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Looking for a dog harness with a handle? This is our Ruffwear Web Master review - and it's one we've been updating since 2015.
Kizzie wore hers through a serious leg injury. It gave her back her walks.
Barks & Bunnies is a Ruffwear UK stockist. If you'd like help choosing the right harness or getting the fit right, just get in touch.
Take a look at the Ruffwear Web Master Harness here.
Read on for our full product review.
Initial Impressions of the Web Master Harness
We first used the Web Master when Kizzie injured her front leg - severe soft tissue damage that meant months of restricted walks and careful management. The Front Range, much as she loved it, wasn't the right tool for that season. The Web Master was.
What struck us immediately was how well thought-through the design is. The belly strap sits behind the ribcage, the chest strap in front, and the neck buckle means the whole thing goes on without any over-the-head drama - which matters when your dog is already uncomfortable. Four adjustment points meant we could tailor in the fit precisely, and the padded handle on the back gave us a way to support her on steps, kerbs, and getting in and out of the car without any strain on her leg - or on us.
Kizzie has since made a full recovery from that injury (and gone on to face rather more with both cruciate ligaments - but that's a story for another day). The Web Master saw her through, and we've never forgotten what it made possible during that time.
Currently available in five sizes - XX Small through to Large/X Large - and four colourways: Basalt Gray, River Rock Green, Red Canyon, and Blaze Orange.
How it fits - Ruffwear Web Master Harness
After measuring her girth, Kizzie fitted perfectly into a medium. We went for Twilight Grey at the time - a colour that suited her honey coat beautifully - and we weren't disappointed.
Putting the Web Master on is straightforward: slip the harness over the head, pick up the right leg and place it through the leg loop, then secure the two belly straps underneath. Each strap has a padded section for comfort, particularly useful when using the back handle for lifting or support.
The neck piece has multiple adjustment points - one either side of the padded chest panel and one underneath - and even with Kizzie's slim neck relative to the rest of her, there was plenty of room to achieve an excellent fit.
The strength test - Ruffwear Web Master Harness
Kizzie rarely pulls on the lead - but put a squirrel in front of her and all bets are off. The Web Master coped easily, even under squirrel-test conditions. The pressed metal clip on the back showed no sign of strain, and none of the straps or webbing came loose.
The handle is rated for full lift and assist, and with Kizzie at 30kg, it held without hesitation. The framework of the harness fully supported her, giving everyone - including Kizzie - complete confidence.
The Back Handle in Detail - Ruffwear Web Master Harness
The handle is what makes this harness exceptional. Low-profile enough that Kizzie could crawl under things without getting caught, but strong enough to take her full weight when needed. Leigh used it constantly during her recovery - for stairs, for the car, for the moments where she needed just a little more support than the lead alone could give.
Once she was recovered, we used it for more adventurous terrain too - helping her over stiles, navigating steep riverbanks, technical ground where a little extra control makes all the difference.
Everyday use and adventures - Ruffwear Web Master Harness
During Kizzie's recovery, the Web Master came on every walk - short pavement strolls, slow countryside loops, nothing too ambitious. It never looked out of place, and it gave her stability and security when she needed it most.
The reflective trim is well distributed across the back and sides, and the harness is designed to be worn over several Ruffwear dog coats - so cold weather walks were never a problem either.
SO... HOW DOES THE Web Master HARNESS RATE OVERALL?
We can't fault it.
It's virtually escape-proof - three straps, five adjustment points, a design that's been trusted by avalanche teams and working dog handlers for thirty years. It's equally at home on a country stile as it is supporting a dog through injury or recovery
The Web Master isn't an everyday harness for every dog. But when you need something more than a standard harness can offer - whether that's technical terrain, a dog who needs more security, or a season of careful recovery - there is nothing better.
Kizzie wore hers through one of the harder chapters of her life. It gave her freedom when she needed it most. That's not something we forget.
Where to buy?
The Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness is available now at Barks & Bunnies - in five sizes and four colourways including Basalt Gray, River Rock Green, Red Canyon, and Blaze Orange.
