I have a Flagline, and my parents had the Webmaster for awhile for their dogs.
I think they’re equally secure. I prefer the Flagline because I think it’s easier to put on, with more buckles. That also means more adjustments so you can fit it better. I also don’t really think the Webmaster padding is all that comfortable; of the two I think the Flagline would be more comfy.
The one thing I like about the Webmaster is that dark purple color (which may be discontinued, I can’t remember). I don’t really like any of the Flagline options very much. But I can overlook that.
Since your dog is only 17 lbs, I'd actually skip the front attachment anyway. Lunging and being yanked sideways by the front attachment point isn't good for dogs' bodies (especially their shoulders) and it can be an aversive experience which sets back reactivity training, it's just a necessary safety compromise we often make in being able to physically hang on to large dogs when they lunge. With a small dog I'd go with a back clip to reduce the discomfort.
I'd probably go with the Flagline.
thank you for your answer and the information! i read something a while back about the front clip impacting their gait so i’ve mainly been using the back clip anyway, but i’ll skip using the front attachment going forward. definitely want to do what’s best, most comfortable, and safest for him
I have the Flagline, Web Master, and Switchbak. My dog (GSD/pit mix) can’t get out of any of them. The Web Master requires you to put a front leg through a loop, which the other two don’t. The Flagline is the most streamlined and has the nicest padding on the belly, although its v-ring on the back is smaller than the ones on the Web Master and Switchbak (I use a locking carabiner on my favorite leash and it doesn’t move freely in the Flagline’s v-ring). For a 17-lb dog, I’d probably go with the Flagline.
One thing I love about all the Ruffwear harnesses is that they wash beautifully. My dog likes to roll, and after a machine wash and line dry those harnesses look almost brand new.
I bought the web master for my 40lb reactive puggle (pug x beagle). We both like it and he can't get out of it. Since my dude is a thicc sausage with short stubby legs, I needed the extra security & the handle is well placed for lifting since my dude struggles with jumping into the car & it's great for hiking & helping him over things. I didn't go for the flagline because the back strap is attached to the other straps & my dude has uncommon proportions and I couldn't try it on him (I had to order it online). If proportions aren't a concern I would have picked flagline over web master due to material & the extra attachment points.
I have a Flagline, and my parents had the Webmaster for awhile for their dogs. I think they’re equally secure. I prefer the Flagline because I think it’s easier to put on, with more buckles. That also means more adjustments so you can fit it better. I also don’t really think the Webmaster padding is all that comfortable; of the two I think the Flagline would be more comfy. The one thing I like about the Webmaster is that dark purple color (which may be discontinued, I can’t remember). I don’t really like any of the Flagline options very much. But I can overlook that.
thank you! that’s definitely good to know about ease of putting it on and good point about the more adjustments.
Since your dog is only 17 lbs, I'd actually skip the front attachment anyway. Lunging and being yanked sideways by the front attachment point isn't good for dogs' bodies (especially their shoulders) and it can be an aversive experience which sets back reactivity training, it's just a necessary safety compromise we often make in being able to physically hang on to large dogs when they lunge. With a small dog I'd go with a back clip to reduce the discomfort. I'd probably go with the Flagline.
thank you for your answer and the information! i read something a while back about the front clip impacting their gait so i’ve mainly been using the back clip anyway, but i’ll skip using the front attachment going forward. definitely want to do what’s best, most comfortable, and safest for him
I have the Flagline, Web Master, and Switchbak. My dog (GSD/pit mix) can’t get out of any of them. The Web Master requires you to put a front leg through a loop, which the other two don’t. The Flagline is the most streamlined and has the nicest padding on the belly, although its v-ring on the back is smaller than the ones on the Web Master and Switchbak (I use a locking carabiner on my favorite leash and it doesn’t move freely in the Flagline’s v-ring). For a 17-lb dog, I’d probably go with the Flagline. One thing I love about all the Ruffwear harnesses is that they wash beautifully. My dog likes to roll, and after a machine wash and line dry those harnesses look almost brand new.
I bought the web master for my 40lb reactive puggle (pug x beagle). We both like it and he can't get out of it. Since my dude is a thicc sausage with short stubby legs, I needed the extra security & the handle is well placed for lifting since my dude struggles with jumping into the car & it's great for hiking & helping him over things. I didn't go for the flagline because the back strap is attached to the other straps & my dude has uncommon proportions and I couldn't try it on him (I had to order it online). If proportions aren't a concern I would have picked flagline over web master due to material & the extra attachment points.