Help ‘Em Up Harness
$150.00 – $204.55
Introducing the Help’EmUp Harness with “Hip Lift.” A complete shoulder and hip harness system that literally lifts the lives of aging or recovering dogs! By placing a pair of handles where you can quickly reach them, this unique dog harness allows you to lend support at any time. The dog lift harness is especially helpful for owners whose dogs are feeling the effects of aging or health issues. It’s also perfect for Veterinarians and Orthopedic Surgeons who work with dogs recovering from injuries or surgery. In fact, the pain it minimizes may very well be your own! PLEASE CHOOSE YOUR SIZE AND STYLE CAREFULLY! By continuing with the purchase you acknowledge that there may not be a perfect fit for male dogs in relation to U-band or conventional hip lift and that we do not offer a refund for change of mind. We are happy to exchange if you choose the incorrect size or style. Please see below for additional information to assist your selection.
Description
What makes this dog harness truly unique is it’s designed to stay on your dog for extended periods of time. Unlike towels, slings or leashes that need to be rigged with each use, or ramps that have to be moved or adjusted, our harness is right at hand, whenever you need it. We believe if support isn’t there when your dog needs it, it’s just too late.
It’s there whenever you need it. Perfect for getting in and out of vehicles or up and down stairs.
The Help’EmUp Harness represents a breakthrough for Orthopedic Surgeons, Veterinarians, Vet Techs, Therapists, or anyone else who is lifting dogs on a daily basis. Using this harness will significantly reduce load on the handler, thus preventing injury. Our dog lifting harness provides a way to provide better care for dogs recovering from injuries or surgery — simply by reducing the chances of re-injury during recuperation.
Our unique design lifts the dog’s mass from below, beneath the chest and pelvis, distributing weight over large padded surfaces. The chest and back panels are lined with new air flow materials and perforated neoprene to keep the harness as cool and comfortable as possible. Straps are also covered with neoprene sleeves and areas of most friction are covered with super soft micro fleece.
The “Hip Lift” half consists of a belly band, support straps and a movable pelvic pad that spreads weight over multiple surfaces, allowing you to lift the complete pelvic floor while supporting the spine. By lifting from beneath, and not around the legs, it reduces strain on joints, ligaments and arteries.
Constructed of neoprene, the harness is buoyant and perfect for getting pups in and out of water – therapists will appreciate that. It’s machine washable with mild detergrent, so it cleans up easily – but we recommend you let it air dry for greater longevity.
It’s made of neoprene, so it’s buoyant, extremely comfortable and machine washable.
The Help’EmUp comes in 2 styles: Conventional and U-Band
Do I need Conventional or U-Band?
Sizes
The Help’EmUp comes in 5 sizes:
Select your dog harness size based on your dog’s weight first, then take measurements for accuracy. If your dog’s weight is on the cusp of harness sizes, we recommend sizing down.
4.5kg
X-Small: Weight Capacity - 4.5 to 11 kgs
Measurements
Neck: 20-58cm | 8-23″
Chest: 25-69cm |10-27″
Waist: 25 - 56cm | 10-22″
11kg
Small: Weight Capacity - 11 to 20 kgs
Measurements
Neck: 25-66cm | 10-26″
Chest: 25-96cm | 10-38″
Waist: 35-76cm | 14-30″
Breed Types
Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, Terriers, Toy Poodles and smaller, short breed types.
Unlike larger sized harnesses, the Small Harness has two connector straps along each side of the back to accommodate the area from spinal cord issues that can be prevalent in small dogs. Most straps on the harness are made of Velcro for easy adjusting with this size.
20kg
Medium: Weight Capacity - 20 to 36 kgs
Measurements
Neck: 30-81cm | 12-32″
Chest: 40-111cm | 16-44″
Waist: 50-110cm | 20-43″
Breed Types
Small versions of larger breeds such as border collies, retrievers, boxers, pointers. Bassets and larger corgis.
36kg
Large: Weight Capacity - 36 to 56.5 kgs
Measurements
Neck: 40-91cm | 16-36″
Chest: 50-162cm | 20-64″
Waist: 55-120cm | 22-47″
Breed Types
Lab and Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers.
56kg
102kg
X-Large: Weight Capacity - 56.5 to 102 kgs
Measurements
Neck: 45-96cm | 18-38″
Chest: 76-175cm | 30-69″
Waist: 66-142cm | 26-56″
Breed Types
Mastiffs, St. Bernards, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs. Larger rear handle on the Hip Lift provides comfort and support when lifting very large dogs.
