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Basically these competitions are to see whose dog is the strongest. Can pull the most amount a certain distance in the best time.
"There is more than just strength involved in weight pulling
competitions, especially the winter events. To pull a weighted
sled over frozen terrain involves first "breaking out" the
runners from the ice. Depending on the weather conditions on any
given day, the sled may be "sticky" or it may slide rather
easily. A good strategy is to have your dog pull to the right or
left, to break out the runners, then to keep it moving, once the
runners are free, so they don't get "stuck" again" 1
A dog must always pull past the finish line to keep up his self-esteem and the fun of the pull. If you�re dog looks like he's not going to make it, help him pull/push the load over the finish line so he "wins". He may not place because of it, but at least he's still having fun and feels like he's accomplished something!
A lot of training is involved to get your dog pulling correctly and effectively. If you decide to start your dog in weight pulling, get all the information you can find and study as much as possible. Information is the key to dog training. Once you have learned all you believe you need, start looking for a trainer in your area who specializes in weight pulling. You may also decide to train on your own, there are many experienced dog owners out there and many message boards you can take part in to have any questions you may have answered, they will most likely be more then willing to help you get started.
"Good weight pulling technique involves keeping the body low to
the ground, and applying all of the strength horizontally. Many
dogs get frustrated when faced with a weight that they can't
easily budge, and they begin leaping into the air, throwing
themselves into the pull. This might help to break the runners
free, but it won't get the sled into the forward momentum it
needs to maintain movement." 1
Any dog can take part in Weight Pulling. From the smallest of the small, to the largest of the large, there are all sorts of categories to enter your dog in. Mutts to purebreds, they can all do it. The most common dogs in this sport however, are usually the Bully Breeds, and larger breed dogs.
For more information on Weight Pulling, check out your favorite search engines and type in "DOGS: Weight Pulling Information". There are couples good dog-based search engines on the side menu. Feel free to check them out.
1. All About Dog Weight Pulling
Article supplied by Dog Scouts of America