i went to the small animal hospital with my girl on monday and there was a gsd there.
it was wearing something that i didnt understand its use for and didnt want to ask in case the owner thought i was being critical.
it was a belt type thing around its waist made of fabric that had two straps that lead to its back paws and attached to his paws. i coudnt understand its use as i couldnt see how it could support if thats what it was there for??

Possibly a hobble or hobbler.. It is sometimes used when a dog has had a hip replacement until the joint settles... allows dog to walk, without overstretching joints, and restricts running...

that would make sense i think as it was in the animal hospitel but it didnt look tight enough to restrict it from fast paces

They start off quite tight, and as the dog heals, the restriction is lessened, but still with a degree of restriction, until joint is properly settled, I think the 1st set of hobbles after operation are usually quite rigid, and then moved on to a stretchy material,.. It also helps stop any un-natural movement from the joint.. (leg going out to side etc)