NOTE: This was published in 2019 and a new post has updated information!
SEE ALL NEWEST HARNESS RECOMMENDATIONS HERE
When people ask us “What’s the best Tripawd harness?” we first want to know more about their dog. Does the dog get around OK? Will the dog need to climb stairs during amputation recovery? Does the dog travel often? The answer to the “What’s the best dog harness?” question changes from dog to dog.
But it’s our job to make it easier for you to decide. So, keep reading to learn more about each of the Tripawd-approved harnesses we recommend in our store. The one that seems more appropriate for your dog’s situation is probably the best one for your three-legged hero.
What’s the Best Tripawd Harness?
Let’s take a look at the most popular harnesses in our Tripawds Gear Store. These harnesses all work well for front or rear leg amputees, with missing fore limbs or rear.
The Web Master Plus Brush Guard
Made by our friends at Ruffwear, the Webmaster Plus harness combo is our number one selling all-purpose Tripawd harness. Most people find it works well for their front or left leg amputee, in any situation. Made with rugged, durable material, this harness will last most dogs for many years, if not a lifetime.
The Web Master Plus is a combination of the Web Master harness and a detachable bottom piece called the Brush Guard. The Web Master can be used without the Brush Guard, but when combined, the two devices offer more comfort to your dog when you lift and assist during activities. It is also a “Houdini-Proof” harness that prevents even the wiggliest dogs from escaping. Watch Review Video.
Web Master Plus (Full Product Details)
$108.00 – $138.00Select & Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The Tripawd Convert Harness
Easy to use and with just one buckle to connect, the Tripawd Convert Harness is a rugged piece of equipment best for general walking and everyday use. Although not ideal for harness escape experts or lifting large, heavy dogs, this harness is perfect for neighborhood strolls and touring around town. Get the Custom Name Badge option and your dog will always stand out in the crowd.
Tripawd Convert Harness (Full Product Details)
$60.00 – $79.00Select & Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Custom Convert Harness or Badges (Full Product Details)
$20.00 – $89.00Select & Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The Get-a-Grip Harness
The Get-a-Grip Harness is the perfect choice if your dog has mobility challenges and needs extra help getting around during surgery recovery. Rugged, washable and comfy, this harness makes potty trips and vet visits easier for the less mobile dog.
Available in three different sizes, when you purchase optional removable handles the Get-a-Grip can be left on your dog all day without worrying about the handles getting caught on obstacles. An optional shoulder strap is also available for hoisting extra large dogs up from the ground.
Get A Grip Harness (Full Product Details)
$125.00 – $181.00Select & Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The Custom Pet Support Suit Harness
No support harness will fit your dog better than a tailor-made one like The Custom Pet Support Suit. Sized to your dog’s exact body measurements, it fits like an Italian suit. This is the harness of a lifetime that will provide support during surgery recovery and well into your dog’s senior years. Made by the same USA company as the Get-a-Grip, this harness also comes with optional removable handles and shoulder strap.
Custom Pet Support Suit (Full Product Details)
$198.00 – $218.00Select & Buy This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
The CareLift Harness
For older, injured or invalid dogs, the PetSafe CareLift mobility harness in an affordable way to get a convenient and safe method for improving a pet’s mobility. The harness can be used with the rear section only, front section only, or with both front and rear sections for special needs dogs who require more assistance.
CareLift Harness (Full Product Details)
$31.95Shop Now ↗
The Front Range Harness
Last but not least, the Front Range Harness by Ruffwear is the ideal pick for small and toy breed Tripawds. Light and flexible, it’s perfect for smaller dogs who love big adventures in the wild or in the neighborhood. Unlike the Webmaster, it doesn’t have a handle on top for lifting. But most small dogs don’t need a harness for that purpose anyways. The Front Range is the perfect combo of function and form for small heroes.
Front Range Harness (Full Product Details)
$49.95Shop Now ↗
Explore All Tripawds Support Products
The Tripawds Gear Shop is your one-stop-shop for the best Tripawd harnesses, apparel and fitness equipment. Stop by today and when you have a sec, let us know your favorite tools that give your three-legged dog or cat a better quality of life!
Hello,
my 11yro 65-70 lb. labx Blue was the victim of a traumatic dog attack resulting in both front legs being badly damaged. He lost the left front leg, the right front leg is healing but extremely weak. We had to teach him to weight bear on the hind legs again because he was down for so long. He is getting stronger every day in the rear, but the front leg is still healing wounds and much slower, but will do slight weight bearing. We don’t know how much strength he’ll recover in the front leg or if he will be able to walk on it with a normal range of motion. Due to his age and condition what harness would you recommend for him?