Choosing the right harness.
Ten years of sizing harnesses has taught us a few very important lessons. Here are the most relevant factors to consider.
1. Total weight
Knowing your dog's total weight gets us in the ballpark! So first and foremost, know their weight!
2. Torso
Each breed typically has a unique body shape with variations within. Deep chest, narrow waist, shallow chest, tubular, skinny and of course plump or overweight. We know our dogs well so this should be easy.
3. Legs
A dog’s legs can make up a quarter of their total body weight! Are your dogs legs short or long, stout or skinny? Legs tell us a lot.
4. Range within a size.
Each of our harnesses has 11 separate adjustments. This is so you can adjust to meet the unique characteristics of your dog. Each harness has a broad range within its size definition. Meaning – you can adjust the chest to a deep chest or a shallow one, a narrow waist to a plump waist, our harnesses have range! This also means there are about five pounds of crossover at the top and bottom of each size. Ask for help if you are unsure.
4. Consider their age or their condition.
Once a dog reaches a certain age (it’s different for all) they tend to stop adding on weight. So it’s best not to apply the “they’ll grow into it” method. If your dog is losing weight, project ahead. If your dog is recovering from any number of issues, surgery, injury etc… they might be up a few pounds. Once again the harness has added length to straps to accommodate changes.
5. Mixing sizes.
We get asked this a lot and it's really why we have a broad range within each size. Occasionally and with certain breeds it becomes necessary. Please contact us directly if you think you need separate front and rear sizes.
6. Selecting the correct Hip Lift. Conventional or "U" Band
As a last note on sizing we make 2 versions of the Hip Lift, the Conventional and the “U” Band. All females and 80% of males will wear the Conventional version but those males whose penis sits further back, between their hind legs or is even with the front of the hind legs will use the “U” Band.
Choosing the correct Hip Lift
The Conventional Hip Lift
The best fit for all females and most males
The conventional version of our dog lifting harness by Blue Dog Designs has a solid belly band and works very well for all female dogs and the majority of male dogs.
For most male dogs, the conventional belly band fits in front of the hind legs, behind the penis.
The tip of the penis shown here is forward of hind legs 1 to 2 inches.
If you place a scarf under your male dog's belly, in front of the hind limbs and it sits behind the tip of the penis, the Conventional hip lift will be the correct style choice for your dog.
It has two fasteners on the belly band, for easier centering, a moveable pelvic pad, and padded support straps. For most male dogs, the penis comes out forward of the belly band, allowing them to urinate freely. We recommend this version for most dogs.
The U-Band Hip Lift
The ultimate dog support harness for male dogs whose penis is located farther back.
In 20-25 percent of male dogs, the tip of their penis starts farther back between their legs. The U-band shape provides clearance so they can urinate freely. The penis shown here is between or even with the front of hind legs and will be best suited a U-Band style.
If you place a scarf under your male dog's belly, in front of the hind limbs and it sits over the tip of the penis, the U-Band hip lift will be the correct style choice for your dog.
The armature used to create this opening is padded but even so, we do not recommend letting dogs lay in for extended periods of time.
Note: Dog harnesses are sold as a front & back combination. We do not recommend using the Hip Lift by itself as it may slide off, possibly causing injury to your dog. Also, do not leave it on your dog for over-extended lengths of time. Use it as needed and then when possible – remove.
7. “Out of the Bag”.
Right out of the bag all of our harnesses come fully assembled, meaning the the front and Hip Lift are connected. Please note how it is assembled before taking it apart. It has 11 separate adjustments and 9 separate connector clips. Try it on your pup first as it is and then make adjustments. Please refer to our fitting demonstration videos for more help. Note: There are several places where more strap may be tucked into neoprene sleeves, make sure the straps are pulled out to get more length.
Additional information
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | N/A |
| size | Large, Medium, Small, XLarge, XSmall, Large (Blue), Medium (Orange), Small (Green), X-Large (Gold), X-Small (Red) |
| harness-style | Conventional, U-Band |
Juliana (verified owner) –
Purchased for my 4 year old German Shepherd who had spinal surgery and lost the use of his hind legs. This harness has been a life saviour for both my dog and I as it reduces the amount of lifting I must do but also allows my dog to move freely. Would highly recommend!