If you are thinking about weight pulling here are some great answers to common questions!

Q- What will I need to train my dog to weigh pull?

A- The most important things you will need is a healthy dog, time and patients!  Once you have those the rest is simple!

You will need a weight pull harness designed for the size of your dog and items of different weight.

Q- At what age can I start training?

A-  Around the age of 6 months you dog will be able to start pulling light weight. Puppies that are still growing and maturing can be damaged if introduced to weight to early, the pulling can alter the way their bones and joints mature in a harmful way.

By the age of 18 Months he or she will have fully developed mussels and tissue to pull heavier weights.

Q- Should I get my dog a weight pulling harness to get him used to it ahead of time?

A- No, a regular harness leash will work great to get the dog used to the feel of it. Just do not have your dog pulling anything with a regular harness. Only use it to get your dog used to the feeling of a harness. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOG TO PULL WEIGHT IN A REGULAR HARNESS.

Q- Once my dog is ready for training how do I introduce the harness?

A- Put the harness on the dog and play with him or her! This will make them feel as if, it has something to do with playing or fun. Walk with the dog while he or she is wearing the harness. Make sure you also praise him or her to let them know it is a good thing!

Q- How do I teach the pull command?

A-  With the harness on, take the dog for a walk with a learn attached. Then call him back to you and introduce a word you want to use as the command to pull. So "Pull"  or "Work". Just make sure you pick a work to use that you will stick with. If you try to change commands, it will only confuse the dog.

Q- Should I use a "bait"?

A- This is a tricky question. It has been noted over the years as being done, however, if you chose to, make sure you do not use any thing that resembles a human or an animal should never be used as bait!  Using any such item will actually get your dog disqualified during an event! We find that teaching dogs to pull on command is much easier and does not cause any confusion to the dog.

Q- Are we ready for weight yet?

A- Once you dog feels comfortable with the harness on and is responding to your command, its time to introduce some weight. A 1-10 pound barbell weight tied to a  cable or a tire is a good first light resistance that doesn't make to much noise. The chances are good  if your dog has had fun, he or she will run to you like there is nothing on it.  It is very important that you go very easy the next month. After each pulling event, make sure you reward the dog with a treat or love, or how ever you normally praise the dog. You will want to practice with this weight for a month or so, to get the dog used to the feel of pulling. After about a month of this weight, increase the e weight. Make sure you only increase the weight slowly. After each weigh increase work with your dog for a few weeks with that weight, before you introduce heavier weights.