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Conditioning for Weight Pull

Discussion in 'Sports & Activities' started by BringBackup, Aug 21, 2009.

  1. BringBackup

    BringBackup Top Dog

    So, my pup is 15 weeks and I know he won't be pulling for a LONG time, but it is something I hope to do with him. I've read various ages to start him, and I probably won't enter him in any competitions until he is 18 months. What things can I do with him that will condition him for his future endeavors? I just want him to be comfortable with the process when the time comes (not scared of the equipment, teaching him the command PULL, etc).

    Also, he doesn't have papers, so would he only be able to do fun shows?
     
  2. StopBSL

    StopBSL Top Dog

    Without papers you can compete in the IWPA and APA also you might want to look into obtaining an LPP from the ADBA.

    We like to try and get the dogs used to wearing the harness as soon as possible and make it fun. play ball, wrestle, etc while the dog wears the harness. Keep it light and fun.

    Once they are 100% comfortable in the harness then we'd start incorporating the command of our choice into life. just say it while walking for example and wearing the harness. Stop walking then say the command then walk. From then you just start getting farther away, much like teaching "come."

    Always keep it light and fun with puppies so you don't make it into "work" persay.
     
  3. BringBackup

    BringBackup Top Dog

    Thank you for the advice. I'd like to train him in formal obedience as well. Will this interfere with his pulling?

    Also, when I buy his harness do I buy the one he'll grow in to (i'll probably get the ones from stillwater), or do I get one he will fit while he is younger?
     
  4. StopBSL

    StopBSL Top Dog

    For now i'd get one that will fit him comfortably, not perfect sized but not huge. . .you cant ever predict the dogs actual body. Once he is an adult and pulling heavy weight you should get a custom made harness. These are made to fit not only the size of the dog but the actual dimensions of him as well.

    As far as obedience goes, IDK. . . Maybe K9 Performance can help with that. If she doesn't see this you may wanna pm her.
     
  5. BringBackup

    BringBackup Top Dog

    bump bump bump.
     
  6. Octavio_.N.J.

    Octavio_.N.J. Big Dog

    BSL is right get your dog use to the noise im actually getting my female to pull but it is hard beacuse she is shy but she is getting better i think the younger the easier it is:D
     
  7. Inter-tel

    Inter-tel Big Dog

    are there commands/phrases that are not allowed on the track. For instance skit em, sic em, achacha cha, ect?
     
  8. Robber

    Robber Big Dog

    Not that I'm aware of, aside from being too explicit. You probably can't say "C'mon boy, get that m@#$%^f^#%$r"!! :D

    BTW, teaching "stay" will be very useful for you - it will help the dog focus on you and pull toward you when he is released. Some people allow the dog to just start when he wants(ie as soon as he is hooked up) but I think you tend to get sling shot starts that way, which aren't allowed(although many judges seem to be pretty lenient on this) and aren't good on the dog.
     
  9. GSDbulldog

    GSDbulldog CH Dog

    Just like to say that you can pull under the APA and IWPA. You can also apply for an ILP under the UKC (The ADBA LP is almost useless*), but the dog needs to be fixed. So, I'd wait until your dog has reach physical maturity before altering him (If he's not already).

    *Unless it's changed, but before the ADBA limited preformance program was only for dogs to compete in fun events, even though you never needed it. It didn't allow dogs to compete in sanctioned pulls either.
     
  10. farm curs

    farm curs Big Dog

    It shouldn't,different gear,different game
    Good luck
     
  11. MoPulldogs

    MoPulldogs Big Dog


    I really hope this was a joke :rolleyes: No judge in the APA, ADBA or UKC and more than likely IWPA is going to let you use "skit em" or "sic em". This would fall under agressive behavior. You would more than likely be warned the first time and DQ'd the next time. In weight pull training your are teaching your dog what commands mean in association with the required action. How in the world is either of those commands doing that ? :eek:

    Most folks that weight pull take the sport, training their dogs, and the public perception of the above very seriously. Our dogs have enough public image problems WITHOUT crap like that.

    For more information on how to properly train a dog for weight pull, please visit a few of these links.....

    http://www.pulldoggies.com/101.htm

    http://www.weightpullharness.com/TrainingInfo.html
     
  12. StopBSL

    StopBSL Top Dog

    I was told LPP dogs can compete in sanctioned pulls, i think for trophies and ribbons but not titles. . not positive.
     
  13. Inter-tel

    Inter-tel Big Dog

    Edit- mopulldogs/

    how would you know if ya never payed any attention to pull dogs? Thanks for the talking down.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 25, 2009
  14. BringBackup

    BringBackup Top Dog

    Thanks everyone for the replies. I'd like to hold off on having him neutered (he'll be 5 months when he gets it done), but my mother is very adamant about having it done before he reaches sexual maturity. She doesn't want him getting too much testosterone I guess lol
     

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