Escape Proof Dog Harness; Good for Pullers, Too! Review of the Harness Lead
Sophie in her pretty in pink Harness Lead
As someone who appreciates fashion for both the two-legged and four-legged kind, we have several different collars, leashes and harnesses for Sophie. But, what if you could have a good-looking harness and leash in one, that would take your dog from puppy through it’s life, gently reduce pulling and be escape proof? That was intriguing. Lisa Flynn, creator of the Harness Lead, explained and demonstrated the product for me at a Made in the USA retail expo in NYC recently, and was kind enough to give us a pretty pink one to try out on Sophie (I know…sometimes, it’s just gotta be pink!). She generally doesn’t like harnesses, because many of them are just plain uncomfortable, and either ride up her arm pits or, as in the case of one step in harness, gets so loose that she stepped right out of it! Lisa assured me that this is an escape proof dog harness, and could be a great solution for Sophie. We set out to test one.
The Story
Before I get into the review, I want to share the story of how Lisa came to invent the Harness Lead. It’s a cool story that involves a shelter dog.
Lisa apparently has many years of experience as a dog walker in animal shelters. You encounter all kinds of pups in that environment and one, in particular, turned out to be the inspiration for her creativity.
Big dog sized Harness Lead
Because walkers in shelters have to be able to get a collar or harness and lead on a dog quickly and they come in all shapes and sizes, Lisa noticed that many of the walkers would resort to the use of a slip lead, which is just slipping the leash through the handle to create a “collar.” It might’ve been a quick solution, but it wasn’t a good one. The dog’s trachea was stressed with the pressure, it often would cough or choke on walks and there was no control.
Lisa became very fond of one of the dogs there, a pitbull named Buddha. Because Buddha was a highly energetic dog and didn’t get enough exercise, being cooped up in a cage most of the day, opening his kennel door was, as Lisa put it, “akin to a volcano erupting.” It was all they could do to wrangle a slip lead around his neck, not to mention the total lack of control Lisa had trying to walk this very powerful dog. She said she had the urge to wrap the slip lead around his body to get the pressure off of his neck, but there was nowhere to feed the lead through and nothing to keep it from continuing to tighten around his neck area.
She decided to create a slip lead harness for Buddha, to solve this problem. Isn’t it so true that many of the greatest inventions or companies built originated with trying to find a solution to a problem? Lisa began testing each configuration on her own dogs, until the Harness Lead was born. So, while this harness and leash in one is great for a shelter environment, it’s also great for our dogs, especially ones that like to pull. The Harness Lead covers a broad range of dog sizes, weights and shapes. The information sheet says it accommodates dogs 14-200 lbs! Sophie, at almost 12 lbs, is on the little squirt end of that spectrum. 🙂 Luckily, the Harness Lead comes in two sizes: the Sm-Med is 3/8 in diameter, for dogs 14-40 lbs; the Med-Lrge is 7/16 in diameter, for dogs 40-200 lbs.
Small dog wearing smaller sized Harness Lead
The Review
The first thing I noticed about the Harness Lead was how soft it was. It’s made from this very pliable, rolled weave that has a bit of a sheen to it, so it looks really nice. 🙂 The design is definitely minimalist, which worked well for Sophie as it didn’t chafe her and she was able to move freely in it, something I can’t say for some other harnesses we’ve tried.
It’s very easy to put on, once you follow the instructions through once. I’ve included a video below to assist you, should you want to purchase a Harness Lead. Once the size is set for your dog, you can just slip it over their head, tighten up the chest and go. And the rubber stop guard in the design, doesn’t allow the harness to loosen, so it truly is escape proof.
Lisa said that the tightening around the barrel of the chest seems to have a calming effect on may of its users. Having tried it on shelter dogs, who are notoriously very stressed, she must know what she’s talking about. But, that wasn’t an issue we dealt with. While Sophie may not be the perfect candidate for the Harness Lead as she’s not a terrible puller and she’s a bit of a light weight, I loved how soft and easy to use this harness was and I can see how great a product this would be for an escape artist, a bigger dog and dogs that pull.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Why:
- collar, harness and lead, all in one, so it’s economical
- gently keeps the dog from pulling by using its own pressure against the leash to remind them to slow down
- is escape proof
- is lightweight with a minimalist design for ease of use
- is made from a very soft, strong material, so it’s comfortable and durable
- comes in great colors, so it looks nice too!
Where to buy: Five Barking Dogs
Price: $29.99
If you liked this story, you might also like my story on Heavenly Beasts harnesses.
