WP Question

Kel or Heather. Does the organization you were talking about this past week have a website? I want to look at events that have the novice class. Thanks!

All of their events should offer Novice. They even allow dogs to pull novice at their Nationals!

Their website is: http://www.weightpull.com/

They are similar to UAD in that they are a very open to all, friendly type of organization. They like to have the sport available to anyone and everyone.

Very cool. Thanks! This may be on the docket for later this year. I am trying to get Phoenix finished in the UKC show ring before taking on any new ventures! :-)

Kel

Can you reccomend a good harness for wp? I have looked at all the websites but do not know enough about the sport to know what kind of harness to get and where to get it. I would love get a few of my houla involved in this

Not sure where you're from, but I'm pretty sure Kel is going to recommend Beth Edge Either she'll chime in with the contact info or I can also figure that out for you. Maybe Angela has it on hand if she reads this....

I am hoping to have a few classes either starting this winter or early spring at Currys Family Pet Care. I will post when I get more info.

I'm in Central GA and contacted a weight pull team in Ga and was basically told to figure it out on my own.

Okay well she's from MI, but I'd be glad to get you in touch with Beth Edge....not sure about shipping or how long it would take though. I'm sure Kel will have some better ideas!

That stinks about the GA club! Not very typical of the wpull groups I know... all of them have been very nice. I'll see if I can find anyone else more local for you.

For carting/sled/or weight pull training (light) harnesses, I would definitely recommend Beth Edge in Grand Rapids, MI. She can ship and do measurements over the phone or through mail. She makes nice harnesses that are very affordable. I could have sworn I had Beth's number saved on my cell... but I guess not. My mom has it though, so she can either post it here herself or I'll call and get it from her.

As for a heavier weight, competition size harness, I would recommend Missy Kehler in PA. She makes some very nice harnesses, and also can add quite a few neat extras. She can also put on neoprene padding under the fleece, which I MUCH prefer to a "wrapped" style harness (which is foam padding wrapped in electrical tape... not as soft against the dog, needs re-taping every so often, and rubs more...). Her website is here: http://www.alaskandream.org/

My recommendation would be to go ahead and get one of Beth's carting style harnesses to start out with and use for training. It is definitely worth it and you will continue to use it even after getting a fancy one for events.

Another popular harness maker is Carol. Her website is here: http://www.harnessesbycarol.com/index.html

I prefer Missy's, though... again because of the neoprene/fleece, rather than the wrapped style that Carol tends to use more. Some people prefer the wrapped, just not me. Just figure out what you think will work best for you and your dogs.

If you need info on training or anything else, let me know.

Beth Edge's # 616-784-2919.
She will probably be busy- but maybe not (her family is into mushing big time). She does not have a website. Most of her work is done for family, mushing and dog-carting friends and 4-Hers.
You just call her, she can explain what measurements she needs and you can explain what your preferences are.

Cool Thanks!!! I have read a lot about how to train and can get them use to the harness and the idea of pulling by myself, but when it comes to adding a load I would really like to have someone that knows what they are doing to help. If you screw up with a houla you don't always get a 2nd chance. THey are not very forgiving.

Yup... weight pull is definitely a "be sure to find and use a helper" sport. It's very hard to train, watch your dog, work with them, watch the cart, and especially stop the cart if you're by yourself! If you're just doing drag weight or working with a shafted cart/wagon, no big deal. Otherwise, definitely have someone to help control/move/stop the cart.