I have a German Shepherd, and a German Shepherd/Husky mix.. I would like to get them both into weight pulling.. Not real aggressive or large amounts of weight, just enough to maybe harness them to a cart or wagon to help pull things around the yard here and there...

Both of them have been taught not to pull on the leash.. So when I connect a harness to them, any weight over about 5 lb they just stop and will not try to pull.

How would I go about getting them to start pulling?

Both dogs are about 4 years old, is this too old to start the training?

I don't believe in 'too old' for training Not every dog has working drive though. The best advise I can offer is start by associating harnesses with fun and positive work. All of my dogs are trained to not pull on lead in collar but it's a different story when the harnesses come out. Star by harnessing your dog and attach to some weight (just enough to add resistance to the line), get in front of your dog with some sort of reward, treat, toy, whatever will drive them to come to you...you can give them a little forward tug on the harness to start the forward movement if they are stead fast. Once they come to you, praise, give them the reward, and go from there, you will be able to add weight once they get over the idea of being able to overcome the resistance they feel in the line. It may be a long process but be patient

Thanks! I really do hope I can get Brandy interested in pulling. She isn't interested in toys and wont play fetch (typical husky!) But she does love to run so maybe get her pulling will be something interactive we can get her to do.

I'll start working with her and keep updates on how shes doing.

Are you using a freight harness or another style? For pulling loads you should be using a freight harness to distribute the weight appropriately

I actually currently have an X-back racing harness. But I haven't even gotten them to pull at all with it.. It should function to get them used to the resistance? I will for sure get a freight harness before I put any real weight on it.

It will work, but do get a freight harness when you are able

Any suggestions on brand/style?

The one I got was second hand Nordkyn and I've been really happy with it. But there are a million different options out there

http://www.nordkyn.com/models.htm#frwt

The folks at Nordyk are great. I'm getting their puppy harness to train with pulling, and already have a stuffed koi toy on a string. They recommended a milk jug filled with some gravel for training to pull, and with one person baiting and one behind them with the lead teaching left, right, stop, etc.

It seems once your dogs get going and feeling their energy being utilized and drained, they'll learn to love it.