Dog Community

Weight Pulling

Posted : 5/14/2010 6:01:31 PM

I'm looking to add a weight pulling class into our K9 club and am having some issues finding a site with step by step instructions on what I need equipment wise and how to teach it properly. I'll be using Sandy as my tester dog to see if I'm teaching it right.

There are a lot of bully breeds here on the coast and my training partner thought it would be a good idea to find a sport that would interest them since not many of the owners are interested in agility or tracking. During my search for a trainer near my area who could mentor me, it seems that weight pulling isn't that big out here yet so it seems I'm on my own.

Any suggestions on where to find good quality harnesses (or maybe Chelsea would make me one. Wink lol) would be great! Thanks!!

tiffy

Posted : 5/14/2010 6:32:08 PM

Isn't Sandy a bit small for weight pull?

oranges81

Posted : 5/14/2010 6:38:11 PM

Nope! I've seen JRT's do weight pulling. Besides I wouldn't be competing with her. Just seeing if I'm training it right. Maze really has no interest in pulling.

ETA: Squiggy doing weight pull

Spazzy

Posted : 5/14/2010 6:45:06 PM

I will PM you some links to harness makers, Im not sure if Im allowed to post them here.

tiffy

Isn't Sandy a bit small for weight pull?

No, ANY sized dog can do weight pulling. They have many size categories and its judged by how much they pulled compared to their body weight. Heck, I have pictures of CHIHUAHUAS weight pulling, and loving it! It figures, I cant find them at the moment... I'll post them when I do.

tiffy

Posted : 5/14/2010 7:42:10 PM

Well there ya go! You do learn something new everyday! Big Smile

oranges81

Posted : 5/14/2010 7:43:17 PM

Thanks Chelsea!

AllAboutTheAPBT

Posted : 5/28/2010 9:14:06 PM

I began doing weight pull with Luna last year and she loves it.

There are a lot of good resources out there. The ADBA (American Dog Breed Association) website has a lot of imformation and rules. As well as articles about training. Another good association is the IWPA (International Weight Pull Assoc.). I train based off ADBA rules mainly becasue they are the only group that has shows by me. There is some controversy over different rules for different leauges, but generally they are the same for both groups.

The main difference is the usage of "baits." ADBA allows it, but personally I feel that a dog must pull on command to truly pull. So I have taken training methods from both organizations.

As for harnesses just google weight pull harness and you'll find all kinds!

And any size dog can pull. Bully breeds are most common but I have seen pictures of small dogs pulling too.

I hope you consider it - My dogs aren't exactly cut out for some of the other club activities but weight pull is fun for me and them.

oranges81

Posted : 5/30/2010 11:49:39 AM

AllAboutTheAPBT
I hope you consider it - My dogs aren't exactly cut out for some of the other club activities but weight pull is fun for me and them.

That is exactly the reason why I'm doing this.

I've ordered Sandy's harness and I've already got a client who has been doing some pulling around his house. Just need to get the dog a harness for safety's sake.

I can't wait to get some pictures of Sandy in her harness! Lol.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 5/30/2010 4:58:56 PM

Toby, the hairless Crested, competes and often kicks butt in UKC weight pulls. ANY any dog that's well put together, and has a little pull drive, can be taught to do it.