The idea of using weight pulling as trials was started
up several centuries ago as a result of North breeds working
use. Today weight pulling is an organized sport event with
rules. IWPA (International Weight Pull Association) that was
organized in 1984 supports and develops dog weight pulling. The
USA, Canada, Australia and Sweden form IWPA. Their championships
are the most outstanding. But there are also many clubs and
organizations around the world that hold weight pulling
competitions.
American Bulldog is considered one of the most suitable
breed for weight pulling after Husky and similar dogs, of
course. This kind of dog sport provides a great benefit to
Ambulldog's health. Weight that the dog pulls, not only
stimulates muscle development, but also makes bones, ligaments
and cardiovascular system stronger. You may seem that weight
pulling is limited to physical power demonstration, but it's not
so. Weight pulling is a great warming
+ mental development. The dog
should be concentrated to finish a task.
Weight Pulling Rules
American Bulldogs and other dogs in the age from 1 to
12 years are permitted to compete in weight pulling. There are 6
weight categories in the trial. Dogs that are different weight
classes can't compete together. Sledge or truck is used as
weight. The dog pulls weight over solid surface or snow. Handler
(American Bulldog's owner or trainer) prepares the dog and takes
part in competitions. American Bulldog should pull weight for
16-20 feet in 1 min. at a command. Handler can't touch the dog
when it pulls. He (she) has to keep a certain distance. It is
forbidden to use treats, toys, various baits and strong words to
stimulate the dog. Children and other family members should be
absent according the rules of some weight pulling contests.
Everything that may seem to be dangerous for the dog's health is
forbidden.
The main and essential conditions
of any weight pulling are dog care and respect.
Untrained dog can't take part in weight pulling. IWPA
informed that no one dog suffered during trials for 5 years.
American Bulldog Weight Pulling Equipment
That is all you need for American Bulldog weight
pulling training. You need only specialized harness for weight
pulling because the collar is used only for dog control.
American Bulldog weight pulling harness will make it safe from traumas and will speed up growth of your results. If you use unspecialized dog pulling harness, the dog's ability to pull is lowered and the harness may hurt your Bulldog. The harness should be of the ideal size – this is a very important point. Start getting acquainted the dog with the harness from the puppyhood. First your American Bulldog should get used to the harness.
Don't allow the dog to pull heavy weight until its muscles and skeleton aren't formed. Puppy training means visiting public places so that it hadn't been afraid of crowds being adult at competitions. Your puppy should know basic weight pulling commands, especially "Wait" and "Go". It's also very important to teach American Bulldog to keep calm among many other dogs to avoid confusion when it will need to concentrate and to pull.
Keep the dog in a good shape. Pay more attention
to its physical training and take care of nutrition. Ideal
American Bulldog training is sledge carriage through the show,
but not every owner can fulfill this. Bikejoring is a good
alternative. Brisk walking is also very useful, especially if
you teach the dog to pull a tyre. It's not recommended to train
American Bulldog only by weight pulling because it may become
bored.
Special training ground is needed. It should be
16-20 ft of relatively even surface. Use the weight that will
move from its dead point and not a truck from the beginning of
weight pulling training. Thus, it will be much easier for the
dog to pull the weight at contest. Begin training with light
weight, which makes noise. Put the harness on your dog and
give the command "Stand". Now arm yourself with patience because
you have no time limits. Start American Bulldog weight pulling
training as soon as the dog stops taking interest in the chain
behind it. Move forward 5-10 ft, down on fours and call the dog.
You can use the leash to elate your Bully when it feels the
weight. Pull the leash giving the command "Go" at the same time.
Praise and treat the dog when it obeys. You need to stand on all
fours to teach American Bulldog to stand on four paws.
The most useful equipment for weight pulling training,
click on the pictures!
