Dog Community

Ruffwear web harness

Posted : 4/3/2008 4:49:50 AM

I've noticed a few people on the board have that Ruffwear web harness. I've been looking at harnesses as I can't say I'm particularly thrilled with collars and what happens with collars in emergencies. I have had moments where I've lifted Penny entirely off the ground by her collar to get her out of the road of a charging dog. It's why I stopped using check chains (what can I say, it was the done thing and still is in this country), but really, a collar isn't much better. But then, Penny has a car harness and she really hates walking in it. She always gives me this look like she's saying "Aren't you going to take it off so I can walk properly?". Anyway, I saw the Ruffwear one and it seemed like it allowed for normal movement while still being near to impossible for the dog to get out of. I was thinking for the new dog when he's big enough for one (they're $90 over here!), but then I thought about how often it would have been handy with Penny to have a handle to safely pull her out of trouble (read, a body of water she jumped into but discovered she couldn't climb out of), and these days we need to pick her up a lot and now I'm thinking I should try one with her.

What are people's experiences with the harness? How does it go if the dog jumps into stinky water with it on.

SalemsMom

Posted : 4/3/2008 7:18:49 AM

I have one for Salem and I really love it. I can pick him completely off the ground with the handle if I need to, and it seems to be very comfortable for him. I normally put it on him when he swims as well if we aren't in an off leash beach. I like it for Ocean swimming because if an under current were to catch him I can real him back to safety without worrying about either choking him or the collar coming over his head. I've also used it to pull him back into a row boat when he thought it would be smart to jump in. He wouldn't have been able to get back in himself without tipping us over.

kpwlee

Posted : 4/3/2008 7:20:08 AM

we have just got it link

and I love it. It is the first harness that is a pretty good fit for Bugs we haven't gotten it wet yet but I would think from looking at the materials that it will be fine. It appears to not be very restrictive as with other harnesses Bugsy has trouble sitting (they get too tight) this one he is OK with that. From my limited experience I highly recommend it.

Its on sale here I have no idea if it is worth investigating shipping it to you independently.

Liesje

Posted : 4/3/2008 7:59:52 AM

Oooo, sale! *buys it!* Not sure what for, but.... :)

kpwlee

Posted : 4/3/2008 9:07:10 AM

if its not too late - shipping to a store is free - not sure if you have one near you though Big Smile

Liesje

Posted : 4/3/2008 9:21:43 AM

I had it shipped to work since I'll be gone tomorrow - April 12. I hope I got the size right...

SalemsMom

Posted : 4/3/2008 9:25:18 AM

What size did you get Liesje? Salem is 1/2 gsd and takes a medium. My guess is he is close to the size of Kenya, but its hard to tell from pictures. I got the large at first and had to return it.

kpwlee

Posted : 4/3/2008 9:27:25 AM

I don't know how deep chested Coke is (or if that is who you would be thinking of) but I would think Medium for either of yours. I have the large for Bugs and the strap around his upper chest is good but the second strap is huge. He has a very deep chest and high tuck so it is always difficult. It is the best fit we've had though and it appears to be a great product

Liesje

Posted : 4/3/2008 9:35:53 AM

I got a medium. Typically, Kenya is 2-3 sizes smaller than anything that says "GSD" on it (collars, prong collar, crates, dog beds...). She is 20/21" tall and under 60lbs. I'd rather have it be on the smaller size and extend all of the straps than have to tighten them all up and have the extra hanging off.

kpwlee

Posted : 4/3/2008 9:40:08 AM

medium will be plenty big enough for her. I know Bugs doesn't have much fur but he is 105lbs - by the way everything fits though he is a very small 105 Smile

corvus

Posted : 4/5/2008 5:54:14 AM

Thanks guys. I think I can get it shipped from Amazon, or possible REI. I'm thinking I might grab one for Penny and try it out with her, but part of me wants to combine shipping and get one for the new pup while I'm at it. But then I have to figure out roughly what size he'd be at full-grown.

cat0

Posted : 4/5/2008 4:26:36 PM

They're very adjustable but if you haven't ordered it already, watch the sizing. This harness covers more of the back than most. Barney is 44 pounds, but long and tall. I had him measured as a size medium, but the retailer contacted the manufacturer and they dropped me down to a small, which is even a bit roomy taken in all the way.

willowchow

Posted : 4/5/2008 5:13:29 PM

Willow has one too and I use it all the time. The handle is great for helping when she jumps and if there is any reactivity while on leash. They are made for helping dogs get in and out of water so they are fine in the water/rain also. I did have to return hers the first time because I got the wrong size so definately make sure you measure.

The orthopedic surgeon she saw last month was very happy that's what she was wearing. He was surprised she had one, he recommends them.

Everytime I see Salem with the red one on I want to order her another one.