Pictures taken at an American Pit Bull Terrier dog show (weightpull and other stuff) - Page 2

elegy · 07-06-2005, 05:45 PM

what do you mean a dog isn't designed to pull? what do you think carting breeds are for? what about sled-pulling breeds?

i don't see how it's any different than any other sport out there. how constructive is, say, agility? lots of dogs get hurt in that sport but nobody says it's a bad sport. pulling is a great sport for bully breeds. it tests their spirit as well as their strength. a dog who is determined and motivated is going to do better than a dog who is quick to give up.

done correctly it's a great sport, lots of fun for the dog and the human, and like any other dog sport, promotes the bond between the dog and its owner. and like any other type of training or sport, it can be done in a way that's detrimental to the dog both spiritually and physically.

here's a good intro link on bully weight pull http://www.americanpitbullterrier.or...ht_pulling.htm

Pippinislove · 07-06-2005, 07:08 PM

Well said, Elegy!! I couldn't have put it better myself!!!

There are breeds bred (for years and years, generation after generation) to pull and cart. Huskies, Malamutes, and carting breeds. They have the conformation and personality to want to pull. Pit bull breeds weren't originally bred for pulling, but they were bred to be strong, muscular, athletic, and high drive/energy, which makes them very capable of being awesome at weight pull.

As long as they conditioned and properly trained, the dog is really in no harm. Sure, overtime when they are senior dogs they may have arthritis, but I'd rather a dog have had a lifetime of having fun working (which is what these dogs are, high drive working dogs) with some discomfort at the end of his or her life (which can be helped with pain meds), than have had a boring life doing nothing constructive to create a strong, lasting bond between both of us.

These dogs LIKE to pull, if they didn't they wouldn't have such enthusiasm and spirit. These dogs are excited and happy to be out working with their handlers. I suggest you go watch weightpull and SEE the dogs enjoying themselves before you say that it creates pain.

babyblue5290 · 07-06-2005, 07:47 PM

Elgy and Pippinislove said it very good!!
My husky's and malamutes LOVE pulling the sled!! They are soo happy and excited when they get to pull and I can't see them doing anything else. They love it! Their tails go a mile per minutes just seeing a harness!
I think having them do what they love would be a lot better than having them just sit around a house all day (not saying that's bad), but they were bred to be working dogs and that's what they love.

JackLover · 07-07-2005, 05:47 AM

I can understand a dog like a husky pulling better, its lots of dogs pulling a weight that's not as heavy, when a dog is older and gets arthritis because of something I asked it to do I would feel very bad about it. With agility a dog is jumping, foxes wolves and dogs jump when running and playing so it seems more natural. I guess I'm still not won over on this one, never mind. i dont think we have weight pulling in the UK do we?

mulroony · 07-07-2005, 06:12 AM

Just think of it as tug of war with a much better opponent. Both of my dogs love to play tug, and pull with great force when doing so. Granted this is a lot more weight, but I am not sure the difference is really that big. I mean when Jackson and Shelby are playing with each other and Jackson lays down and Shelby pulls him down the hall it has to be similar. (This is really funny to watch, and seeing how Jackson weighs 80+lbs quite a feat for Shelb)

I have to agree with Pippin that a few minor health problems later in life are worth a life time of fun. I know the stuff I do is going to hurt me later in life, (some of it already does; bad hips, knees, ankles, back, thumb, etc) that is ok because when I am older I will be able to look back and not feel like my life was wasted.

If a dog does not like to pull it most likely won't have too, (and wouldn't be any good anyways) so it is probably something they really enjoy. It has to be like trying to get a dog to fetch that does not enjoy it. It is just not going to happen, and if it does you will know it is no fun to them.

IceyBlueSibes · 07-07-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblue5290

Elgy and Pippinislove said it very good!!
My husky's and malamutes LOVE pulling the sled!! They are soo happy and excited when they get to pull and I can't see them doing anything else. They love it! Their tails go a mile per minutes just seeing a harness!
I think having them do what they love would be a lot better than having them just sit around a house all day (not saying that's bad), but they were bred to be working dogs and that's what they love.

