All Ruff Wear products and more helpful items for your three legged dog are now available in the Tripawds Gear Shop!
Purchase Ruff Wear Harness Here!
My people would like to thank the nice folks at Ruff Wear for sending me their new Webmaster harness to try out.
And they’d like to tell you that it is now available for purchase right here at tripawds.com! They’ve been using the Web Master to help me get around since I became a canine amputee. And we all agree the new harness has various improvements.
Keep reading to see our product review and the demonstration video we produced.
NOTICE:
Sizing information and pricing updated March 31, 2012. This 2009 review discusses the original Web Master harness. Please see the Tripawds Gear Shop for latest items.
Nothing tugs heartstrings like watching a three-legged dog having a hard time getting around … never again with the Web Master harness! [ Order | Video | Sizing | FAQs ]
This durable yet lightweight harness provides support, comfort and full range of motion for your dog with fleece-lined, padded chest and belly straps.
The heavy-duty webbing and strong assistance handle help you lift your dog in and out of vehicles or out of harm’s way when assistance is needed.
A Ruffwear harness is the best solution for helping your three-legged friend go up and down stairs without putting extra force on remaining limbs. And with five adjustable fitting points to accommodate dogs of all sizes and shapes, the new Web Master is worn with padded comfort, secure fit, and a generous ergonomic cut.
It is your best alternative to a collar, allowing better distribution of pulling force to prevent choking. And with your leash attached to the centered aluminum V-ring, you have ultimate control over dogs who tend lunge, without pulling them off balance.
But if a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a million! Just check out this demonstration video for the Web Master featuring, yours truly …
The best news of all is that the Ruffwear Web Master harness is now available for purchase right here!
The Web Master comes in two colors and various sizes to meet the needs of all tripawds and their people.
Note: This harness has a Velcro tab inside the front strap which helps keep the padded chest strap from shifting around your dog’s body. Because of this new feature, we have found the best way to put the harness on a tripawd missing the front-left leg is to lift his right forelimb into the opening for that leg. Then, simply lift the harness over your dogs head as shown in the video above.
Harness Sizing:
For proper fit, simply measure your dog’s girth around the widest part of his/her rib cage. For in-between sizes, choose the smaller harness for an active, contoured fit.
| Size | Dog Girth | |
| XXS | 13″-17″ | 33-43 cm |
| XS | 17″-22″ | 43-56 cm |
| S | 22″-27″ | 56-68 cm |
| M | 27″-32″ | 68-81 cm |
| L/XL | 32″-42″ | 81-106 cm |
| If girth measurement is in between sizes, Ruff Wear Recommends selecting smaller size for best fit. | ||
On front leg amputees, the harness will tend to slip around the chest. Without the second leg to hold it in place, this is inevitable. It is, however, purely aesthetic. The harness can easily be adjusted and is still perfectly functional.
Get yours today, your tripawd will thank you!
Your cost of includes shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S. via ground delivery (5-7 business days). Additional shipping fees will apply for Alaska and Hawaii. Estimates to be provided upon receipt of order.
PLEASE NOTE: No P.O. Boxes and No Military Addresses! Ruff Wear requires a physical delivery address and does not ship orders outside the U.S. Please consider these online retailers or visit ruffwear.com to find a store in your country.
Please provide your phone number upon checkout! It is required for prompt delivery.
Purchase Ruff Wear Harness Here!
NOTICE:
Sizing information and pricing updated March 31, 2012. This 2009 review discusses the original Web Master harness. Please see the Tripawds Gear Shop for latest items.
Ruff Wear Webmaster:
Originally designed to assist search-and-rescue dogs, this handy harness allows you to help your tripawd up and down stairs, in and out of a vehicle, or provide extra support.
New and improved!
[ see all gear | return policy ]
Please Note: Your purchase indicates acceptance of Ruff Wear’s exchange policy and warranty terms as outlined below.
FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS SHOP HERE:
- USOutdoor.com: Ruff Wear Dog Harness
- Buy.com: Ruff Wear Dog Harness
- The Sensible Dog: Ruff Wear Dog Harness
- Gear 4 Dogs: Ruff Wear Dog Harness
- The Dog Outdoors: Ruff Wear Dog Harness
- Top Dogs Australia: Ruff Wear Dog Harness
Please advise if any of these sites do not ship internationally. Note that some retailers may charge more for shipping outside the U.S. or have other international order shipping policies.
FAQs:
The video and pictures only show Jerry. Will this harness work on rear leg amputees?
Yes, many have purchased the Ruff Wear harness for their dogs missing a rear leg and have been completely satisfied. On rear leg tripawds, the harness will not slide around the chest which may happen on dogs missing a front leg. This is purely aesthetic since it is easily adjusted and still perfectly functional.
Is the harness adjustable?
Very. Two long straps under the chest and belly can be adjusted to fit dogs large and small. Straps meeting at the three-point adjustment clasp in front can also be extended. Harnesses ship pre-adjusted to tightest fit.
Does it come with a warranty?
The Ruff Wear product warranty will only cover defects in material or craftsmanship. Broken buckles may be replaced at the discretion of Ruff Wear, but chewed straps or other damaged induced by dogs is not covered. Please review their return/exchange ploicy for additional detail.
My dog’s girth is between sizes, what size should I get?
Ruff Wear recommends you choose the smaller harness for an active, performance fit. It may look small but will provide ample support without having to trim the longer straps of a bigger size. (FYI: Doing so will void warranty and prohibit product return.) There are five separate adjustment points. It should be snug but not constricting.
Will this harness work on four-legged dogs?
Yes! This Ruff Wear harness is not modified in any way specifically for canine amputees. It was originally designed for search and rescue dogs to assist them onto chair lifts and into helicopters. We discovered it provides excellent support for three-legged dogs going up/down stairs and getting into vehicles.
How quickly can I get my harness?
Your purchase price includes ground shipping which can take 3-5 days. You must request an estimate for additional delivery fees by providing a complete address before ordering. Please note that doing so may add at least a day to your order. Always provide a phone number to expedite shipping issues. Note: Read next question before requesting expedited shipping!
Why don’t you ship outside the U.S.?
This is Ruff Wear’s shipping policy, not ours. They drop ship all orders directly for us and we have no control over their policies. Please see the list of online retailers above for international orders. In Australia, please consider TopDogs Adventure Gear for Dogs.
How soon after surgery can I start using the harness?
We recommend not using the harness until the surgery has completely healed and stitches or staples are removed. We have heard of no specific cases where any harness has hampered healing, but we believe direct pressure from the straps may irritate the wound. Please consult your veterinarian with any concerns.
How can I help my dog get around immediately following surgery?
We suggest using a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required in the meantime. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling. but most of all, dogs need rest for the first few days following amputation.
What credit cards do you accept?
We do no accept any credit cards directly. All payment is processed through PayPal where you can pay securely with Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express if you do not have an account. The seller attributed to Paypal transactions may be identified as Jim Nelson or Agreda Communications.
What if I need to return the harness?
Be sure to leave all tags on when fitting the harness. Please review the complete Ruff Wear return policy below before ordering.
Ruff Wear Products Refund/Exchange Information:
- Only items returned within 30 days may receive credit.
- Ruff Wear does not do direct product exchanges. A replacement harness may be ordered here at any time during the return process.
- Refunds are given via PayPal only. Only cost of item can be credited. Original shipping & handling costs are non-refundable. Return shipping costs of item are the responsibility of the customer.
- Packages must be insured when shipped, and a shipper’s tracking number must be provided to us via email. We cannot provide refunds or exchanges without a tracking number. All returns must be freight prepaid; no C.O.D. deliveries.
- Returned items must be in new, resalable condition with all packaging intact to receive full credit. If any of these conditions is not met, a restocking fee may be assessed.
- Please write the following information on the outer packaging, as well as in your enclosed note: RA #XXXXX; Customer: Job # XXX-XXXX Tripawds; name; return address; and daytime phone number. List Item(s) to be credited.
