Weight Pulling
he sport of weight pulling started in the 1890’s during the Alaskan gold rush. In this period dogs were used as freight animals due to a horses inability to effectively work in the extreme conditions. When miners would gather together, they would boast about the strength of their dogs. This led competitions between the miners and their dogs and eventually this was the the start of the weight pulling competitions as we know them. A good illustration of weight pulling in this era is provided in Jack London’s book, “The Call of The Wild”.
The modern weight pull teams a dog of any breed and size and a handler with the goal of moving a weighted cart 16 feet in under 60 seconds. Dogs win by pulling the most weight in their class and they score points by pulling a percentage of their body weight. This event is very similar to tractor pulls, horse pulls, and strongman competitions.
Weight pulls can be performed in snow, on dry ground, or in some cases the cart can be on rails. Having the cart on rails is not supported by many clubs so it is not supported by this Society since our goal is to be as common with other clubs as possible.
The dog enters a shoot where the weighted cart is located. The dog is then connected to the cart by the handler using a specially designed harness to distribute the load on the dogs shoulders. Most of the slack is taken out of the rope. The dog is then released and the owner goes to the finish line and tells the dog to pull or calls the dog. No food or props are allowed and the handler is not allowed to touch the dog. The dogs own desire to work is the driving force.
Since IWPA’s organization in 1984, no dogs have been hurt in competition.
Resources
There are several national and international governing bodies:
International Weight Pulling Association
as well as several breed specific governing bodies:
American Dog Breeders Association (American Pit Bull Terrier)
Cascade Greater Swiss mountain dog club
The equipment needed for weight pulling is quite simple. It takes a well fitted harness and something for the dog to pull. For training a lot of people will use old tires to drag behind the dog. Some will use a crate or I use a saucer style snow sled that I can add weight to.
The harness is usually and freight harness or a weight pull harness and these can be picked up at Nordkyn Outfitters. There are other places online that sell these harnesses online as well.
To teach your dog to weight pull check out the links below. These provide a lot of great information.
Alaskan Malamute Dogs Puppy Pull Training
Weight Pulling – A Basic Introduction
How to train your dog to weight pull
Finally, just like any sport for humans, if you want to get better and not get injured, you need to practice and workout to get in better shape. The same applies for dogs as well. Pulling a lighter weight longer distances, pulling a cart, or packpacks as all great ways to improve your dog fitness and to burn off some of the excess energy.