How to Train a Pit Bull for Weight Pulling

The Pit Bull is a powerful, muscular, low-built dog that looks like it was made to pull. In fact, Pit Bulls do love to pull. They are eager workers and love to please their people, and so pulling is an activity that they enjoy. Because pulling a cart or weight expends energy while still requiring a good deal of self-control, this is a great training tool for the energetic and sometimes impulsive Pit Bull. A Pit Bull in harness knows there is a job to do and will learn to focus on doing that job. This teaches self-control, which is one of the most important skills for a powerful breed dog like the Pit Bull to achieve. 

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. 

While the Pit Bull is generally a sturdy, powerful breed, some Pit Bull are prone to back injury. Have your dog checked by your vet to make sure your best friend won't hurt herself in your new activity. Pit Bulls are so willing to please many will not hesitate to suffer pain and injury for their human, without even seeming it feel it. For this reason, it is especially important that your loyal friend is healthy enough to undertake training. 

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. 

Most Pit Bull parents learn that their dog is more than willing to pull, pretty much any chance they get. The challenge with Pit Bulls more about reining in their love of pulling than in encouraging pulling. If your dog doesn't seem to get the idea, you can use a toy or food motivator to get her going. It is often best to start with your dog wearing the harness and you providing the resistance so that your dog learns the feel of the harness pulling without the sense of something being dragged behind and attached to her. Once she is very comfortable with the harness you can move towards pulling a light weight or cart. 

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.