Weight pull this weekend in Leslie

This was on the old forum, but I was wondering who was going to come to
the pull this weekend, and what day, so we can be there when you are.

Jim

Sunday, in all likelihood. I have to work Saturday. Not sure if we will be competing or not. Depends on how much training we can get in this week. This is a snow pull, right?

If Aro were ready for pulling big weights again, I'd enter him... but I don't want to push him after his injury. So, entering Jack is a maybe, along with Baako. Scot isn't ready yet. Either way, I'll at least come out to watch and chat.

yes it is a snow pull

HI Jim
I am quite sure that Sterling and Fernando will be there (for sure on Sat). He needs only 5 more points to get two more Weight Pull Titles added to his name!!

Is a Weight pull the same as dogs pulling sleds? Just wondering, because this past weekend, they had a sled race in Abingdon, VA.

Here is the link to the article:
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2008-01-20-0011.html

I thought it was pretty cool...

I considered bringing Mason, his harness isn't in yet, but perhaps this week. He's not conditioned or anything, I just want to give him a go and see if he likes it at all. Is it possible to come and practice/learn and not compete?

Hmm, maybe I'll come and watch on Saturday if the weather's not too bad. Jim, do you mind posting event location and times for everyone?

Is this a UKC weight pull? I can't seem to find it listed on the UKC site.

Sorry I sound clueless when it comes to UKC weight pull---b/c I am!! I don't work in the dog events department so I'm a little lacking in that area. The only dog events I work on at UKC is helping to develop the dockjumping program.

Does anyone know if they let people try it at this event or is it a pre-registered event?

Sara - all
when Fernando got started we were at a conformation show and Sterling asked if his dog could try. He asked an owner with about the same size dog as Fernando to borrow his harness. Depending on what club is running the event they will sometimes let newbies practise/try after a 'pull' is over. I would dare bet that Sterling would let someone/anyone use his harness to give it try- after all that is how he started. He, BTW made Fernando's harness - he is a sail maker by trade and is very handy with sewing. His harness looks just like the store bought ones! Anyway I would go if you are interested and talk with Sterling - tell him I sent you - I know he will help. This is a snow pull so it might be a little different than a pull on wheels so you may not get a real 'feel' for if your dog will like it or not. Hope you have fun

Snow pulls are a bit harder than rails or wheels... but if you want to try it, I would ask about doing so after, rather than during, the competition... there are minimum starting weights and to hook a dog up who has never pulled before to a couple hundred or more pounds is going to be kinda discouraging to them. Also, it's generally best to start a new dog by pulling a dead weight behind them YOURSELF first while they wear the harness with nothing attached. Some dogs get really upset/nervous about how something is suddenly dragging behind them, making noise, and they can't get away. Thus, if you're dragging it, there's more control and less risk involved. It just help ensure that they're not going to be worried about it before you hook them up. I've had some dogs who couldn't have cared less... and others who were very concerned about it at first.

HOWEVER... I will bring two small dead weights (about 5 lbs each), a motorcycle tire, and a full-size tire along with me if anyone wants to try starting their dogs out. I only have large harnesses though... so if your pup is small, you'll need to ask to borrow one from someone else there. Still, anyone who would like to borrow any of the above to give it a try is welcome to it!

Here's the event info:

MICHIGAN
MID WEST WEIGHT PULLERS
LESLIE (I) WPULL
Jan 26; Robin Clark (Karen Ryder backup) WPULL Snow-A Entries 8-8:30 am Pull 9:00 am
Jan 27; Robin Clark (Karen Ryder backup) WPULL Snow-A Entries 8-8:30 am Pull 9:00 am
DOS $25; Jr Handler $7; PE $18 received by January 20, 2008
Burning Tree Farm II, 11625 Dutch Rd
From North, Take 127 S to Bellvue Rd. Turn East towards Leslie. At
first stop light turn South onto Hull Rd. After approx. 1 mile, Hull
Rd. will turn sharply to the left and become Olds Rd. Follow Olds Rd.
thru three stop signs. After 3rd stop sign approx. .8 miles, turn South
onto Dutch Rd and follow 1.5 miles to the farm on East side of Road.
From South: Take 127 North to Berry Rd, turn East go to 4 way stop,
turn North onto Lansing Ave. Follow for approx. 2 miles, turn East onto
Territorial Rd, follow for .8 miles and turn North onto Dutch Rd. Farm
is .3 miles on East side of road.
Chairperson: Barb Bradley
Event Secretary: Peg Ash Sturtz, 7186 N Clio Road, Mt Morris MI 48458 (810) 397-9152 pegstorm@umflint.edu

To access it on your own, go to ukcdogs.com, and click on "events." Then, click on "upcoming events." You'll then have a listing, by state, of upcoming events within upcoming months.

here is a really good article about training
http://www.harnessesbycarol.com/WEIGHT%20PULL%20TRAINING.pdf


thanks Kel for posting the info. If Kel is going to bring some weights the I think Karen won't mind if you try it out side the barn. She has 35 acres.
We ordered harnesses,but we are 36th&37th in line so it looks like it might be a few weeks before we get them :-(
I watched the practicing last week and it is hard to get the sled moving on snow so it might discourage your dog.
also you should really work up slowly in weight.

Jim