Is it harmful for the dog?
No, as long as you stick to the rules: the right harness, loads that go up gradually, a warm-up and no forcing whatsoever. It turns harmful when someone skips steps or pushes a dog past its limits.
Strength and pulling
Weight Pull
The dog hauls a loaded sled a few metres in a purpose-made harness. It's pure strength, with weight classes and safety rules stricter than in any other discipline on this list.
About the discipline
What Weight Pull is
Weight pull measures how much a dog can pull over a short distance, usually a few metres, against the clock. The load goes up round by round until the dog is eliminated.
Dogs compete in body weight classes, and the result is measured against what the dog weighs. A small dog pulling ten times its own weight beats a big one pulling five times its own.
Without its safety rules this event shouldn't exist. The harness is built to spread the force over the chest and shoulders, the surface has to be right, the warm-up is compulsory, and forcing the dog with the lead or harsh commands is banned outright.
How it works in practice
How a trial works
- a sled or a cart on rails, loaded up step by step
- a short distance, a few metres
- a time limit on every attempt
- classes by the dog's body weight
- the handler calls the dog from the front, without touching it
- a failed attempt means elimination
You don't push the dog, pull it by the lead or force it. It pulls because it wants to. If it doesn't, the whole event loses its point and turns risky.
Which dogs it suits
- sturdy dogs with a powerful build
- pulling breeds and molossers
- adult dogs whose joints have been checked
Never with a dog that's still growing or one with joint problems. Getting X-rays done first is a sensible precaution.
What you need
- a weight pull harness with a rigid spreader bar
- a full warm-up before every attempt
- a surface the dog can grip well
- an experienced organiser keeping watch
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Weight Pull
What harness is used?
A proper weight pull harness, with a rigid spreader that keeps the straps clear of the hind legs. A canicross or walking harness isn't built for this and can hurt the dog.
Does the biggest dog win?
Not necessarily. Dogs compete in weight classes, and the rankings compare the load pulled to body mass. That often works in favour of small, compact dogs.
From the same category
Related sports
Carting
The dog pulls a cart round a marked course, and the judge watches how controlled it is.
Draft Dog
The dog hauls a real load round a course, steadily and under control.
Wall Climb
Climbing a vertical wall, an event you'll meet at some competitions.
Tug of War
Controlled pulling contests that turn up at certain sporting events.
We do not run Weight Pull
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.