Webmaster harness

[avlsarah]

I remember several folks on the forum use the Webmaster harness by Ruff Wear with their dogs, and I have some questions.

Maxwell has always had a standard step-in harness; it fits around the chest and buckles once at the shoulder blades. I really like this for car travel because it's easy to deal with and not restricting. I also usually keep Maxwell on the harness when we camp / hike because it gives a little extra stability and protection when he's maneuvering around rocks. We do A LOT of hiking, and on several occasions - usually on multi-day hikes, which we are doing more of - Maxwell gets chaffed really bad in his 'armpits.' I've noticed recently that, even fully expanded, the harness is a little snug. We just got home from a 2 day trip and he has scabs behind his front legs from being on the harness the whole time (I take it off at night in the tent, so he has a little break).

So, here's my question for those of you who use the webmaster harness from Ruff Wear. Where do the straps touch your dog? Maxwell has the Approach pack from Ruffwear, which is built on the Webmaster harness. I think the straps connect around the top and bottom of the rib cage - not under the front legs. Have your dogs ever had a problem with chaffing when they wear the harness for longer periods of time? The pack has optional strips of padding that fit around the straps so the webbing doesn't actually touch the dog; does the harness?

I've been considering to get the Webmaster harness for Maxwell for a while for several reasons so maybe its time to go ahead and get one.

[josie&holly]

Cannot answer question about harness but think that is a lovely picture of the handsome Maxwell!!

[avlsarah]

Thanks Holly & Me!

Well, I was walking downtown this afternoon & noticed the Webmaster harness in one of my favorite shops. The shop never has Maxwell's size in the Ruffwear products, but for some reason the stuffed dog in the window was wearing XS even though it was not available in the shop. Thankfully, they let me purchase the harness off of the mannequin. I love coincidences! So far, I'm pleased. The harness fits well. The straps are padded and hit in a different spot than Maxwell's last harness. Ruffwear says that the harness is meant to be worn for long periods of time, so I'm hoping it doesn't chafe as badly. We haven't used it yet, but I'll let you know what I think after our next trip - 4 days next weekend.

[2littleterrors]

he's a beautiful dog!! We have a mesh sports harness from petco for one of ours and need to get one for the other. But I like the look of that ruff wear harness.

[janis]

He is good looking no matter what he's wearing isn't he! I also use the sport harness I bought at Petsmart or Petco. He steps in, the straps are on top of the neoprene/mesh stuff. It doesn't seen to bother him. Hooks to the leash at the shoulders. No straps touch his skin. I should have gotten a smaller size, but he's a big boy!

[Hawkeye]

I love hearing about Maxwell's expeditions...he is a gorgeous cairn!

[Dempsy's Mom]

Beautiful dog! Make sure you tell us how you liked the harness after your next adventure. It looks nice in the pic. Does Max like it?

[pkcrossley]

teddy loves his webmaster, and because it is very light he can wear it all the time. in his case the most valuable feature is the handle, which we can use to make sure he never has a fall or damages his shunt. the padding and the position of the straps keeps him comfortable and completely stable at all times. maxwell looks very handsome in his.

[avlsarah]

Checking in after our first adventure with the Webmaster harness.

We took it for a test run around town a few times with great success prior to our first adventure. This weekend, Maxwell wore the harness 4 days straight while camping, hiking and swimming. We hiked about 15mi. total over two days (4.5 mi on day 1 and 10.5 mi on day 2) . Maxwell is a very excitable guy when we are hiking & he pulls nonstop, no matter how many miles are behind him (wish I had that kind of enthusiasm and energy). The Webmaster puts most of the stress of his pulling on his shoulders and chest, not behind his legs. It is very padded in these areas so it didn't wear against his body or cause any chafing. I also like that the hardware is heavy duty. The handle is indispensable; I was able to pick him up to help him over rocks and water. I also like that the harness covers most of his body; I feel like he is supported very well, especially since he is very trusting & puts most of his body weight against the harness/leash as he tackles boulders. It is obviously a very sturdy harness, made for hard working dogs & able to stand up to a lot of abuse. With that said, its also obviously very comfy for just laying around. This harness was just what I was looking for and probably something I should have invested in a while ago.

Here Maxwell is enjoying a break (after taking a swim) on the last leg of our hike on the first day.

[kjwarnold]

Great review of the Webmaster harness. We do quite a bit with our boys and I'm thinking about looking into harnesses that are better than the plain old Petco ones we have now.

[janis]

Question - are the straps padded underneath along the chest and belly? It looks great. Also, if Maxwell doesn't mind me asking - what does he weight and what size did you get?

[Hawkeye]

Love the picture of Maxwell! Glad to hear you had a another great adventure.

[avlsarah]

Question - are the straps padded underneath along the chest and belly? It looks great. Also, if Maxwell doesn't mind me asking - what does he weight and what size did you get?

Janis, there are two straps under the belly and both are padded. There's a small space between the padding & harness that is bare, but not in contact with the dog's body. There is also a v-shaped pad on the chest where the harness touches. The harness itself is also padded.

Maxwell is a big boy, about 22lbs last time he was weighed. He wears XS in the Ruff Wear products. If you go to the Webmaster harness on the Ruff Wear website, there is sizing info. Size is measured by the dog's girth around the chest; the XS is 17-24."

[janis]

Janis, there are two straps under the belly and both are padded. There's a small space between the padding & harness that is bare, but not in contact with the dog's body. There is also a v-shaped pad on the chest where the harness touches. The harness itself is also padded.

Maxwell is a big boy, about 22lbs last time he was weighed. He wears XS in the Ruff Wear products. If you go to the Webmaster harness on the Ruff Wear website, there is sizing info. Size is measured by the dog's girth around the chest; the XS is 17-24."

[sanford]

"Maxwell is a very excitable guy when we are hiking & he pulls nonstop, no matter how many miles are behind him ..."

Is this a common trait with cairns?

When I walk Ruffy to the park, he pulls like a demon. He just can't seem to get to every tree & bush fast enough for a sniff. But a few hours later, when we walk home, I'm in the lead as Ruffy slowly lags behind!