determination. strength. relationship.
weight pull is more than competition
It’s about the relationship between dog and handler. Your dog has to trust you - they have to believe that you would never ask them to move a weight that they could not move. Weight pull is a relationship based dog sport - although a dog may be physically capable of moving a weight, it must first believe that it can. We build the mind first, and the body follows.
We welcome all breeds, ages, and types of dogs.
The only requirement is that you show up excited to learn something new and improve your relationship with your dog.
Weight pull can be fun and beneficial for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Squirrel, pictured, is a Pug-Chihuahua mix and does resistance training to maintain stability in her knees.
So, you might be wondering… “Can my dog do this?” The answer is: YES!
The foundations for weight pull training parallel the training that any human athlete would undergo - these activities provide linear resistance training that builds the body “from the inside out.” Gradual resistance training, in the form of drag work, builds both the body and the mind of your dog. All the while, strengthening your relationship - the training is easy and fun, making for better dog:handler relationships along the way.
Our facility has equipment sized for dogs 5 - 100+ lbs. and we will help you when it comes time to order a custom weight pull harness of your own.
the benefits of weight pull
cardiovascular endurance and musculoskeletal strength.
Helps to sustain long-term mobility and prevent injury - even for dogs that may compete in other dog sports. (Think of it as going to the gym, but for your dog!)
gets you & your dog in shape.
provides a constructive , not destructive enegry outlet.
Builds improved relationship and communication with your dog. Working successfully on a new skill with your dog builds a predictable dopamine response (the feel good stuff in your brain) for you and your dog!
fulfills drive / the need for conflict in working breeds. and builds confidence in nervous, sound sensitive, or skittish dogs.
Plus, it’s fun!
The Organizations We Compete With:
The World Wide Weight Pull Organization (W3PO)
The American Pulling Alliance (APA)
The Unified Pulling Federation (UPF)
common weight pull myths: debunked.
myth: my dog already pulls on a leash - this will make it worse!
FACT: Training gives your dog a constructive energy outlet, both physically and mentally, which can help improve overall obedience and self control. Ask us about some obedience training, too, though!
myth: all that weight has to hurt those poor dogs.
FACT: Competitive weight pull dogs spend months and years conditioning for competition. Although we never recommend placing an unconditioned dog on a heavy cart, with the right training and a little patience, your dog will certainly surprise you with how much they are able to pull! These dogs, like all working dogs, know their “job” and love to perform!
We would be happy to invite you to observe a practice if you would like!
myth: weight pull is only for people that want to compete with their dog.
FACT: Weight pull has a litany of health benefits for both companion and working dogs. Just like doctors recommend all people do some form of weight bearing exercise, the training for weight pull provides health benefits that improve the dog’s overall well being. This sport requires both mind and body, and is a great way to keep young dogs healthy, and older dogs young.
myth: only pit bulls and huskies can do weight pull.
FACT: Any breed can learn to pull! Our current client roster consists of a wide variety of breeds including: Rat Terriers, Setters, mixed breeds, Pit Bulls, English Bull Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Samoyeds, and more!
As an added bonus, dogs do not need to be registered or have pedigrees with the AKC or UKC to compete!
