Training Dogs to Pull
There are many aspects to training dogs to pull. Probably the
most fundamental is *start young*. Get a puppy used to its
harness, just as you would a collar and leash. But, don't
start your pup on pulling things until they are at least 6
months old, and the only very light objects. As your
pup gets older you can gradually increase the load. Start
out with a small 2x4 (6 inches long) and let it drag the 2x4
around behind its harness for a while. The emphasis is NOT on
weight, just on having fun dragging a VERY LIGHT weight behind
it. It is important to realize that one can injure a puppy's
bones, structure, and spirit by doing too much!
To train adult dogs, or continue the puppy training as an adult,
is relatively simple. Some dogs are natural pullers, others are
not. Some dogs take right to the harness the first time, and
other dogs, even ones from reputable breeders, may take
extensive training. You just never know. It is vital to get the
dog to lean out and keep the line between it and you taut. Some
dogs have a real problem with this, others do not.
For problem dogs, the cause usually is due to the dog not liking
you to be behind it. If you do have trouble, there are a variety
of methods you can use. As long as you make training a fun game,
and you make the dog understand what you want it to do, training
will progress quickly, even for stubborn dogs, like Siberians.
Fortunately, they LIKE to pull, so their stubbornness is not a
problem here. Sometimes getting them to STOP pulling is!
Some mushers feel that it is best to train dogs to pull lots of
weight, then speed comes naturally in a race without the weight.
Others feel that speed and endurance training is best. Still
others feel that a combination works best, similar to the
combination training for the musher. Training for speed and
endurance by mushing shorter distances at top speed and up hills
is beneficial. Loping along at 3 or 4 miles an hour for 15 or 20
miles is also beneficial. Both of these build strength and
endurance. Pulling heavy weight for short distances is also
quite good, particularly for wheel dogs (the ones hitched
closest to the sled).
Whichever method you use, remember to take it easy with your
dogs and not push them to hard, and never, NEVER, lose your
temper with your dogs. Remember that this is supposed to be fun
for both you and the dogs. |
|
