What is Weight Pulling? Weight pulling is a sport where a dog in harness has to pull a weighted down cart or sled along a dirt, concrete or snow track. The track is usually 16 feet (4.8 metres) in length and the pull has a time limit.

Weight pulls are run as competitions with knockout rounds, and each time a dog completes a successful pull it can advance to a higher weight. The dogs compete in weight classes with prizes for each class and often an extra prize for the best pull to weight ratio. Dogs are regularly pulling over 1000kgs!!

The Alaskan Malamute is by nature and breeding a draft animal. Their size and weight lend to heavy pulling. Hence weight pulling is a sport at which he can excel. Weight pulling is also a sport where one person with one dog in the backyard can easily get ready for competition.

Who can Weight Pull?
Many type of of dogs. Weight pulling isn't just limited to the Alaskan Malamute. Any dog that has the urge to pull can compete. Some examples of dogs that weight pull in Australia are Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, American Bull Dogs, Rottweilers and Bullmastiffs. Obviously a breed that has characteristic strength will be best suited to this sport.
Why Weight Pull?
For the sense of achievement, enjoyment and competition. You get to do activities with your dogs, it is great exercise for them and you can meet interesting people. Any dog can compete, as dogs do not have to be purebred or registered.

Dogs also compete in weight classes, so even the smaller dogs get a chance. Interestingly enough it is the smaller dogs that usually pull the most as a ratio of their weight.
Doesn't it hurt the dog?
No. Weight pulling is a strictly controlled and supervised sport. The dogs are not made to pull rather they are encouraged to participate and will only pull if they want to. Only animals that have trained will be allowed to compete in competitions and each event is supervised and will not continue if there is any danger to the animals.
What do you need to weight pull?
For a Weight Pull competition, all you need to compete is a weight pull harness for the dog, a weight pull cart, weight for the cart and a track to pull on. As a Club we have all the equipment necessary to hold weight pull competitions, including spare harnesses for newcomers. When you and your dog want to train, all you will need is a harness, a rope and some weight to pull.

A harness used for weight pulling is different to harnesses used for sledding. It is designed for much heavier loads and has extra padding around the chest and shoulders. It also has a spreader bar, usually made of wood at the back of the harness to distribute the load and to allow the dog to move freely.

How can I train for Weight Pull?
It is very easy to start training you dog for weight pulling. You may begin training when your dog is six months old; however, most competitions require that dogs be two years old to participate. Basic obedience training is helpful before getting started because the dog will have learned some basic commands such as stay and come. Start out with light weights on snow, dirt or grass. Make sure the harness is properly fitted and that the weight you are using does not make a lot of noise or that it is not so light that it might hit the dog should the dog spook and start running.

A small tire makes a good weight to start with. Gradually you can increase the weight as the dog gets accustomed to the weight behind him or her.
Are there any Rules?
Yes. Weight pull competitions are very organised and do run under a set of rules. There is, for example, no tolerance of any behavior or actions which may endanger the dog. Before you start to compete with weight pulling, we ask that you read the complete rules available from the club.

What are we doing in NSW?
1999 will be our first competition year for weight pulling. We will be conducting training sessions and 3 competitions throughout the winter months. We have a great facility in Londonderry only 40 kms from the center of Sydney (special thanks to Phil and Maureen Sadler) which has a fully concreted weight pull track, a weight pull cart, scales and all the weight we need.
How can I get involved?
Easy, just contact one of the committee members and ask them when the next training session or competition is. Anyone who wishes to come to an event is more than welcome.