If you are familiar with Groundbird Gear harnesses, then this system might be very familiar to you. In fact, the Ruffwear Flagline Harness reminds us a lot of our Groundbird Gear harness. Both are lightweight, easy on/off, and include a full chest/belly panel (which we will discuss in more detail later). Below is an image of the Groundbird Gear harness for comparison with the Flagline Harness pictured above. Padded Handle Two points of leash attachment - including one at the chest, good for redirecting dogs that pull on leash However, for a few dogs, the Web Master will be better. For dogs that are escape artists, the Web Master is one of the best harnesses on the market. And if you need a brush guard or core cooler, the Flagline does not have compatible options as of yet. Finally, if you have a larger hand and need to use the handle of the harness frequently, you may prefer the Web Master.

When we researched different harness types for hiking dogs, we found a couple of research studies that concluded that the less surface area a harness covered, the less it altered a dog’s natural gait. (Our review of this research can be found in our post “3 Tips for Choosing the Best Harness for Your Dog’s Next Adventure.”)

The front clip leash attachment is great for helping train dogs who like to pull while they hike. The Front Range Harness has had this front leash attachment point for years and people have been asking for a Webmaster style harness with this attachment. So for those of you who have been asking, this harness looks like a great solution. The Flagline harness offers the same great support for three-legged dogs as the Ruffwear Web Master Plus. It also offers chest and belly protection, without need for the additional Brush Guard attachment.

Just like with the Front Range and Hi & Light, the next step to take is choose a path of minimal and lightweight (Flagline) or more structured (Switchbak or Web Master). Or, again, if having a front leash clip-in point is important, the Flagline or Switchbak will both offer that feature. FOR THAT SOMETHING SPECIAL NOTE: In between sizes? Choose the larger size. Ruffwear suggests getting the larger size Flagline harness for dogs who measure in between sizes. We suggest using a soft towel slung under the belly if additional support is required in the meantime. A reusable canvas shopping bag slit down the sides also makes a handy temporary sling / harness for three legged dog. Find instructions for DIY Tripawd sling here. In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to worry about price or sustainability and could just buy your dog one of every harness. But realistically, for those looking for an everyday full-body harness, the decision in the Ruffwear catalog comes down to the Flagline or the Web Master. Another key factor could be the front leash clip-in point. If you are working on leash pulling with your pup, the front leash clip-in point is helpful for redirecting dogs that pull on their leash. In this case, the Front Range is the way to go.In the image below the Flagline harness is a little loose as we had not re-adjusted the straps after Glia wore it over her sweater.) It’s strong, and reliable, the handle is flush too, which I really appreciate. It’s not the cheapest harness, but it is definitely worth every penny. I love that it’s sturdy, and when it comes to an escape artist dog? This is the only piece of equipment that I would trust. But the Flagline Harness isn't just about comfort and convenience. It's also about providing your dog with the support they need. The harness features a padded handle and a load-dispersing chest/belly panel. This design allows you to lift and assist your dog easily, making it ideal for senior dogs or when the terrain gets a bit challenging. The ruffwear flagline is a unique harness. A Harness with a tummy strap? Of high quality? Is something that doesn’t get seen much. I wanted to review the Ruffwear Flagline for you because I know this harness is such wonderful quality, and not only is it quality? I’ve seen it in a number of practical, real-life situations where it thrives. It’s a tool I recommend regularly to my clients based on these experiences.

If you are looking for a great harness for your dog to wear while hiking, then you have probably heard about Ruffwear dog gear. Ruffwear harnesses are some of the best harnesses currently on the market for active dogs. NOTE: We recommend not using any three legged dog harness until the surgery has completely healed and stitches or staples are removed. We have heard of no specific cases where any harness has hampered healing, but we believe direct pressure from the straps may irritate the wound. Please consult your veterinarian with any concerns. Not all harnesses are suitable for all dogs, or all conditions. So, here’s a few things that I see as being potentially problematic in regards to the flagline. Dirt dwellers This harness says it’s handwash only. I mean, this seems like one of the most ludicrous statements to make about a harness, especially a harness that’s made for hiking – but I will be totally honest. I’ve washed it in the machine, and it’s absolutely fine. So… I’m really not sure why it’s apparently not washable? Do I Recommend The Ruffwear Flagline? The pictures below compare the Webmaster to the Flagline again. You can see how the belly strap is not connected to the chest straps of the Webmaster. The new design of the Flagline connects these straps with a solid chest/belly panel. This provides much better support when needing to lift the dog by the padded handle.

I love this harness for reactive dogs, it’s the worst fear of a lot of people that their dog should escape, and cause damage, or flee. And well, this one seriously takes the biscuit for control & containment. The long design means that you have support, it means that you have the knowledge your dog isn’t going to escape. Dog Families Who Hike The Ruffwear Flagline harness is a game-changer for three legged dogs. It’s the leanest and lightest harness yet, and the only Ruffwear harness that slips over your dog’s head making it the easiest to put on front-leg amputees – regardless of which leg is missing. The Ruffwear Flagline Harness is a Game-Changer for Helping Tripawd Dogs So why wait? Give your dog the comfort, control, and freedom they deserve with the Ruffwear Flagline Harness. It's not just a harness; it's a passport to adventure. Features of the Ruffwear Flagline Harness

Honestly, I love both harness so much. Ruffwear makes excellent full-body harnesses. But if you forced me to choose, the Flagline is a little better for most dogs in my opinion. The bottom panel disperses the weight of dogs in the harness, for additional comfort when lifted. The bottom also adds stability to the harness, further minimizing shifting. Compact, light profile. It’s cool to wear on hot days, and is friendly to petite and small breed Tripawds.At 277g, this harness? Is lighter than my go to harness for Indie (the perfect fit), which doesn’t have as much containment as this one does. It doesn’t offer these features. For Ruffwear to have achieved this within this weight? Is pretty darn impressive. Some days it is just too hard to get two dogs looking at the camera at the same time. ???? But I still like how this picture turned out. The pups enjoyed a lovely snowy walk at Wild River State Park today. Glia was super thankful that it was warm enough to leave her boots at home. And I was happy my fingers weren't freezing while I took pictures. #pawsitivelyintrepid #mnstateparks #wildriverstatepark #exploremn #dogfriendship #myfurryfamily