- Send Returns And Exchanges To: Ruff Wear, Inc.; 354 SE Logsden St; Unit# 125 Bend, OR 97702
- Please let us know as soon as you ship your harness back. Once we’ve confirmed it was received at Ruffwear, we will process your credit and notify you.
- Please contact Jerry for a Return Authorization (RA) number and delivery instructions. As soon as the harness is verified as “received” at Ruff Wear, we will process your credit or exchange and notify you.
Why buy from Tripawds? Purchases made on this site help support our continuing efforts to raise awareness about canine cancer and amputation as a viable treatment option. Because we believe it is better to hop on three legs than to limp on four.
All transactions will be processed by PayPal in a new window for security reasons. Products will be shipped directly from Ruff Wear in Bend, OR. Thank you!
Our 100 pound rescue had front leg amputated. The first month, I wondered whether I had made the right decision as I watched him struggle to get around. But he really adapted after that, and runs full speed after squirrels and whatever else he wants to chase. We searched the internet for a harness for him- bought the Ruffwear and it was the BEST purchase. People constantly ask me where I got it. He feels very “supported” by the harness- it took me a little while to get it adjusted just right, but once adjusted you never have to fool with it again. And it’s a breeze to help him hop in and out of my SUV using the handle on his back. I love the Ruffwear harness and it was money very well spent. I like it so much, I’m thinking of buying one for our 4 legged pooch, too! Glad we found your site!
Thanks for the great feedback! The Webmaster harness and many other helpful products for three legged dogs are now available in the Tripawds Gear Shop.
Hi; I have a front leg amputee. Her girth is 29.5″. Should I go with the Small or Medium? She is 60lbs.
Hi Will, thanks for asking! For dog’s in between sizes, Ruff Wear recommends getting the smaller size for a more active fit (See FAQs). Though at 29.5″ you would have no room to grow or expand the straps. You could always tighten the larger size. Hope this helps.
we have a 3 legged dog she is having a hard time walking is there a harness with wheels or should we think about putting her down
Thanks for the comment Warren, we’re sorry to hear about your pup. Yes, there are various carts that help provide mobility for three legged dogs. We also recently reviewed a number of Dog Strollers for large and small dogs.
But the answer to your question really depends on a lot of things. Like, is she a new amputee? If so she probably just needs some time to recover and rebuild her strength. How old is she? What type of mobility issues is she having? Is she overweight?
You will find much more advice and support in the Tripawds Discussion Forums. Please consider posting further questions there so the whole community can reply.
Hi,
I live in Canada and wondered where I can order one of these? Most of the sites don’t ship to Canada.
Thanks for any help.
Angie
Sorry for the inconvenience. Please feel free to let Ruff Wear know you’re not happy with their US-only shipping policy.
Did you try all the online retailers above? Did you try finding a store using the Ruff Wear retailer locator? Aside from that, I’m sure you’ll find many other online sources willing to ship to you by searching Google for “Ruff Wear Web Master Harness” … you might also ask here in the Tripawd Discussion Forums where we have many members in Canada.
Best of luck, and thank you!
Hi i have a 3 legged yorky her left front leg was amputated do u make harness 4 her size she weighs 8pnds. Do u make clothing 4 that size its a female yorky. Thank you
Thanks for asking! No, we do not make clothing for dogs. Check the sizing chart for the Ruff Wear harness above. The size is based on your dog’s girth measurement, not weight. My guess is the XXS size should work, but be sure to measure.
Hello! This harness looks awesome. I do have a question tho. My 85 lb dog has a torn rear Knee ligament, and she will have surgery soon. What I will be needing is a harness that I can use to help her lower her rear end to do her business, while taking much of the weight off her rear legs. So far I have been using a long pillow cas around her tummy that I tie with an elastic at her back/hips, and ends up looking like a pekinese tail! From the look of your harness, it seems the “lift” is more at the front part of the dog. Does it also lift the back part of pup, as in the bum?