Do you have a dog that’s an escape artist or a puller? Tell me what you do in the Comments below.
Hi!
I have a 6 month old shelter dog who’s a Black and Tan coonhound and he’s already 50 pounds. I got a harness for him and i fixed it so it fits him and we went on a hike and he slipped it by backing out of it. I also volunteer at two shelters and I find A LOT of dogs and choke themselves when I walk them plus I have a bad knee so walking that kind of dog that goes faster than I can sucks. I love how this looks though and I’m hopping I can talk the shelters I volunteer for to invest in a few of these and my little Black and Tan might be getting one now.just a few questions though…
what is the return policy for this product like?
Would you discount for a shelter?
How effectively does it slow a dog down and how exactly?
Is their a weight where the product is no longer effective?
Thank you!
Hi Zoe –
Thank you for commenting. The Harness Lead works very well for dogs from 14 lbs to 175 lbs. They have a great return policy – a refund – if you’re not satisfied, so no worries. If you align the stops properly with the leg as indicated on instructions, then there is no tightening on neck area but it will not be able to be escaped. Re slowing a dog down, I don’t think so but I can ask for you. Re a shelter, they will sell wholesale to shelters and rescues and your shelter can contact them at harnesslead@aol.com for pricing. If you buy, pls buy through Bark & Swagger if you would. It’s my way of making enough money to continue the blog. Lisa Flynn is the owner of Harness Lead. She knows me and is your best contact. Thank you and good luck. Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Hi, Jody!
We just adopted Sophia, a 7-lb bundle of energy who will not stay in a leash. If she sees a squirrel, she’s gone! She’s a chihuahua terrier, feist mix. Will your leash work with a 7-pounder?
I think the smallest Harness Lead may still be too small for Sophia. Laura has two Chihuahuas around the same weight as Sophia and I told her I’d ask the company founder about plans for making one for very small dogs. I’ll get back with what I find, David. Thanks so much for commenting.
Hello! I am fostering a 44 pound foxhound-coonhound mix who is expert at backing out of harnesses. I have tried several different types and he always manages to back out or jump up and down until he is out of the harness. Usually it happens when we are on a walk and he is excited by a deer or a fox. He is very thin and has a huge chest (almost like a greyhound physique) which makes it difficult to get a harness to stay on him correctly. Would this work?
Hi Amanda! Thanks for reaching out. I believe it would. Harness Leads seem to work well on dogs of all conformations, breeds, types from 10 lbs and up. The testimonials are glowing about how this harness has solved a problem and made what was a frustrating and scary situation to walk the dog now a happy experience. I would recommend trying it; they have a return policy if you aren’t satisfied. There’s nothing to lose. Good luck and would love to know how things turn out with your foster.
My dog is a Miniature Australian Shepherd. He is about 40-45 pounds and manages to escape out of his harness that he has right now and I was wondering if you think this harness will be good for him. Also he is easily spooked so instead of trying to run forward he will go backward out of his harness. We once took him to a parade and when he saw and heard the band he slipped out and tried to run luckily someone grabbed him and barely managed to hold on he was so strong.
Yes, i’ve heard great things about the Harness Lead for escape artists and your dog is of the size and weight to be a perfect candidate. They also have a policy that, if it doesn’t work, they refund, so you have nothing to lose. I would try it and please let me know how it goes I just had a woman with a 13 lb Chihuahua write back to me that it is working so beautifully for her, and her dog is on the small end of those who can wear the Harness Lead. Good luck!
my dog is a Chihuahua mix about 15 pounds she gets out of every harness I get her would this be good for her
Ask before you buy if its too bulky for a Chihuahua, though. If no, it works great. Good luck and let me know how you’re doing!
Hello, I’ve got 2 Chihuahuas, 6-7lbs, and they both can back out of their harnesses. They can’t wear collars as they both have the common weak trachea problem. Your harness sounds perfect. Can you please make a extra-small version for all of us tiny dog owners out there?
Hi Laura –
I will pass this along to the company founder for you and find out if there are any plans for this. Thank you for commenting!
I bought two of these a year ago & they are awesome! We have 2 pitbulls but one is a 35lb rescue that was very abused and could escape all other harnesses but not this one. And she has tried!
That’s wonderful, Debra! So glad to hear. There is a lot of positive feedback about the Harness Lead. Great news!
Hi I have a 25kg staffie who has escaped every harness I’ve ever bought by backing out of it so swiftly. Was just wondering if this worked for u? ?
