johnsonious

i've always been super impressed with my dog's natural competitive drive that he has, and have been wanting to get him started with weight pulling to see if its something that he'll like. i have read quite a bit of information on weight pulling, but can't seem to find anything on where to start ( pulling rig, amount for starting weight, track to pull on, ect..)

i don't know anyone first hand that has ever been involved with weight pulling, so im pretty alone in this whole thing... no pointers, advice, ect...

i would like to start chino (who is 15 months old) pulling small amounts of weight in my back yard somehow.... how can this be done properly?

i already have a weight pulling harness.

wheezie

how much dose he weigh?

GSDBulldog

Is he used to wearing the harness, and pulling something behind him? Generally, I start off with a milk jug full of gravel because it is lightweight and still noisy enough to be distracting.

www.cdpits.com is a great resource, as there are many articles on the sport listed.

You will want to start off slow weight-wise. You will need to work with your dog to create a slow and steady puller, and for this I prefer to use 10 foot chains of which the dog will drag through grass. Unlike a cart which will ride up behind the dog, thus creating slack, a chain will provide a constant and even weight. This teaches the dog to pull steadily, and stay in proper form.

It can take some time, but will be well-worth it in the end.

I also suggest purchasing a wheeled cart from a hardware store, as this will allow you to slowly begin adding more and more weight to your dogs' regimine. Remember, you are not going to break records at home. Save that for competition!

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"No! If a man does not soon pass beyond the thought: "By what shall this dog profit me?" into the large state of simple gladness to be with dog, he shall never know the very essence of the companionship which depends not on the points of dog, but on some strange and subtle mingling of mute spirits." -John Galsworthy

johnsonious

he weighs between 65 and 70 lbs right now

johnsonious

chino is used to a harness for sure... im going to start experimenting with the milk jugs later on today. im definitely not trying to "break records" or anything like that.

do you think that building some sort of sled would be ok in substitution for a cart on wheels? im definitely on a budget.

brogers

As a pup I started with like 5lbs and I he is right at 8 months old now, he is doing 20lbs and I would say start very light and never make him pull alot at the beginning it will just frustrate you and the dog. You should read the thread from OFK its a sticky at the top of this page he has the most information on wp than anyone else here in my opinion. And most of all have fun with your dog, thats the most important part

GSDBulldog

Definately would work, no problem!

__________________
"No! If a man does not soon pass beyond the thought: "By what shall this dog profit me?" into the large state of simple gladness to be with dog, he shall never know the very essence of the companionship which depends not on the points of dog, but on some strange and subtle mingling of mute spirits." -John Galsworthy

OldFortKennels

Where are you located? There may be some shows you could attend to give you some insight into the adventure your about to begin.

At 15 months your dog should be ready to begin pulling. Also you may be amazed at how well he does. A sled is a great tool, if you can weld or know anyone who can they are relatively easy to make and you will not need as much weight.


Something like this is easy and you can just add plate weight. You can also buy a cart and stack foundation cinder blocks in it. When you begin just watch your dog. Watch his body and his attitude, you will want to keep it fun and not stress the dog. Always quit before your dog. Another good idea is after a while vary the weight. Take some off in the middle of a session, this keeps the dog guessing and he doesnt want to quit when it gets heavy.

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"Life is like a grindstone. Whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you are made of."

But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever. John Adams