Think your dog is strong? With proper training and conditioning, you can test their strength in the sport of Weight Pull. In this exciting and high-energy sport, dogs wearing a specially fitted harness pull a cart to see what dog is strongest and who can pull a weighted cart farthest within 60 seconds. Dogs are broken into weight divisions for the purpose of competition and compete based on the weight pulled relative to their body size. Weight Pull is a sport that dogs of all sizes can participate in, but working dogs, and especially bully breeds with their strong work ethic and muscular builds often come out at the top of this sport.

UPF (United Pulling Federation) Weight Pull Rules

One popular style of Weight Pull is the United Pulling Federation (UPF) This competitive weight pull organization sanctions dog shows where dogs can demonstrate their skill in the sport in competitions around the country. UPF style is open to dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds. Weight pulling in UPF occurs on flat or inclined surfaces, no downhill grades are permitted for pulling. Carts can be wood or metal, and have 2 axles and 4 tires. In order to compete, dogs must be 36 weeks of age at the time of competition, and must have and wear their own fright harness properly fitted for them to pull in. When at a dog show and not pulling, dogs must be kept in a secret crate and walked on a flat collar, no pinch collars or choke chains are allowed in competition properties.

How UPF Competitions Work

At the novice or beginner level of UPF competition, dogs can be on leash; at all advanced levels dogs are pulling while off leash. While Weight Pull channels the natural ability of these dogs to work, it is first and foremost a companion dog sport. Human aggression or dog aggression is not allowed on show sites, and dogs who display any aggression are not allowed to pull. Dogs competing are divided into different weight classes and divisions. To compete, dogs must be weighed no more than 24 hours before the competition to determine what class they will pull in.

What Is Dog Weight Pulling?

A Brief History of Weight Pull Competitions

In the past, strong dogs pulled carts and sleds to help transport supplies. Weight pull dates back to the 1890’s gold rush in Alaska. Dogs were more effective than animals like horses because they were able to work and pull in extreme weather conditions. Gold miners would have informal competitions to see how much weight their dogs could pull. Now, a competitive sport for companion dogs Weight Pull keeps alive the memory of the important work that dogs did from delivering mail, and hauling supplies and equipment for minors and communities in the north. Weight Pull as a sport became formalized in the 1970s and continues to grow in popularity today with dogs of all breeds.

Basic introduction to Weight Pull (Alaskan Malamutes)

Why Dogs Compete in Weight Pull Today

While weight pull seems simple, just attach a dog to a cart and ask them to pull. In reality, a lot of obedience training, strength training, and conditioning goes into preparing dogs to compete in Weight Pull. Just jumping into the sport without proper training and conditioning can be dangerous and lead to injuries. Before getting started with Weight Pull it’s a good idea to work with an experienced trainer who can help you to introduce your dog to the equipment and pulling. They will also be able to help you slowly introduce weight to your dog’s pulls.

Equipment Needed for Weight Pulling

The most important piece of equipment your dog will need to compete in Weight Pull is an appropriately fitted harness.

Proper Harnesses for Weight Pull Dogs

For Weight Pull, dogs should be utilizing appropriately fitted harnesses that are designed for pulling. Dog harnesses when properly fitted, allow dogs to pull heavy loads while evenly and appropriately distributing the weight. These harnesses are designed to encourage a dog to pull, and allow for full range of motion, and allow dogs to safely and comfortably pull.

Watch an example of dog weight pull

Weight Carts, Sleds, and Surfaces

Weight pulling harnesses provide extra padding around a dog's neck and chest to provide comfort during heavy pulls, which also helps prevent injuries. Weight pull carts are lightweight, well-balanced wagons designed to be easy for dogs to pull. The carts are lightweight to avoid adding extra weight beyond the weights being added for competition.

Safety Gear for Dogs and Handlers

When training and competing in weight pull with your dog there is not a strict dress code, but practicality is important. Handlers should wear weather-appropriate and comfortable clothing that allows you to walk, run, bend over and kneel alongside your dog.

For UPF competition, all dog pulls are 60 seconds in length. The timing starts when the handler calls or motions their dog or the dog starts to move forward. Dogs and handlers can have five minutes to rest between rounds. Dogs cannot be treated or baited during the pull itself, but treats and water are permitted during the handler area. If a dog is endangered by a tangle in the line "a tangle" will be called and fixed with the cart repositioned on the start line. The safety of all dogs participating is always the number one priority and performance-enhancing drugs are not permitted in UPF pulls.

Preparing Your Dog for Weight Pull

Weight pull tests a dog’s strength, and endurance as well as their socialization and basic obedience.

Is My Dog Suitable for Weight Pulling?

Dogs of any breed or mixed breed can compete in Weight Pull competitions. Working breeds, and especially those breeds with a history of sled pulling and draft work excel at the sport. This includes Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, and bully breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers and American Bullies excel in the sport. Their natural athleticism, strength, and drive to pull.

Veterinary Checks and Physical Fitness

Because weight pull is a physically demanding high impact sport it’s important for dogs to be healthy and physically sound. Puppies should not be involved in weight pull as their joints must be physically developed first. If you want to get involved in weight pulling with your dog, schedule a veterinary appointment for a full physical and health check.

Building Obedience and Social Skills

Talk with your dog’s veterinarian about your plans to get involved in the sport before starting to train.

• When to start training your puppy
• How to leash train your puppy
• How much should I feed my dog?

How to Train a Dog for Weight Pull

When starting to train your dog to get involved in Weight Pull like any other sport we want to start slow, and always utilize positive reinforcement training techniques.

Step-by-Step Beginner Training

1. Introduce your dog to the appropriately fitted harness making sure they are comfortable wearing it.

2. Introduce light weights and offer lots of praise and rewards to your dog for pulling.

3. Take lots of breaks! Weight Pull is strenuous for dogs, and they can tire easily.

4. Slowly, over time, under the guidance of an experienced trainer, add weight to your dog's pulls.

How to train your dog for weight pull (extensive guide here)

Focus on Obedience

Dogs participating in Weight Pull need to have solid obedience skills and manners. Practice basic skills like sit, stay, leash walking, and focus around distractions.

Building Strength & Endurance

Not only does Weight Pull test your dog’s strength, but it is also a measure of your dog’s overall physical fitness and endurance. In addition to strength training through weight pull we want to make sure our canine athletes are getting plenty of other conditioning exercises.

AKC Fit Dog Program
Dog food collection (for performance nutrition)

Getting Involved in the Weight Pull Community

Looking to get involved in weight pull with your dog? Check out the UPF events page for upcoming competitions near you.

Finding Local Clubs and Events

Attending these events is a great way to meet other competitors, as well as trainers, and have the opportunity to see weight pull up close.

Connecting with Trainers and Handlers

Getting involved in your local training groups and clubs is the best way to build up your skills as a Weight Pull handler and meet other people involved in the sport.

Final Thoughts: Why Try Weight Pull with Your Dog?

Weight Pull is a high energy sport providing an opportunity to bond with your dog, and channel your dog’s natural strength and athleticism. By providing your dog mental and physical enrichment through Weight Pull your dog can lead a more fulfilling life, and even reduce nuisance behaviors like excessive barking, digging and chewing that are frequently symptoms of boredom and dogs not getting enough physical or mental enrichment and exercise. Ensuring your dog is properly trained and conditioned can take time, but focusing on foundation training will help set your dog up to have a long and successful Weight Pull career. Embrace the journey and go at your dog’s pace, building up their understanding of the sport. Win or lose, when it comes to Weight Pull competitions, you are always leaving each show with the best dog at the end of your leash.