How to Train a Pit Bull for Weight Pulling
Introduction
A Pit Bull without a job to do may become destructive or act out against other dogs or people. Pit Bulls feel the drive to be helpful, and if they are not given something useful to do they may make up their own job, which is not likely a job you are going to like. The powerful jaws and muscular neck of a Pit Bull can make quick work of your couch or even your door. A Pit Bull who learns her job is to be strong and reliable for you when she is out pulling will be happy to nap on your sofa between work sessions.
Defining Tasks
While Pit Bull compete in power pull events in which they dislodge and pull hundreds of pounds, this is a professional canine athletic activity that only very experienced trainers and dogs should undertake. Start slowly with light weights and short sessions until your dog builds strength. If your Pit Bull is under two years of age, don't build up weight until bones and muscles are fully developed. Even puppies can pull light weights and carts, but never cause young dogs to strain into pulling.
Getting Started
Pit Bulls are prone to overheating due to their short nose, so be careful that your sessions are short and your dog can drink plenty of water, especially if your dog has an especially squat face.
The Start with Cart Method
The Pull Me Method
The Increasing Weight Method
Written by Coral Drake
Published: 04/20/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Sariel
Hello
We are train 9-10 months with light weights on longer trips, ca 3 km. Started with ca 3 kg, now we add ca 2 kg more. I am wonder how/when shall I add weights (can see so he is not so much tired after training). I am also wondering if method with shorter trip and bigger weights is perhaps better? I will be grateful for information.
823 Dog owners recommended
Hello Piotra, When to add weights depends a lot on how often you are training and how he is responding If you are training at least 2-4 times per week, then you will be able to increase weights faster because he will be building muscle faster, but watch him. When the current weights are easy for him and he is not very tired after the training, then increase it again gradually I don't suggest training more than 4 times per week though because muscles need a chance to repair between weight training - typically 1-2 days between weight training let's the muscles rebuild. Less weighs and long distance vs. more weight and shorter distance are both good but can build slightly different things. It might be worth doing both. Practice with less for longer 1-2 days per week and practice with more weight for shorter distances 1-2 days per week. Watch him carefully to make sure you are not overexerting him though. When in doubt it's better to go slower and ease into it. Look into how people weight train and prevent injury during the process. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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He pulls me all the time I take him out
823 Dog owners recommended
Hello Carlos, I also recommend working on teaching heeling. Check out the Turns method from the article linked below. The weights could be a great addition to wear pup out sooner. Always check with your vet about weight training and start with lighter weights first, allowing pup to work up to heavier like a person at a gym would do, gaining muscles to support weights safely through practice before getting heavy. Turns: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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