Hi Wanda. It still sounds like the Webmaster Plus would be your best bet. So sorry about your pup, how terrible! Thank Dog he survived. If you haven’t already please get him into rehab therapy, the Tripawds Foundation may even pay for your first consult. Keep us posted on how he’s doing.
Thank you Jerry, much appreciated. I will check into the rehab therapy too.
I just got the Ruffwear Webmaster Plus with brush guard. It appears to be a great product, well made and I believe I have the correct size. The problem is that in order to put it on the dog I have to pull his right front leg thru the harness after it is slipped over his head. He lost his right rear leg so that means that while putting it on or taking it off he has no ability to balance himself. I am finding it very difficult to hold him up while putting it on/off. Suggestions? Do I need a different style or a different method? I see a way to modify it but am hesitant to have to pay someone to modify a harness I paid so much for. Thank you.
Hi Sally, check your email for our reply with this information that should help:
The Ruffwear Web Master is indeed the best all purpose support harness we recommend for most Tripawds.
With time, your dog should get used to putting on the harness. Wyatt is missing a rear right, and he quickly learned to step his front right leg into in while we put it on.
It may help to put your dog in a sit while you put the front of the harness over the head and around the front legs. Then have him stand to connect the chest and belly straps.
You will find more helpful fitting tips, and see how we put Wyatt’s on in these videos:
/watch-the-web-master-harness-review-video/
/help-three-legged-dogs-with-ruff-wear-harness/
/how-to-size-and-adjust-the-web-master-harness/
/webmaster-harness-sizing-and-adjustment-tips/
/how-to-attach-brush-guard/
Hi there. I recently adopted a Pitbull and she had a traumatic experience which resulted in her losing her front right leg. She is super fast and doesn’t seem to be bothered, but I’d like to make her as comfortable as possible. If you can recommend the best harness? Thanks so much!
The chart above describes all the best harnesses, depending upon your specific needs. The Ruffwear Flagline is our new favorite all purpose support harness for front-leg Tripawds.
Hello,
We have a 10 month old hound mix who lost his front left leg to a car accident before we adopted him. We bought an EzyDog Convert Trail-Ready Dog Harness to take him trail walking with us but it continually turns through out the hike. Can you please suggest anything we can do to make the harness fit better or if there is a better option for us?
Hi Kristina. Thanks for adopting your sweet pup! Unfortunately all harnesses will shift a little on dogs missing a front leg, but the ones we carry shift the least. First, I’m wondering: are you sure you measured correctly? Remember, you’re measuring the widest part of a dog’s rib cage to get a good fit. Usually that area is an inch or two behind the armpit, not in the armpit itself. If tightening the chest strap doesn’t work to keep the harness straight, you may want to give the Ruffwear Flagline Harness a try. We find that it’s now the best for front-leg amputees.
Hello. We are preparing to have our 9 yo Great Pyrenees, 108 lbs, left leg amputated. I want to be prepared so am wondering what harness is recommended. She has a big chest/shoulders and small hips and long legs. She’s a bit of a slow walker and doesn’t like hardwood… I know it’ll be up to me to help her up and navigate our house and yard. Is there one I can strap to my body to help with lifts and walking so I can bear some of the weight? My back isn’t the best either so I’d rather lift this way instead of using handles if I can. Thank you!
Best wishes fr a speedy recovery, and kudos for planning ahead! You definitely want to put down carpet runners or check out the other traction tips for Tripawds. The AST Get A Grip and Custom Pet Support Suit are specifically designed for giant breed dogs and have an optional shoulder strap. The Ruffwear Web Master Plus Brush Guard attachment also offer great all purpose support with a lightweight harness. Compare all harness features here.
My pet, Sinder, is a pit bull rear leg amputee thanks to osteosarcoma. We struggle to help him up when he is laying or sitting which we do plenty of. We need a rear harness that we can leave on him. He hates front harnesses and will not leave them on as we tried a ‘help em up harness’ and it was a no go. Any recommendations?
The best thing you can do for Sinder is consult with a certified canine rehab therapist to address the underlying issue causing immobility. Visit a CCRT or CCRP and the Tripawds Foundation can even pay for your first visit! See how to find rehab here.
If you find a rear-only/hip-lift harness that will stay on a rear-leg Tripawd, let us know! (We’ve tried many.) Or consider using a DIY dog sling when assistance is required. Good luck.