Most
of our harnesses and merchandise are
geared around weight pulling. The
wonderful thing about weight pulling
is that it is a way for owners to
interact with their dogs in a
relatively inexpensive way with no
previous experience required. Breed
clubs and organizations like the UKC,
APA, and IWPA offer competitions for
all dogs. Working dog titles can be
earned so you can take it as far as
you want to.
Your
primary concerns are to get a
quality harness that fits properly
and to condition your dog. Take
measurements multiple times until
you are confident they are accurate.
A harness that doesn't fit right can
cause injury. After the harness is
purchased, you are ready to begin
training your dog to pull. This
training can lead to competitive
weight pulls, but you can also use
this whole concept for conditioning
your dog. Yes, training is necessary
regardless of the "my dog loves to
pull" theory. Dogs have to be
trained to pull with correct form.
Dogs have to be trained to become
conditioned. Just as we can't begin
lifting weights today that would win
a body-building contest, it takes
time to build up your dog's stamina
and strength.
The
only other items you need are an old
tire, an eye hook, and a scrap piece
of 2x4. I found that our local tire
store is more than happy to give me
an old, rimless tire. Size of the
tire needs to be based on the size
of your dog. Drill a hole through
the tire. Insert eye hook by
screwing it into scrap 2x4 that is
laid in the wheel well. You now have
a conditioning weight that cost you
around $2.00 for the eye hook. The
only other purchase I recommend is
to buy a heavy duty 20' tie-out with
clips on both ends. This costs
approximately $20.00 at discount
stores. The tie-out at 20' keeps the
tire from ever crashing into the
back of your dog, preventing injury
and fear. Begin with pulling a very
short distance and build up from
there.
When
beginning weight pull training, the
main key is PATIENCE. Each dog has a
different learning curve, learning
style, and you use whatever method
works. Be consistent in commands and
praises used. When I want my dogs to
pull I use the command "Work". As
soon as they respond, the praise
begins "Good boy," or "Good girl,"
and it alone is repeated unless a
correction is needed. Always reward
your dog with love and praise when
they accomplish even the smallest
victory. I train my dogs on leash. I
can keep their focus, keep them
under control, and make necessary
adjustments.
Finally, a successful day of weight
pulling is not about your dog
winning a weight pull or setting a
world record. Instead it is about
time spent with your dog having fun
working together. This is a sport
for any size dog and any age owner.
And what a cheap diet plan for both
of you as you condition together! So
make training time enjoyable and
beneficial for both of you. Don't
get frustrated as success is
measured in inches. And always have
FUN while weight pull training.
