Weight Pull hard on body?

Whats the verdict? I never have been into weight pull but i was curious if it had negative affects on the dogs body after awhile. I'll be the first to admit i know absolutely nothin about this sport, i never have been interested.

 

bumpity bump bump

 

weight pulling is a sport, all sports can have injuries. im a competitive powerlifter, though i havnt got injured yet...i know what im getting myself into. you should the same for your dog. torn muscles, torn tendons, are all risk that can be involved. but some people say lots of physical activity causes you to age faster, i say BULL. there are ways to help prevent long term damage, correct technique, and correct equipment. get a good harness that fits correctly and work your dog correctly, or youll pay the price

 

thanks!!!!!!!!

 

Yeah I would think its hard on their hips

 

I would have to disagree. Weight pull is like any sport the athlete must be properly warmed up and conditioned. We have been pulling dogs, on a National level, since the 80's and the worst injury we have had is a torn toenail.

Our Vet is convienced that their training regimine is part of the reason they all live to be 13+ yrs old. They are some of the healthiest/oldest clients that they have at their practice.

You must also know that our dogs are conformationally correct. Any dog that has a physical defect ie... improper shoulder layback or poor hip angles, short hips, slipping hocks, long bodied, straight stiffles etc will show problems or weaknesses sooner or later.

Another factor is the physical abilities and or limits of the dog and your abilities as a trainer. We have seen many dogs ruined mentally by being pushed when they weren't ready and physically by use of force when training. Some folks will tell you "Put a choke on 'em and give it a yank, they'll start then" That is a surefire way to ruin a dog. Use of force will never give you a confident puller. It will give you a dog that knows when the weight gets heavy a correction is coming.

Your dog is your team mate, it is to be respected. Would you want to go to work for someone that used physical punishment with you on a daily basis? Or didn't allow you to properly warm up before doing heavy work? In order to maintain a healthy puller you must take no shortcuts in training, conditioning or nutrition.

You must be willing to "Check your EGO at the track" and put your partner first..If you wish to have any real success.

 

thanks! i was just wondering bc i thought about doing some light/medium weight pulling just as some more work for the dogs. i dont think i want to do competitions, i more wanted feedback from people who knew so i could decide if it was worth researching. great post

 

the conformation thing, i dont believe a dog should even compete if it has bad physical characteristics. and a dog should only pull on his own will not by baiting or punishing. i see alot of dogs that a baiting pulling wrong. just like in powerlifting correct technique is the key, without technique the weight and you will suffer, get the technique down and the wait will skyrocket. bad technique equals injuries. technique not only means physical technique but proper warmup and correct ramping poundage. get all correct and you guys should be fine.