I have to agree! As soon as I get my skates out, my girls go nuts! Howling and talking... they love it!

Weight pulling can be for just about any dog. As long as it is done responsibly and you do not push the dog, it can be a lot of fun!

I think what mulroony meant by an alternative to dog fighting, is a lot of your teenage "thugs" that want a pitbull to look "tough". So instead of fighting them and causing a lot of harm to their own dog, as well as others, they can use weightpull as a sense of giving them that big ego "My dog can pull # of pounds, can your dog beat that?" I believe it's a much more humane sport than dog fighting.

I bet you'd never think of your breed doing weightpull..

Special harnesses are made for the dogs doing weightpull.

And I just thought this was a neat picture...

SaydisMum · 07-07-2005, 12:01 PM

Aww that Jack look soo cute pulling that big ole' thing!

mulroony · 07-07-2005, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceyBlueSibes

I think what mulroony meant by an alternative to dog fighting, is a lot of your teenage "thugs" that want a pitbull to look "tough". So instead of fighting them and causing a lot of harm to their own dog, as well as others, they can use weightpull as a sense of giving them that big ego "My dog can pull # of pounds, can your dog beat that?" I believe it's a much more humane sport than dog fighting.

Thanks, that is exactly what I meant. I would imagine it is also beneficial because it would require a certain level of training these dogs so they can compete. If you want to bring them to the competition, there are lots of people and dogs around and they are not going to tolerate aggression. Where as previously, some of these dogs would have been used for dog fighting and been a hazard to society.

IceyBlueSibes · 07-07-2005, 12:20 PM

Yeah, I was just at IWPA's website, and they said dog fights are NOT tolerated.

I think it would give a better bond between the handler and dog. Because sadly enough when "kids" try to train these dogs to fight, they starve them, beat them, and just put them through hell (pardon my french). Weight pull requires the dog to be in sound health mentally and physically, and if any of the above force is used, it will just outright ruin the dog. So I think it is a really positive thing for the youths involved with pitbulls.

mulroony · 07-07-2005, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceyBlueSibes

Because sadly enough when "kids" try to train these dogs to fight, they starve them, beat them, and just put them through hell

The sad part is that these are kids training some of these dogs to fight (off topic I know, sorry) Saw quote from some 13yr olds who had been busted for fighting dogs and their reason was, basically because they were bored. These dogs mauling and killing each other was like taking a bike ride to most other kids. A lot of parents involved in dog fighting bring their children to the matches to "toughen" them up because it is not big deal.

JackLover · 07-07-2005, 05:34 PM

But that Jack looks so sad!

Pippinislove · 07-07-2005, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackLover

But that Jack looks so sad!

It looks DETERMINED. If the dog was really that sad it wouldn't perform well. Hurt dogs don't work (at least not well).

schnzrluv · 07-07-2005, 09:25 PM

I think pulling is a good thing. I LOVE seeing a working breed in action. You have to remember, that when you have a high energy/muscular breed they NEED a constructive way to release their energy. Let's say you have a husky, (I haven't ever so I'm no expert) If you didn't take it outside for a week to exersise, I'd bet lots of money it would become destructive. Instead of running or pulling that energy would go to tearing up furniture. I see it in my 14lb. schnauzer. If I neglect to take her on her daily walk(which is PLENTY of exersise along with fetch and other playing inside) She begins to pick things inside to ruin. As long as she has a way to get it out she is fine.

The bottom line is that we all know it is hard to force a dog to do anything they don't want to do. If pulling wasn't fun for them they would want no part of it.

Pippinislove · 07-07-2005, 10:01 PM

Exactly!! These are very high energy/high drive/muscular dogs and they need a constructive outlet. I'd rather it be a sport that MIGHT cause arthritis later in life than have a dog that destroys furniture or roams the neighborhood being a problem. Just jogging on pavement can cause joint problems from the constant pounding, people don't condemn THAT. Same with agility, jumping over jumps that are high compared to the dog himself is not something a dog would do daily, and the joints can take a pounding from the landing, yet it's a very popular sport.

