Weight Pulling...

[Marylou Mader]

G Willie and M Shaw:

As mentioned by Skip, yes, it is very important to have a health check for your dog, now here is what I would suggest:

#1 start a dog at least 1 year old, and having had a heart check and good physical check for any orthopaedic problems, such as HD or ED

#2 you make sure you find a properly fitting harness, you will need to find someone familiar and who could properly measure your dog, as most harness are made for the dogs measurement, you can buy them pre made that just happen to fit, but it is unlikely.

#3 get the dog used to wearing the harness

#4 start with just pulling a rope behind, so the dog gets used to something coming from behind, even though there is no weight.

#5 begin weight using a small tire for a lawn tractor, put an eye hook into it and attach the rope, make sure the rope is at least 8 ft and that there is no chance of the tire coming too close in the rear to startle the dog.

#6 get your dog used to pulling the tire over grass, and cement and for distance, so start with a short distance then build up. Remember, if you take your dog out for a walk, the distance is doubled when you have to turn around and come home

#7 you can add weight by attaching more tires of the same size, or going with a larger tire.

#8 when the dog is pulling well and on command, you want to have your dog pull the weight to you at a distance of 15-20 feet. Have someone hold your dog, you go out in front and call your dog to you. This will teach the dog to come to you with the weight, the weight can be added onto the tire and for all dogs just starting out, you should not exceed 1,000 pounds. Now remember the weight pull will be using a cart with wheels, your training is with a tire dragging, so your dog is pulling more than just the tire including the drag.

Again, check out the Malamute clubs, they offer great info on pulling, the IWPA also has a website, Seeing the pulls and meeting the people will help you also.

One very important point, Start LOW and work SLOW, just like any good weightlifter :0)

[rottix2]

I ran sled teams for a number of years and also competed in weight pulling with a Siberian. Have never done it with one of my rotts though.

I wanted to add a tip to Mary Lou's training suggestions: If at all possible, do not let whatever the dog is pulling hit them in the hind legs. Getting hit from behind while in harness can make them a little "gun-shy" about the whole pulling thing.

[Marylou Mader]

rottix2
Is absolutely correct, NEVER allow anything to run up and hit the dog from the rear, they may NEVER recover.

Also rottix2 we ran a 5 Rott team years ago with our Malamute friends, so much fun and of course sooooooo much work, with me getting older now, I can still enjoy the pulls :0)