Harnesses, like walks, should always be safe and comfortable, but what should you do when your dog manages to slip its harness and how can you avoid getting into this potentially dangerous situation?
This article will identify why slips happen and suggest several ways to prevent an escape, including making sure your dog is comfortable and wearing the most suitable harness for their body type.
Why do harnesses slip out of position?
Harness slips can happen at any moment, with the sight of a squirrel or a loud noise getting a reaction is enough to cause an escape. Often these incidents are the result of an issue with the harness or because of a behavioural issue, like pulling.
Slipping the harness could put your pup into danger, so minimising the chances is very important. The key to identifying the cause of regular slips is understanding your dog’s specific needs:
Loose straps
One of the most common reasons a harness will slip is also one of the easiest to resolve. While the harness may be the correct size, if the straps have not been correctly adjusted then your dog may be able to slip out.
Straps should be secure against the body. If you notice them coming away or moving freely as your dog walks or runs, they are likely to be too loose. When fitting the straps, allow space for two fingers to fit in between the body and the harness. This rough measure will ensure the harness is neither too tight and restrictive, or too loose and easy to escape from.
Pulling
Harnesses can be loosened or moved out of position if your dog tends to pull on their lead. Owners of pulling dogs should take extra care to make sure the harness is secured before each walk. It might appear fine, but over time the straps could become loose.
The best solution in these situations is to train your dog out of pulling and teach them to walk more calmly on their lead. Until they stop pulling, make sure you are using a suitable harness and lead.
Unusual sizes
Some breeds, like greyhounds, have a very distinctive and slim body shape which can be difficult to fit into a standard-sized harness. In these cases, a ‘Y-shaped’, or full-body harness is the best solution as these are designed to be more difficult to back out of - just make sure the straps are adjusted for your dog’s body shape and treat regularly adjusting as a process until you find a balance between comfort and security.
Signs your dog is uncomfortable
If your dog is deliberately slipping free there is likely to be a clear reason. Try to recognise the signs of discomfort and distress as soon as you can and resolve the issue so they can be happy and comfortable when strapped in.
Chewing on the straps
Chewing on the straps is a clear indication of distress or discomfort around how it feels to wear the harness, rather than a fear. Carefully examining their behaviour and the harness itself can help to identify and resolve the problem:
- Straps are too loose or too tight - Adjust using the two finger method.
- Uncomfortable harness - Make sure the harness is the correct size for your dog. This could be a sign your puppy is growing fast!
- Irritating material - A dog’s skin can become irritated, so check the areas around the straps for signs of an injury and replace the harness with an alternative made from softer materials.
Wriggling backwards
If your dog is trying to reverse out of the harness by wriggling backwards they are actively trying to escape. This behaviour indicates that they are frightened or anxious and could be related to not having enough training as a puppy.
Simply throwing on a harness will not work with most dogs and could be stressful, contributing towards anxiety around walks. Make sure your dog has been taught how to get used to wearing a harness so they relate it to the excitement of a walk rather than uncertainty or fear.
How to stop your dog escaping their harness
If your dog keeps escaping their harness try the following steps:
- Check the fit of the harness before every walk. Your dog may lose or gain weight, so don’t assume it is fitted correctly. Make sure the harness is secure, but not tight, with space for two fingers to fit between the harness and their body.
- Some dog owners will use the collar as an added safety measure, clipping the lead to both the collar and harness for extra security.
- Choose a harness made from soft or padded material to make it as comfortable to wear as possible and reduce the likelihood of an escape attempt.
- Training your dog to stay calm while wearing a harness can prevent escape attempts. Practice putting the harness on and off in a controlled environment, rewarding calm behaviour with treats.
Which type of dog harness is best to prevent escapes?
While there are many harness types available, including ‘no escape’ harnesses with additional straps, or non-slip harnesses with additional padding, the truth is that best way to prevent escapes is simple:
- Make sure the harness is the correct size for your dog and a suitable style for their breed.
- Check the straps are secured correctly
- Only use a harness that is made of high-quality materials and monitor for signs of discomfort.
In a sense, there is no such thing as a ‘no escape’ harness, because any ill-fitting or incorrectly secured harness could see your dog actively try to escape. Use a size guide to get the right fit for your dog and then regularly adjust the straps and monitor their behaviour. If your dog is comfortable and calm, the chances of them slipping out of their harness will be dramatically reduced.
If you’re looking for a new harness, TopDog’s vibrant range of collars, leads and harnesses will not only keep your dog secure on their walks, but ensure they are looking their confident, comfortable best!