ROTT N CHATTER, November 1993, Volume 2 Number 3

 

                 HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN A WEIGHT-PULLER PULL

                  IF A WEIGHT PULLER COULD PULL WEIGHT?

 

   This is the second part of a series on weight-pulling submitted by

Marylou Stott of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

 

PART 2:

   THE VEHICLE:

   This can consist of a flat cart or a sled with skids on both sides

consisting of four or more tires.  You may have to wait for competition to

actually drive a cart or sled.  If this is the case continue with your

tires.  Remember, it isn't the total amount of weight so much as the

endurance that is built with proper training.

 

   THE WEIGHT:

   This will be inert weight, ie... bricks, bags of dog food, or whatever,

pieces of iron, etc...  Try and know what the weight is of each and do not

try to start with more than 50lb increments.  Apply the weights and do

repetitions of 5 to 10 with 5 minute intervals.  Make sure this is level

surface and that the dog is able to have the proper footing, ie: carpeting,

grass or rubber mat.  Do NOT add more than 100 lbs per session.  Also, STAY

WITH YOUR DOG:  Do not go away from him/her yet.  Walk the distance and

praise, using treats or a favorite toy to play with after the pull.  Crawl

with the dog if you have to, to show him/her to GO LOW with head down and

pull.  You can hold the treats in your hand and low to the ground to

encourage your dog to keep a low profile while pulling.  Continue this

training for at least 2 weeks and then you may proceed on with more advanced

lessons.  Again, THIS IS FOR DOGS 9 MONTHS OR OLDER.

   Only dogs 1 year and older are allowed to enter in weight-pull

competition.  The training, however, can begin at 9 months and will ready

you for the pulls.  This is how endurance trains your dog all year round.

DOn't give up on the staying with your dog.  Too many people are too quick

to leave them and that is what will ruin a good weight puller.