JacksTheDog
Well-Known Member
I have never been exposed directly to weight pulling and was wondering if it has any health benefits or concerns? Does it help the dogs develop a stronger build? How hard is it on the hips joints etc....?
You want to avoid straining a young dog (and I don't know that I'd compete that young for just that reason), but its very good for building muscle, and some dogs seem to enjoy it.
And if anyone tells you that by weight pulling with a mastiff under 2 you'll kill their hips tell them to go climb a tree. We weight pulled with Apollo starting at 6 months (and him pulling a solid 250lbs), and off and on since, and his hips were just rated OFA Excellent!
Harness
Making one is NOT the way to go bc you want to make sure you have a spreader bar, this distributes weight on the dog properly
The instructions I linked to give specific instructions on how to place the spreader bar......its not even hard assuming you're reasonably handy in the first place
looks good!! I have guys at work whos job it is to fabricate stuff for us so I think Ill get them to construct me a harness for pulling ill do some home work on the specs. Thanks!