We hope to add our video review for the Help ’em Up Harness to the Tripawds Gear Blog this week. Until then, you can check it out at Blue Dog Designs. Thanks for asking!
Help ’em Up Harness is now available in the Tripawds Gear Shop!
I have a golden retriever who weighs 100 lbs and she had her front leg amputated about amonth ago. She is getting around really well however, when her stitches come out in about a week I wanted to get a harness so she can get up in the suv I have a bit easier. I have noticed there are two harnesses everyone talks about on here, the Ruffwear harness and AST supprt harness, what would you recommend getting for a bigger dog who likes to jump in and out of a suv. I want to get one that will help me control her excitment and help her get in and out of the car easily. Thanks so much
Hi BaileysMom! Well, it’s a toss up. For bigger dogs around 100 pounds or more, we think the AST one could be more helpful, as it provides sturdier support from the front for big dogs. But, the drawback is that it’s literally, a much heavier harness. We like the Ruffwear one because the handle on it makes it easy to help Tripawds jump in and out of vehicles. The AST one. with the two side handles, seems like it’s better at helping dogs by carrying them like a purse, if you will. Gosh, was this helpful at all? Soon we’ll add the AST harness to our shopping cart, but for now, if you get one, tell ’em we sent ya! Good luck.
I watched the video of the harness and I was wondering if my Bailey weighs around 95 lbs and the main thing I am concerned with is getting her in and out of the car which harness would be the most helpful. I also noticed in the video it showed the harness going over the left leg, does it work on either side if her right arm is removed? Thanks so much
Either harness should work well for Bailey. If you believe he is less mobile and can’t jump at all, requiring you to do all the lifting, the AST may be the better choice. For both harnesses they should work the same regardless of missing leg.
I checked Baileys girth size to get a harness and she is 33 inches so that looked like between a medium and large..whcih size is better for a 100 lbs golden retreiever?
Well, Ruffwear’s suggestion is to go with a size smaller if they’re inbetween. The straps can be let out quite a bit.
This harness looks wonderful and I do believe Abby and I will be giving it a try! I stumbled upon it by doing a search for an actual way to carry Abby.
She lost her front left leg to cancer in April at the age of 11 (ish, she is a rescue so not sure of exact age). She has been my incredible hiking buddy. She gets around great on three, but her strength for distance is limited and her frustration is evident. Is there any such item as a “back pack…a papoos…4-wheeler stroller…something that I can more easily carry her to certain destinations freeing up energy and strength for when we “get there”? She is a 55 lb. pitmix who is very willing to be carried. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!
Thanks for the response…we are definitely going to get the stroller for our walks and hikes so Abby doesn’t have to be left out!!!
I bought this harness for my front leg amputee. The quality of the harness is great and the theory is good, but the reality is that the strong solid padded top should actually be on the botton where it can provide support underneath. The two padded straps that go underneath can’t give enough support. When we first got it and Nellie just needed alittle assistance it wasn’t bad, but as she has aged and become more disabled, I find myself wishing we could flip it over and put the solid portion on the bottom for better support. Also the handle is actually too far back for good control of a front amputee. It nees to be further up between the shoulder blades. Do you know fof any other product with a more complete sling on the bottom that will be more comfortable?
Thanks!
Hi Suzanne, thanks for your feedback, it means a lot.
Most people do find that the harness works fantastic for their needs, but there are exceptions. We’ve found sometimes deeper chested, larger-than-average dogs do need more help getting around. There IS a harness we have found, the AST Support Harness, which, while bulkier than the Ruffwear one, does offer full-length, under-belly padding. Because it’s custom made, it should work exactly the way you need it to for Nellie. Let us know if you decide to order one, and tell Eric that Tripawds sent you!
Meanwhile, if you feel inclined, you can always donate your Ruffwear harness to our Tripawds Angel Exchange program, for a needy pup. Thanks for considering it!
Jerry,
Thanks for the tip. I’ll check that one out. We appreciate all you do and will consider the angel Exchange, although we do know a local dog that might be able to use our Ruffwear.
