Yesterday me and my husband went to the dog show to check things out. First time ever for the both of us. Very exciting. Had to leave the girls behind because they have been having really bad upset tummies. But anyways one thing that really caught my eye was the weight pulling contest. I am really considering in getting my girls into it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take any pictures. But one of my favorite rescues was there Texas Alaskan malamute rescue. So I took some of there pictures to share with you.

This little guy was the winner he pulled 2,200 pounds!



This is a Mally that was able to pull the most out of his breed



I unfortunately didn't see any huskies in this tournament.

Awesome trophies! Great pics too I weight pull 2 of my dogs, possibly starting a third this fall, it's a lot of fun! Dakota earned a silver medal in his weight class this past year and should get his WD title this year, very excited for my 'old' guy

That is awesome!!! How exciting!!! You have any tips you do not mind sharing so I can get them ready? How to properly get them to come to you when pulling that much weight? I know you have to have good recall wit them. But thats all I got lol Micole is still pretty young, she is only 7 months and don't wanna risk her getting hurt. But Sophia is completely ready. She turns 3 in November. I would love to get her involved!

Dakota has really good recall and I think that's helped a ton.  Also he's a big people pleaser, so when we found his 'trigger' word was YES it just clicked-  Yes turned into dig in pull hard it's what makes momma happy!  Denali's motivational word is "Are You Ready?  Let's Go" the same command we use at the start of all our runs and races.  Some people use "hike"....the key is finding something that motivates your dog Lots of love and excitement for them once they get across the line and it's legal to touch them. You can be disqualified for crossing the line toward your dog and touching the dog before they've crossed the finish line. From there the fact they're experienced in harness and used to hearing noise coming behind them from the sled or cart helped them adapt to the weight pulling cart easier.  That has been the one thing I've noticed with novice dogs, the noise of the cart freaks them out if they aren't used to it.  I've heard suggestions like have them pull a milk jug loaded with sand or an old tire to get them used to resistance and noise.  With Denali I had to put a leash on him at first at the practice trials, and give him an encouraging tug to get him started, then it was dropping the leash as soon as he started to pull, then it was no leash at all.  They pick up the expectations really quickly so I was able to basically train him within a couple tries.  I only pull males right now, but if your females are intact you will not be allowed to be in the competition with in season bitches. Just heads up Purchasing a freight harness is a must if you don't have access to a club that will let you borrow one- I got mine off of craigslist but Nordkyn makes nice ones and not too expensive.

Sophia is a really good people pleaser as well, and obeys me more than anyone. I will have to say she is attached to my hip 24/7. Will do anything I tell her. Dog noises do not bother her at all. But that is a really good idea on her carrying milk jugs behind her. I will start doing that with her. O no, I don't take her anywhere if she is in heat. I can't. She is a very different dog and can get too aggressive. Only in heat, when she is off she is so sweet and very loving. Micole (7 month puppy) she just got spayed. So she is no longer intact. Ya, I was looking at IWPA, they do not have a training center close to me. So a harness is a must. Thank you very much for the advise.

How much can your male pull right now??

Dakota's highest weight last season was 850lbs- Keeping in mind he is a 9 year old novice in the sport I'm thrilled!  This will be his last year so I will retire him once the season is over.  I would like to at least get his WD before then.  He needs just one more qualifying pull to get it done.  In comparison to the Gold medalist Siberian in our area who pulled 1120lbs last year.

That is awesome!!! I bet you are thrilled! I would be as well! O my goodness, that would be awesome if he got his WD entitlement this year! O I am excited for you! WOW, 1,120 pounds. That is a lot.