Hi Rav-yes it has and for many of my followers. This seems to be the real deal and they also have a refund policy if you’re not satisfied. It’s important to follow the directions to set up the harness properly. Once you do that once, you can just slip it on and tighten every other time. If you decide to try it, would love to know how it goes for you.t
Hi! I’m considering getting a harness lead. I have two major concerns that both pertain to leaving my Max (50 lb LabPit mix) leashed outside while I jump into a coffee shop or convenient store.
1. He’s learned to pull his front legs out of harness by pulling and curling his legs and slipping out.
2. If he can’t slip out, he’ll start to chew on the leash. I ended buying a chain leash for this very specific instance.
Can you provide any reassurances with these two points? Thanks!
Hi Viet Nguyen – Thanks for writing. The Harness Lead is escape proof but not chew proof, especially for a 50 lb LabPit mix. I wouldn’t trust it for that. With that being said and please don’t take this the wrong way, dogs get very stressed when left tied to something while their owners disappear into a shop. It creates anxiety because they’re tethered and have no control over what happens to them. If your dog is friendly, anyone could lead Max away while you’re in the store. Dogs are stolen all the time and then sold for use as bait dogs, for laboratory experiments and other horrible things. To me, it’s just not worth it. I lived in New York City my whole life and had dogs. I would rather be inconvenienced taking them home before popping in to get a coffee or something, than leave them tied up. I can’t tell you the heartbreak I’ve witnessed when someone realizes their dog is gone.
My suggestion is to look into the Pawz SafeSpot Locking Dog Leash. You can find at https://www.amazon.com/Pawz-SafeSpot-Locking-Dog-Leash/dp/B00F5ZKLPE?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0. Good luck! Jody
Hi,
I have a 5 lb yorkie with a 13 inch chest who backs out of any harness and gets away.
2 questions….
1) will your small harness work for an extra small dog?
2) is there a way for the dog to wear the harness and not the leash? I like to keep harness on at all times, and then add leash when needed.
Hi Joan – so sorry took so long to respond to this. I just realized I’m not getting comment alerts for some reason. I think a 5 lb dog is too small for this particular harness. I have two 5.5 lb Chihuahuas, in addition to two bigger dogs, and I can’t see my chi’s in this. I’ll ask Lisa, the owner and creator of the Harness Lead if she’s made one for tiny breeds, and let you know, just to be sure. No, the harness can’t be worn alone. It’s all part of a one piece system. Hope this has been helpful. Again, sorry for the delay!
I have a Chinook mix and he’s a wily little fellow. Not only can he back up and pull out of a body harness but he can also stick his chest out and push until the harness shimmies down his chest and then he walks right out of it. I’m hoping this works, we’ll be using a dog nanny soon and he MUST be leashed. When he’s with mom and dad he listens and goes across the street to the park several times a day. I don’t trust him with a new person.
Kristine, I hope it works for him, too. I’ve gotten great feedback and I’ve used it myself so i see how it fits on the body. It seems impossible for a dog to wriggle or push out of. Would you please let me know how it goes for your Chinook mix? Would appreciate that. Good luck!
I have a blind min pin and walking him is getting harder and harder especially since I am in my last trimester of pregnancy. He either chokes himself on a regular collar or will back himself out of his harness. He is barrel chested, so everything just rolls off if he backs out and puts his head down… I am excited to try this harness and make our walks enjoyable again
I’m so glad you discovered the Harness Lead. Please tell me how it goes. I’ve heard so many great things from people with dogs that back out of their harnesses, too. We loved it, but my Sophie doesn’t do that, so I’ve looked to my readers for feedback. Would so appreciate yours. Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!
This seems like it could work. I’m worried to try something like this on our husky because if she gets out of it we’ll probably never get her back. The last time I tried walking her was about a month ago. As soon as we got out of the house she turned around and started pulling backwards and almost got out of her harness. She was wearing a body harness (the one she almost got out of) and a head harness. I’ve thought about getting her a prong collar to wear or a K9 Unit harness. This is half the price of the K9 Unit harness, but I’m afraid to get this leash harness because I’m afraid she’d find a way out of it 🙁
Hi Meg –
The reviews and testimonials about this harness have been great, BUT, I don’t want to tell you to try something and then have your dog get away. I could never live with that. Here’s my suggestion: try the Harness Lead but with another harness or collar as a back up. Maybe a prong collar. I used to use them on my German Shepherd. She wasn’t an escape artist, but it was effective in keeping her under control. If you use a collar with the Harness Lead, you can see if she makes the move to get out and can actually do it or, if it prevents her from doing so. Just a suggestion. Please let me know if you choose to try that. Wishing you good luck. Sounds like a frustrating situation. Good luck, Meg.