I live in AZ. It’s over 100 degress here in the summer. Should Chuy wear his harness all the time or only when we go out?
The Webmaster harness is very lightweight with lots of ventilation. Heat shouldn’t be an issue. We found it beneficial to leave Jerry’s harness on at all times, simply for those times he was not wearinf it when it would have been useful.
My border collie cross measures 26 or 27 inches just behind her front legs. This puts her either in the upper end of the small size or the lower end of the medium size measurements. She weighs 40 lbs and I never thought of this as little. Can you recommend a size. She is missing a front leg, in case this makes a difference.
Thanks for asking Jane. See the FAQs above, Ruff Wear recommends the smaller size for dogs who measure between sizes. Jerry was a 75lb shepherd mix and he wore a medium. Hope this helps!
Do I measure the same way for a dog with a hind leg amputated?? There does not seem to be a question about whether front or hind leg is missing.
Thank you,
Jeanne
Yes, the girth measurement is the same for front or rear leg amputees. This is a standard hiking / search & Rescue harness. We just discovered it works well for assisting dogs after amputation – regardless of the leg removed.
rear leg amputee dogs?
Thanks for asking Paul! This harness will certainly help provide support for dogs with amputation of a rear, or front leg. You’ll find examples in the discussion forms.
Ruffwear have done a wonderful thing, its nice to see a company with a heart, the video demonstration sure makes it look easy to put on.
Ruffwear harness is wonderful, it is so nice to see people dedicating their time, money and effort to bring these kind of products.
Hi Jerry,
The harness is great and working well for our new greyhound tripawd. It gives us a lot more control than a sling when we need to help him… which, just 2 days after suture removal is rare. He’s getting up and down stairs very well on his own already. It is still nice to have when we want to reduce the impact of getting out of vehicles or going down stairs.
Thanks,
Patrick
Thanks for asking Patrick! Yes, the harness has five adjustment points with long straps. Just be sure to measure the dog’s girth at the widest part behind the front leg(s) to get an accurate fit. That way the front strap will surely fit and the back one can be cut if its to long.
Hi Jerry,
I’ve got a greyhound coming home as a tripawd in a day or two. He will need something like this. Does the webbing have enough adjustable range to fit those deep chests and skinny waists that greyhounds have?
Thanks,
Patrick
Mindy, the Ruffwear harness is great for either front or rear leg amputees. The harness secures under the dog’s chest and belly, so when either a front or rear leg is missing on a dog, it doesn’t matter, the harness still stays on and does its job.
Either way it helps support us when we want to jump out of a car, and helps our pawrents give us a boost when going up or down stairs. I manage to stay incredibly active because of it.
Hope this helps.
xoxo
Jerry
How does this work for rear leg amputee dogs?
My bernese mountain dog just had his rear right leg amputated three days ago. I purchased the ruff wear harness in advance so he could get used to the feel of it. I even sent him into surgery with it on. Since he has been home he has not taken the harness off! It is so helpful in teaching and assisting him on his three legs. Even the vets wants to purchase one for their office. I would recommend this to anyone!
I want to get the ruff wear harness for our Golden who lost her rear left leg. I looked at the video and just can’t figure out how it works for a dog with just one hind leg. Can you help me understand?
Thanks,
Jeanne
The harness works great for both rear and front leg amputee dogs. It is a standard Ruff Wear hiking harness designed for search and rescue dogs. We discovered it halps assist dogs after amputation regardless of the leg removed.
Did you get an answer about this? I am in the same situation as you are in trying to help my golden who had a back leg amputation.
The Ruff Wear harness works very well to help support any canine amputee, regardless of which leg is missing. Thanks for asking.
Jerry:
We bought one of these new harnesses and HEIDI loves it and it is very helpful for us as well. Being a big, rottweiler( no offense HEIDI) we needed something to help us help her do some of the things that are not so easy now that she is a tripawd. The red color is a bonus, it makes HEIDI look very regal! Thanks Jerry for the great info.
WE are so happy all is going well!
Dave, Karla and HEIDI