Hi Keith, Tater and family, welcome! Your future posts won't need to wait for approval so post away.

Yes, you are right! Caring for a Tripawd is a little different for sure. Have you seen our articles about adopting a Tripawd? Our Tripawds Recovery Shopping List , while focused on surgery recovery, also has some info that you might find helpful. Our e-book, Loving Life On Three Legs , is also helpful and answers a lot of common questions.

I'll try to answer your questions here though.

Should i have a harness and if so what is recommended.

Not all Tripawds need a harness, but they make life easier if Tater will be going lots of places with you. The front-leg harness we recommend is the Ruffwear Flagline , because it rotates the least of any that we or our members have tried on a front-legger. Harnesses are also handy if you have stairs in your house. The Flagline has a top handle in just the right place, and it allows you to help Tater with things like getting in and out of cars, and with stairs (front-leg amputees should never go down more than a couple of steps without assistance).

Socks, boots or both.

Do you have hardwood floors? Putting down traction is a lot more effective and easier than socks or boots. No-slip throw rugs are essential. If Tater will frequently visit someplace with hardwood floors, we love Dr. Buzby's Toe Grips. 

Should he be allowed to jump on and off the couch? Or should I get stairs/ramp?

If your couch isn't too high, and he's a medium to large dog, it's not that big of a deal. But if he's say, a small dog, that's a tall jump. and jumping from any high surface is not recommended, especially for a front-legger. Rehab therapists tell us that even a four-legger shouldn't do too much jumping from high places, the impact takes a toll. It takes a huge toll on Tripawds over time. 

Pet stairs are your best bet for a Tripawd. They come in handy for all dogs too as they go into their senior years. Get Tater trained to use them and he won't want to jump after a while. 

Most dogs are not fond of ramps. They have poor depth perception, and ramps are scary because they can't tell how far their feet are from the ground. Many people here buy a ramp and it ends up in the garage because their dog won't use it. Some will though. But ramps are awkward and heavy. We tried one for our Jerry, and got rid of it after a while. The best way to avoid a ramp is just to keep a Flagline on Tater so you can help him down or up.

I know tripod should have a stable weight. So when training, what do people use instead of treats

Yes! And slimmer than other dogs of the same breed type. One thing I like to do is to put all of my Nellie's daily food allotment into a container in the morning. We use some for feeding, some for treats. If I give her high value treats instead, like when I want her to do some painting, I give her a little less of her daily kibble at mealtime. 

Many people find that their dog loves fruit or veggies, and use those instead of treats! 

Are there any toys that tater would enjoy more being an amputee. 

Having one front paw won't prevent him from doing too many things. He will figure out how to hold things with one paw. It won't be graceful but he will be able to have fun with the same kinds of games that your other dog does.

Here's the biggest thing you can do: set up an appointment with a canine rehab therapist. They can evaluate his current fitness level, and explain what his strengths and weaknesses are. They can then show you exercises you can do to help him strengthen, and explain the best ways to get fit and prevent injury as he ages. And, drumroll ... Tripawds Foundation can pay for your first rehab visit too! So please take advantage of the program. It really is the best way to learn what his needs are, and how to help him age well.

I hope this helps! Please holler with any questions, we are here to help and look forward to getting to know you both.

You are so welcome Keith! Anytime you have questions please holler, we are here for you and Tater!