Hi, I have an Akita cross Collie, she just turning 6 months in February. She’s usually really good on walks .. however…. on a few occasions she gets herself either over excited or over anxious which ends with her pulling back and wriggling that much on the harness that she comes right out of it. Doesn’t matter how tight it is.
I need advice on what to use so there’s no possible way of her getting loose. I had to grab her front legs the last time to stop her running off ( close to a main road) with her being in between my legs too, as the harness was off but she still was trying to get away. Ended with me having to carry her rest of the way home. And as I’m only small myself .. I can’t possibly do that every time. . Specially as she grows xx
Hi Stephanie – Do you want to try the Harness Lead? I’ve had great feedback on it; my Sophie uses it, but she’s not one to wriggle out of her harness. However, I know the owner of the company and from conversations with her, videos I’ve seen and feedback I’ve read from followers, I believe in it. Why don’t you try it and see if it work for your pup?
so I have a Manchester terrier she’s extremely hyper. she’s a rescue and my boyfriend and I discovered her getting out of a harness that she came with we went out and bought another and she got out of that one I had an extra from my other dog that was impossible to get out of and she still got out of it. this is the 4th time this week she has escaped and we would have to run after her. I had called the pet store and all they did was put me on hold forever, at this point we have run out of ideas on what we can do. Is there anyone that could probably tell us what we can do or give us advice I want to bring her to the store to try ones on and see if she gets out of them but I don’t see that helping very much because of her being so hyper.
Hi Breanne! You could try the Harness Lead. It’s gotten lots of great reviews from people with escape artists like your dog. I really liked it, but my Sophie isn’t an escape artist. If it doesn’t work for you, they’ll allow returns, so you’ve nothing to lose. If you have any questions about this product I can help you with, please feel free to ask. If I don’t know, I can find out.
I wish you would make a smaller size for the little ones. My Chihuahua and Papillon both back out of their harness.
Hi Linda – I hear you. Are you sure the smallest size won’t work for them? You can slide the rubber stopper down as far as you want to make it fit well. Let me know; maybe you have a conversation with the company to make sure. I can connect you. Jody
I have an 8 month old, 45lb. Olde English Bulldogge who walks calmly enough unless he meets another dog — he’s just desperate for company despite being a regular at the dog park and doggie daycare. Tried to walk him today with a neighbor’s young Golden Retriever and Bertie (my dog) completely wiggled out of his Walk Your Dog with Love harness. I was able to call him back with the treats I carry, but he gave me a metaphorical heart attack. This has happened before and I’m afraid to walk him now. I will try your product and keep my fingers crossed.
MJ
Good luck, MJ! It has worked for lots of folks. I hope it works great for you, too! Would you let me know how it goes? Thanks!
I have a lurched who escaped out of his walk your dog with love harness and went over a junction and was missing for 6 hours
I am trying to find a shop with the lead harness in UK
So I can save money on the import tax please if anyone could help me
Many thanks
Caroline
Hi Caroline – Not sure about where its sold in the UK. You might Google Harness Lead, which is what it’s called, and see what comes up. Good luck!
I have a Houdini shelter rescue part-corgi (I guess the rest is traveling salesman!) I have had many beloved dogs but this 18 month old house as completely stolen my heart and I am scared to death to walk her. I have 3 hRnesses and two colllRs (I have had to replace rabies andice de tags 4 times because she de materializes out of any constraints. I am buying one of these post-haste
I don’t know why the above reads As it does. I am both sober and literate. I think the general idea gets through. Leslie
Hi Leslie-not sure what you mean?
Hi Leslie! So glad this was helpful. Good luck with the Harness Lead. Pls let me know how it goes.
I have a very strong 45 pound border collie. She has become agressive toward other animals and sometimes people. She needs to be walked, but will back out of her harness. I am petrified I am going lose her, or something worst. She is very smart and has gotten out of everything I have tried. Do you think this will allow me to walk her safely. I have fibromyalgia and am not able to chase after her?
Hi Robin – I’ve tried it with Sophie but she’s not aggressive. However, I’ve had great feedback from people with all kinds of dogs that this harness lead really works. I know Five Barking Dogs, where you can buy it on the site, has a great return policy just in case, but I have heard consistently good things from others with dogs more like yours. In addition, might I suggest buying Justin Silver’s new training book, The Language of Dogs? He has some great tips in there (I’m posting a story on him and the book in the next two days) that could help you. He really helped us with Jasper, our rescue terrier terror! 🙂 Some of the simplest things he had me do got immediate results for us. Hope these helped.
