2. The T-Shirt Trick
Another way to stop your dog slipping out of a harness is to put a t-shirt over the harness. For small or medium sized breeds you could find a dog t-shirt on Amazon or just DIY it with one of your old t-shirts. To make this trick work all you need to do is cut a small slit into the shirt where the leash attached to the harness. Then put your dog’s harness on and then layer the t-shirt over the top.
Further Reading
- The Best No Pull Dog Harnesses With Reflective Stitching
- Cavoodles – Everything You Need To Know About This Adorable Dog Breed
- The 12 Best Car Accessories For Dog Owners
- Are No Pull Dog Harnesses Really Worth It?
What's Your Reaction?
