Fit it right the first time.
Most owners get a confident fit within one or two tries. This guide walks you through it step by step, and explains why each step matters for your dog's knee.
Measure your dog
Measure two spots on the back leg: the thigh (the widest part, up high) and the calf (just below the knee). Write both down in centimetres.
Check these against our size guide to confirm you have the right size. If your dog is between two sizes, go with the smaller one for a snugger fit.
Line up the panel
Lay the brace flat against the outside of your dog's back leg. Line up the open hole in the middle of the panel with the knee joint. The knee should sit right in the middle of that gap.
Why this matters: the hole exists so your dog's knee can still bend freely while the panel around it stays supportive. If the hole isn't over the joint, the brace won't support it properly, and it may rub.
Wrap the top strap around the waist
Bring the long top strap up and over your dog's waist, then loop it back around and press it onto the velcro on the panel. Pull it snug, not tight, so it feels secure.
Why this matters: a torn CCL lets the knee bones slide forward when your dog puts weight on the leg, which is what causes the pain and the limp. This top strap is what carries some of that load up and over the hip, taking pressure off the joint itself. A loose top strap means the brace isn't doing its main job.
Secure the two lower straps
Wrap each of the two lower straps around the leg below the knee and press them onto the velcro. Snug is the goal, the same as the top strap.
To check the fit, slide one finger flat between the brace and your dog's leg. You should be able to fit the finger in, but still feel firm resistance from the strap. If your finger slides in with no resistance, it's too loose. If you can't get your finger in at all, it's too tight.
Let your dog move
Take your dog for a short, easy walk. Watch how they move and check the brace hasn't shifted. Some dogs need a session or two to get used to the feeling.
Start with short walks and build up. Most dogs settle into it within the first few days.
The idea behind how it works.
This isn't guesswork. It's based on how a torn CCL actually behaves, and on research into how external support affects joint movement.
The real problem
When the CCL tears, the shin bone slides forward under the thigh bone every time your dog puts weight on that leg. Vets call this cranial tibial thrust. It's what causes the pain and the limp.
Why bracing helps
External support is designed to resist that forward slide, taking some of the load off the joint. Studies on dogs wearing knee support have recorded real improvements in how much weight they'll put on the leg.
The compression effect
Firm, snug compression also helps a joint "know where it is" during movement, called proprioception. Research on compression sleeves in human joints has shown a measurable improvement in this sense.
A brace supports the joint and may help with comfort and movement. It is not a substitute for surgery and does not repair a torn ligament. Always continue any plan recommended by your vet. Sources available on request.
A few things to keep in mind.
Check the fit every day, at first
Dogs move and swell differently as they adjust. Check the two-finger gap under each strap daily for the first week, then a couple of times a week after that.
Watch the skin under the straps
Any brace can cause irritation if it's too tight or bunched up. Check the skin under each strap for redness after the first few wears, and loosen if you see any.
Take breaks during rest
The brace is built for movement. Remove it while your dog is resting, sleeping, or settled for a long period, and put it back on before activity.
Wrong size? We'll swap it
If you've followed this guide and it still doesn't feel right, email us your measurements within 30 days and we'll sort out the correct size.
Still unsure after fitting? Send us a photo or your measurements and we'll help you get it right.