Have you read our harness product reviews?

• AST Get A Grip Harness Review
• Blue Dog Help 'Em Up Harness Review
• Ruff Wear Web Master Harness Review

The AST is definitely better suited for heavier dogs, and could certainly be left on in milder claimates. It may just become a bit warm in hotter weather. The Ruff Wear harness is certainly sturdy enough, though we might nott recommend it for consstent "full body lifts".

We have found no "perfect" harness for all dogs. But believe these three are the best, each with their own pros and cons. Our understanding is that the custom AST is available for dogs requiring a special fit due to their size/girth. The standard Get A Grip should suffice if they have one suitable for Raven's measurements.

Dawn, to answer your great questions,

"It's my understanding that I would need to use both hands (one on front and one on back) to lift him with that one for an even lift."

No, it's not necessary to use both hands all the time. The handle on the rear is great for dogs who are very weak in the rear legs and need help getting up and around. But, the front and rear pieces and be worn together or separately. This makes it a plus if you want to leave it on all day; you can just use the front piece for all day wear.

"It says that the Blue Dog Help Em Up needs to be opened to urinate?"

To answer your question, yes, this version of the Help 'Em Up does require pawrents to unfasten the underpadding on the rear piece in order for a male dog to urinate. Yeah, we aren't crazy about that. BUT the manufacturer has told us that a revised design is currently in production now and should be ready in a few months.

Of course, that doesn't help you now, but as Chuy mentioned, it's all about the aim when wearing the Help 'Em Up!

"Also, does the front shift with a front leg amputee?"

Well, I was a front leg amputee, so I have a good perspective on that, like Chuy. As long as the straps are securely tightened, it's fine. It does shift a little to one side the more you play or swim in it, but all ya gotta do is re-adjust them. Not a big deal considering all of the benefits you get out of it.

"I read in the review somewhere that the AST is recommended better than the Ruff Wear for large breed dogs like Raven (115# Rottie)? Why?"

Regarding the AST for bigger dogs . . . yes we feel it offers more support for these pups. The two lifting handles are one reason, but overall it has more underbelly support for big dogs. There is more area covered with quilted fabric underneath, which makes hoisting them up much easier. The Ruffwear one has only straps to support the underside, which is fine for most dogs under 100 pounds.

The AST is great for less mobile dogs who aren't as active. For dogs who don't need a lot of help getting up and down, the Ruffwear one is the way to go.

"The Get A Grip says it's less than ideal for full time wear also?"

Well, mostly because of all the fabric; in summer weather it seems like it would be heavy and hot. Also, the lifting handles on this version aren't removable hang down and seem like they would get in the way. AST's custom harness does have removable handles.

"The Ruff Wear says the price includes shipping and can be returned within 30 days. That's a plus if I read that right?"

Yep, absolutely right, as long as the harness still has tags attached, is clean and free of dog hair, and is in resaleable condition. Return shipping costs are the responsiblity of the buyer.

We hope this helps answer your questions. If you have more, let us know OK?

Tazzie said:

Now that winter is approaching, I am trying to get Tazzie used to the harness, in anticipation of slippery ice. But the rub is that I usually slip first, so how can I possibly help him? He runs ahead when going down or up stairs. If I try to help him, I might make matters worse.

Susan, you're smart to get him used to it now. The way we look at the harness is, just when you think you won't need it, you'll need it. There are so many opportunities for tripawds to fall (and drag their humans down too!), or be unable to get up from awkward positions. The handle helps to prevent those falls, and give us a hand up when we need it.

We used to have 18 creaky old narrow steps that I had to navigate a few dozen times a day (our office was downstairs and our home was upstairs). Mom never let me run ahead of her on the steps. She would always grab my handle and we would walk down together, slowly. Dad, however was a little more lenient, as you'll see below (it made Mom crazy when he let me go downstairs alone!). It took practice, but we got it down. Here I am less than three months after surgery:

As far as upstairs though, I never really needed help with that part once I was recovered from surgery.

K Susan, we're waiting for those videos!