Mellie · 07-07-2005, 10:01 PM

Ya' know, the record for weight pulling by a dog is held by a Saint Bernard.

If I had the proper knowledge and ability to train for weight pulling, I'd get Peanut into it on a minor level.
Besides pulling me on her leash

, Peanut used to pull her brother Jake in his river raft:

She loved it. And Jake never had to exert himself.

Great pictures. I wish more BSL believers would see such pictures of pits and kids snuggling.

07-06-2005, 05:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
elegy Pit Bull Junky Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 1,073 Rep Power: 112	what do you mean a dog isn't designed to pull? what do you think carting breeds are for? what about sled-pulling breeds? i don't see how it's any different than any other sport out there. how constructive is, say, agility? lots of dogs get hurt in that sport but nobody says it's a bad sport. pulling is a great sport for bully breeds. it tests their spirit as well as their strength. a dog who is determined and motivated is going to do better than a dog who is quick to give up. done correctly it's a great sport, lots of fun for the dog and the human, and like any other dog sport, promotes the bond between the dog and its owner. and like any other type of training or sport, it can be done in a way that's detrimental to the dog both spiritually and physically. here's a good intro link on bully weight pull http://www.americanpitbullterrier.or...ht_pulling.htm
	__________________ thank you to everyone who supported me during blogathon. i was able to raise $453.60 for pit bull rescue central!

07-06-2005, 07:08 PM	#17 (permalink)
Pippinislove My best friend is a DOG. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Computer chair Posts: 333 Rep Power: 77	Well said, Elegy!! I couldn't have put it better myself!!! There are breeds bred (for years and years, generation after generation) to pull and cart. Huskies, Malamutes, and carting breeds. They have the conformation and personality to want to pull. Pit bull breeds weren't originally bred for pulling, but they were bred to be strong, muscular, athletic, and high drive/energy, which makes them very capable of being awesome at weight pull. As long as they conditioned and properly trained, the dog is really in no harm. Sure, overtime when they are senior dogs they may have arthritis, but I'd rather a dog have had a lifetime of having fun working (which is what these dogs are, high drive working dogs) with some discomfort at the end of his or her life (which can be helped with pain meds), than have had a boring life doing nothing constructive to create a strong, lasting bond between both of us. These dogs LIKE to pull, if they didn't they wouldn't have such enthusiasm and spirit. These dogs are excited and happy to be out working with their handlers. I suggest you go watch weightpull and SEE the dogs enjoying themselves before you say that it creates pain.
	__________________ "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." -Albus Dumbledore

07-06-2005, 07:47 PM	#18 (permalink)
babyblue5290 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 251 Rep Power: 74	Elgy and Pippinislove said it very good!! My husky's and malamutes LOVE pulling the sled!! They are soo happy and excited when they get to pull and I can't see them doing anything else. They love it! Their tails go a mile per minutes just seeing a harness! I think having them do what they love would be a lot better than having them just sit around a house all day (not saying that's bad), but they were bred to be working dogs and that's what they love.
	__________________

07-07-2005, 05:47 AM	#19 (permalink)
JackLover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England Posts: 293 Rep Power: 71	I can understand a dog like a husky pulling better, its lots of dogs pulling a weight that's not as heavy, when a dog is older and gets arthritis because of something I asked it to do I would feel very bad about it. With agility a dog is jumping, foxes wolves and dogs jump when running and playing so it seems more natural. I guess I'm still not won over on this one, never mind. i dont think we have weight pulling in the UK do we?
	__________________ "Jack Russell Terriers are like potato chips one is never enough"

