What is Competitive Canine Weight Pulling? K-9 weight pull is a competitive sport available to any breed of dog in which determination is rewarded. The art of pulling with dogs is not a new one. Man has asked canines to pull carts, sleds and wagons for centuries. It was formally introduced in the United States during the 1970's and now can be seen in many different parts of the world. In that time many breeders have begun to use weight pull as one of their ways to help determine quality breeding stock. People have many misconceptions about weight pull and think it is harmful to the dog and we make the dogs pull massive weights they cannot handle. On the contrary no respectable organization allows a dog to be leashed or tethered during a weight pull so the dog does not have to pull if it does not want to and when proper training is applied a dog will have much better physical fitness. Others may think that this will cause hip dysplasia but if done correctly a dog will have stronger hip, leg and shoulder muscles causing less stress on hips and other joints providing a better life, allowing it to be a healthy dog even longer. There are many different clubs and organizations that hold weight pull contests, not all weight pulls held are through registries. Most are held by non-profit organizations. The UKC, ADBA, AADR and other registrations hold weight pulls but will be limited to dogs registered with them. The UKC has a system for registering dogs without papers, so that they can compete in performance events, but they must be spayed and neutered. The APA & IWPA are non-profit organizations that are open to all breeds, mixed breeds and spayed and neutered dogs. |
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