Weight Pulling

[rottweiler_fancier]

Does anyone do Weight Pulling with their Rotties? If so, when is it started? Is it harmful for the dogs? What organization do you work under? Does the dog enjoy weight pulling? Are Rotties good candidates for weight pulling?

[Judi W]

I have participated a couple of times at shows and sledding test exhibitions for a lark, but I would never recommend it on a regular basis for Rottweilers as it puts a lot of demands on the front. True weight pulling is primarily done by the pits who are loaded in the front. The Rottweiler is structured for sustained trotting, not sledge work.

[LUIZ GUSTAVO]

I do not agree with the above statement for two reasons: First , a good rottweiler with a good conformation would not suffer from this type of training if trained accordingly and respecting the dogs limits. Sorry Judy W ,but your statement is a Myth.

Another Myth is about the Pit Bulls being the best or most used breed for this sport. Below is the Official IWPA table link showing the records of the MOST WEIGHT PULLED divided into categories, and as you will see there, they are the winners of the 20 to 50 pounds division but all the other divisions and even the Open to the larger breeds,like Malamutes etc... They hold all the records of the ADBA because there only Pits are competing,but never a great Pit would beat great Malamute in a weight pulling competition, the difference is almost 100% to the Malamute . Pound by pound they are one of the highest scorers but lose to breeds like Bichon Frise.

The IWPA link:
http://www.eskimo.com/~samoyed/iwpa/MaxPulled.htm

Check this link out and you will see that there are few rottweilers competing.

Hopefully you are not into it to win ,because you won't , but you will have a great time ,and that is enough reason to do it. Rottweilers with a lots of drive and good training will have a lot a fun , they love the feeling of getting the job done.You need a dog that won't quit no matter what. He has to think that he got have the job done. If you want send me a private message and will give you the tips that you need to start and compete.

Rottweiler Fancier the bottom line is : GO FOR IT!

Regards
Luiz Gustavo

[Judi W]

Well, I surely won't argue on the Mals, but they are bred as a heavy cargo pulling dog. As I said, I have participated, and enjoyed it and would likely do it again. Just would not recommend it as part of regular conditioning. Once the load is started moving, it is not so hard on the dog. You are correct about the training - if the dog learns to "jump" into starting the load moving, it is much easier on them. Those dogs that have been taught that are able to move much heavier loads than those who just pull into the weight.

[Rottn in Alaska]

rottweiler_fancier,

I have to agree with Luiz weight pulling is not just for pitt bulls. Here in Alaska we have Malamutes, Weimaraners, Huskys, Mixed breeds, Bull dogs, Mastiffs St. Bernards, Lab mixes, Chesapeake retreiver, a Dalmation, and many Rottweilers. Many have placed and one even won first place in the middleweight division for pulling 2000 pounds. See
http://members.nbci.com/alaskak9wpa/index.html

So with that I have to disagree with luiz's other comment

[quote]Originally posted by LUIZ GUSTAVO:
[b]
Hopefully you are not into it to win ,because you won't

You can win with training and hardwork. But even if you don't win participating is just as fun and even going to watch a weight pull can be satisfying. I pull with AK9WPA and next year will pull with SBCA. My girl loves it. She is also a real mama pleaser.