07-07-2005, 06:12 AM	#20 (permalink)
mulroony Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 2,100 Rep Power: 121	Just think of it as tug of war with a much better opponent. Both of my dogs love to play tug, and pull with great force when doing so. Granted this is a lot more weight, but I am not sure the difference is really that big. I mean when Jackson and Shelby are playing with each other and Jackson lays down and Shelby pulls him down the hall it has to be similar. (This is really funny to watch, and seeing how Jackson weighs 80+lbs quite a feat for Shelb) I have to agree with Pippin that a few minor health problems later in life are worth a life time of fun. I know the stuff I do is going to hurt me later in life, (some of it already does; bad hips, knees, ankles, back, thumb, etc) that is ok because when I am older I will be able to look back and not feel like my life was wasted. If a dog does not like to pull it most likely won't have too, (and wouldn't be any good anyways) so it is probably something they really enjoy. It has to be like trying to get a dog to fetch that does not enjoy it. It is just not going to happen, and if it does you will know it is no fun to them.
	__________________ Shelby (CGC), Jackson, Max, & Mackenzie (CGC) - My pups :) Pit Bull "Problem" Movie (Graphic)

07-07-2005, 12:01 PM	#22 (permalink)
SaydisMum Owned By Saydi the S.Bern Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 70 Rep Power: 0	Aww that Jack look soo cute pulling that big ole' thing!
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07-07-2005, 12:20 PM	#24 (permalink)
IceyBlueSibes Eyes = Mirror to the soul Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Jupiter, Fla. Posts: 7,828 Blog Entries: 1 Rep Power: 276	Yeah, I was just at IWPA's website, and they said dog fights are NOT tolerated. I think it would give a better bond between the handler and dog. Because sadly enough when "kids" try to train these dogs to fight, they starve them, beat them, and just put them through hell (pardon my french). Weight pull requires the dog to be in sound health mentally and physically, and if any of the above force is used, it will just outright ruin the dog. So I think it is a really positive thing for the youths involved with pitbulls.
	__________________ Sheiba, Denali, Ike, Nitro (Siberian Husky), Kelso (GSD x), Lugar (Boxer/Pit x), Willah (Shepherd/Husky x), Tibby, Cheech, Chong (Chihuahua), and any foster we have in the house! 9 Kitty cats!

07-07-2005, 05:34 PM	#26 (permalink)
JackLover Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England Posts: 293 Rep Power: 71	But that Jack looks so sad!
	__________________ "Jack Russell Terriers are like potato chips one is never enough"

07-07-2005, 09:25 PM	#28 (permalink)
schnzrluv Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 213 Rep Power: 79	I think pulling is a good thing. I LOVE seeing a working breed in action. You have to remember, that when you have a high energy/muscular breed they NEED a constructive way to release their energy. Let's say you have a husky, (I haven't ever so I'm no expert) If you didn't take it outside for a week to exersise, I'd bet lots of money it would become destructive. Instead of running or pulling that energy would go to tearing up furniture. I see it in my 14lb. schnauzer. If I neglect to take her on her daily walk(which is PLENTY of exersise along with fetch and other playing inside) She begins to pick things inside to ruin. As long as she has a way to get it out she is fine. The bottom line is that we all know it is hard to force a dog to do anything they don't want to do. If pulling wasn't fun for them they would want no part of it.

07-07-2005, 10:01 PM	#29 (permalink)
Pippinislove My best friend is a DOG. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Computer chair Posts: 333 Rep Power: 77	Exactly!! These are very high energy/high drive/muscular dogs and they need a constructive outlet. I'd rather it be a sport that MIGHT cause arthritis later in life than have a dog that destroys furniture or roams the neighborhood being a problem. Just jogging on pavement can cause joint problems from the constant pounding, people don't condemn THAT. Same with agility, jumping over jumps that are high compared to the dog himself is not something a dog would do daily, and the joints can take a pounding from the landing, yet it's a very popular sport.
	__________________ "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." -Albus Dumbledore

07-07-2005, 10:01 PM	#30 (permalink)
Mellie Springer/Saint Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Vermont Posts: 449 Rep Power: 100	Ya' know, the record for weight pulling by a dog is held by a Saint Bernard. If I had the proper knowledge and ability to train for weight pulling, I'd get Peanut into it on a minor level. Besides pulling me on her leash , Peanut used to pull her brother Jake in his river raft: She loved it. And Jake never had to exert himself. Great pictures. I wish more BSL believers would see such pictures of pits and kids snuggling.
	__________________ "One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him." -- Chinese Proverb Last edited by Mellie : 07-07-2005 at 10:06 PM.

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