Dear Critter Corner: My dog has a tendency to chase after things on walks and has slipped out of her collar on occasion. Are there other types of gear that are recommended for escape artists?
There are a few pieces of gear that make it harder for dogs to escape. If you prefer a collar to a harness, try a martingale type collar. These collars tighten as the dogs pull, but they do not continue to tighten like a choke chain. These help prevent the collar from slipping over the dog’s head if she backs away.
A well fitted harness is also difficult to get out of and will cause less damage to the dog’s trachea as they pull. Of course, you may need to put in some extra training to teach your dog to walk nicely on leash while wearing a harness because it can make pulling more fun for them. The Ruffwear Webmaster harness in particular is great for escape artists as it is highly adjustable and has three buckling straps.
Some harnesses allow you to attach two leashes, and this can also help give you better control when your dog tries to dart away. The Freedom Harness has a ring to attach the leash to at the dog’s chest and at its back. When using two leashes or a double ended leash, you can prevent your dog from backing out of the harness since you have more control over her direction.
Though using extra secure gear can help prevent incidents of escape, they are not solutions for the root of the problem. Working on attention exercises and teaching your dog a strong “leave it” cue will help prevent her from trying to run off in the first place. Enlist the help of a professional trainer if necessary. The investment in her safety will make walks more enjoyable and relaxing for you both.