Thank you.
I will purchase the harness as well as the book 🙂
That’s great, Robin! The Justin Silver post is going up Sunday morning and you’ll be able to purchase his book right in there. The Harness Lead post has the link to Five Barking Dogs or you can just click on the banner in the sidebar of my site to go to Five Barking Dogs. Would you mind letting me know how things work out? Here to help, if I can!
My dog is tiny (only 6 lbs). Is there any way the small harness will fit him?
Hi Allison – So sorry for the late response. Been in the process of a big move out of state and finally am settled. If you’re still interested, happy to email Lisa, the company owner and find out. What breed is your dog? That info might help her answer the question. Thanks! Jody
I have a 14 pound min pin that backs out of her halter like she’s pulling off the sweater. I’m scared to take her for a walk when we go anywhere because she won’t come to me when I call. Will this work for her? Is it really escape proof for a puller?
Yes, Mona. It was designed for a dog like yours, that pulls and tries to back out of their harness. I’ve gotten lots of great responses to this harness and a lot of people purchase it. Try it and see if it works for you. If it doesn’t, you can always return it to Five Barking Dogs. They’re great. Good luck!
I have a real Houdini dog who wriggles backwards out of his current harness. How can I get one of your escape proof harnesses in the UK please?
Hi Angela – I believe Five Barking Dogs will ship to the UK, no? Try them; you can click thru via my story or the banner on my site in the sidebar, and ask for Karen. She’ll help you. If you have trouble, let me know and I’ll jump in.
my sweet rescue Doxie Pin Dachshund-Pinscher slips a tall martingale AND a harness clipped together. He is a long, muscular, thicknecked dog with a small head. Fur is slick and short like an otter. He’s gotten off 8 times in 14 days. All he has to do is buck backwards. If I tighten the harness anymore his little armpits will chafe. If I tighten the collar further I’m afraid to hurt his neck. I am so worried to go out with him. I guess thats how he became a runaway rescue dog.
Hi Lizzie! He sounds like a little handful! I tried the Harness Lead on Sophie but she’s not an escape artist. However, i’ve heard very good things about it from pet parents with dogs who do escape. Its very comfortable which i liked. Try it; it might be just the thing. Its not crazy expensive if you find it doesnt work for you. Let me know how it goes. If it works well, might be able to use your story on the site.
We have 3 rescue dogs, we have had them for about a year now. They are all pullers, and one is an escape artist. We were really unable to take all 3 of them for a walk at the same time, they either pulled us or we were chasing one of them. I googled for about a month looking as well as many trips to the pet store. We do not like the traditional chock chains, we just feel it hurts the dog. We also had a dog that had a collapsing trachea, and collars were not an option. We ordered 3 of them, our first test was the back yard, we are in our 50’s and running well just is not our favorite thing to do. They worked well in the back yard, now it was time for the WALK … They work beautifully … no more pulling and no more running … Now all 3 of our German Shepard dogs can all enjoy walk time. Thank you so much from our 4 legged kiddo’s …
Hi Ellen! So sorry it’s taken me so long to respond. I didn’t see a bunch of comments and am just finding them tonight. I have a big smile on my face after reading your comment. I’m SO glad you were able to solve a problem through information in one of my posts. That makes what I do worthwhile for me. So, thank you for telling me that! 🙂 My husband and I are in our 50’s too, and are tackling a new rescue puppy (we were told Jasper was a 4 year old by Animal Care and Control but that turned out to be soooo not true). The way I describe it to my peers is this: it’s like our kid dropped off the grandchild, and never came to pick him up. He’s a locomotive train! But, we’re muddling through and we are exhausted! LOL. Thanks so much for writing, Ellen.
Thanks for the comments. I have bought several harnesses for my 2 rescues. One is a pit mix who is so high strung and pulls. One is an escape artist, and had escaped twice; the first time ,he was caught after 24 hours, the second he was in a big park running around like a crazy dog. He was caught after 6 hours. This harness seems to be appropriate for my 2 dogs. I will try this and will let you know of my experience. They are both 70 lbs.
Hi Doris-whatever happened with your two escape artists? Did the Harness Lead do the trick?
This looks great. Will try it for my dogs.
Hi Fern! So nice to hear from you! Glad you like. I really liked this for Sophie, who is about the same size as your babies. I think it’s an effective, practical and good-looking product and would love to know how you like it too. Please reach out once you’ve had the opportunity to try. Thanks! Jody