This program, also known as LUG-NUTS and developed by Sue Sternberg, is a
Training Wheels program that organizes and hosts informal weight-pulling
contests. For some owners, dog fighting or sparring is often the only
"sport" they see. Weight pulling has all the elements of dog fighting -
excitement, competitiveness, machismo, and the thrill - but none of the
violence, bloodshed or cruelty. Weight pulling is an antidote to dog
fighting.
Plastic children's snow sleds are loaded with bags of dog food. Dogs
are hooked to the sled with a dogsled line and wear padded pulling harnesses.
The most gifted weight-pulling dogs are the "muscle" and "bull" breeds and their
mixes - however, any dog may enter the contest, providing it has a current
rabies vaccination and has not bitten anyone in the past. All dogs must be
kept leashed at all times and kept at a safe distance from other dogs. A
dog cannot be forced to pull. A good relationship, a strong bond and a
strong dog are often all that is required. Hot dogs are offered as lures
for the owners to encourage the dog to move forward. Dogs must pull their
weighted sled a distance of 16 feet and are given two minutes to complete their
pull. The dog who pulls the most weight in relationship to his own weight
is the winner, thus allowing smaller dogs to compete against larger dogs.
Cash prices are awarded for first, second and third places. Cash prices
are doubled if the winner is sterilized, and access to free spaying and
neutering is offered. All dogs are rewarded with a toy or treat for their
participation.
See DOG FANCY magazine, November 2006, page 38, for an article about
LUG-NUTS and the STRONGEST DOG ON THE BLOCK Quincy program.
WEIGHT
PULL CONTESTS
