Weight Pull is something that pitbull are quite excellent at. However it is not recommended for every one and all dogs. Training your pitbull for weight pull requires dedication, time and money. If you are located like I am in an area where there are hardly any weight pull events, you will also have to take in to consideration the money and time needed to attend out of town events.

I say this, not to put you off getting in to weight pull, but so that you may be aware of the sacrifices entailed. It’s only fair.

A great plus point about weight pull is that it’s an exciting and enjoyable way to meet up with other pitbull owners. Your dog could also socialize with other doggy friends. In order to really excel in weight pull, it takes a solid amount of dedication, so achieving can be equally rewarding.

What is Weight Pull exactly?

Weight Pulls are conducted on three different kinds of terrain, which are rail, dirt, and snow.

On dirt terrain four wheeled carts are set up on a rail system.

Gigantic weights of 6,000 pounds and more are often seen pulled on the rail terrain, where record breaking amounts of even 8000 pounds have been pulled.

The distance to pull is usually sixteen feet whichever the terrain. It is fifteen feet with the ADBA.

Dogs are supposed to pull their weight over this specified distance within sixty seconds. If they have not completed the pull course by the time the sixty seconds is over, they are then considered to have failed and are allowed to receive help to complete the course.

Various organizations for weight pull for dogs have different sets of rules too. The ADBA for example will allow ‘baiting’ while the UKC and the IWPA will not. Luring the dog on using something he likes such as a favourite treat or toy is called baiting. However all the three organizations do not allow you to touch or correct your dog physically while pulling.

Is this sport right for you?

Probably the most sensible way to check it out is to get in touch with IWPA, the International Weight Pull Association to see if there is an event you can find in your area. Once you have participated in a pull, you will be able to assess for yourself if this is something you want to have your dog engage in. if you have a registration for you dog with the ADBA and/or the UKC you could also contact those organizations.

However most pitbull owners I know seem to prefer the IWPA as their events are of a high quality and they are also an exclusive club.