Question for the dog owners?

Question

i turned around and was looking at my dog, shes sittin their looking up at her pulling harness like shes wanting to go to work..anyways im bored just figured i would see if anyone else is into pulling or any kind of sport/job with their dog? if so what? and with what breed? or if you dont agree with pulling or working dogs you can say your opinion.

Answer 1

I'm all for jobs and sports for dogs.

Nothing can be better for dogs than getting out and doing something to stretch their muscles and get them thinking.  It's also building a stronger bond with their owners, and making them better pets.

I thought pulling was sort of sweet.

Everyone cheers for the dog, and when they get to their weight limit and can't pull anymore, the human helps them so they think they win every time.

I thought that was kind of nice.

Answer 2

Never heard of such a thing, where do I sign up my pup?!!!  Is it only for Pitts!

He needs more to do and he is double jointed and so agile for his size I amazed.

He is only 9 months and Artic/Timber amd Malamute/husky 117lb.

When we walk he hold the leash handle and I hold the leash..silly dog. But he prances and I feel he is returning the favor. I walk him in the am and he walks me in the pm..

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^...

Thx Sara ..just what I have been thinking of for him, he is amazing and does anythng to please.

Any special feeding to bulk up and make him stronger?  Any suggestions, age?

Thanks gobs!

Answer 3

Well, cool thing is, I have 4 Rotties. I modified a utility cart (similar to a wagon) And being I have severe arthritis in my knees it makes it difficult to walk much, so I get them two at a time and they pull me around the block a couple times. They love it. Works for both of us. I get to relax and they get to work.

Answer 4

Sarah,

    Working dogs are bred to do what they are meant to do.  That's why herding dogs will herd their owner, the cats, or the kids in a household.  They aren't getting paid or encouraged to do it, but they still do.  That's why sled dogs get so wound up and bark like crazy.  They really love doing what they are bred to do.  It's in their genetics.  I'm sure you know all this though.

  

    Mine are mutts.  Lab/GS mix.  I don't know what they'd prefer to do, but they lose their minds if I even touch a leash.  They love going on a walk, and don't care about the leash.  They also love to dig so I don't stop them.  I just made sure they can't dig out of the yard.

   Actually, the thing  mine are good at, and the reason I got them, is for security.  They also lose their minds if anyone tries to get in the yard without permission.  I don't need it so much, but they are protective of me.  Mainly - they hear better, and sleep lighter, which I do need them for.  Nothing happens around here without me knowing about it because my dogs tell me (through their behavior).  

-Kevin

Answer 5

schutzhund

tracking-obedience-protection

great sport

ck out pics of my red nose @ yourdogtrainer.net

Answer 6

i have 2 that i am hoping to do wp with, we are conditioning first, to see what i will be working with....

i have a pup that has awesome agility potential, and i am waiting to do some bitework with her....

my Maya died a few days ago, she was going to her first flyball classes...

Answer 7

Dog pulling can be beneficial to your dog...I would look into it if I were you.

Answer 8

yup! my pups are workers. toby does field and hunting and right now he's getting trained for tracking, and mickie is more into retrieving ducks and waterfowl, we shoot she gets hehe that dang dog sure loves the water. oh and they're goldens :)

Answer 9

We have a 3 month old retriever.  We got him to train him to be a therapy dog for our severely autistic son.  It isn't exactly retrieving but our son will throw/kick balls until he is exhausted...the puppy has already won him over because he (the puppy) will fetch until he is exhausted. We got very lucky with the disposition of this puppy, our son has always disliked animals with 1 exception - my dad's rotweiler but they had to put him down a few months ago.  It took about half an hour of fetch for this puppy to win our son over.  We won't train the dog to retrieve in a hunting sense simply because we don't hunt (not that we are opposed to it, we just don't do it).  I believe all dogs should have some type of "work" to keep them from being bored.

Answer 10

It is a good way to give the dogs a job and release excess energy. I dont do it with mine, but I did put both leads on my neices push chair (sounds silly i know, but they were killing my arms!) and they loved it they didnt pull hard as they are good with kids and I held the push chair too.

Answer 11

no opinion. but i have an english bull terrier and i was thinking on getting him into pulling or a sport.. you hav any links or anything, you should email me. im intrested in those events.

Answer 12

I for one think it is great, the dogs need the exercise and if trained properly is good for them..

a working dog should not just be bought, tossed the back yard, or made to just sit around.

good luck, this is terrific, sure your dogs will love it, loved the websites you posted.....

Answer 13

putting a dog to work is mentally stimulating, and im sure it is a TON of fun for them. Thats cool, I've never heard of it before. Learn something new every day!

Our guide dogs love to work. You put that harness on them and they are ready to go. They have great lives, and when they retire, they are given to a loving family. Usually these families wait up to 5 years to get a retired guide, so you know they will give it all the love it needs!

EDIT: Yes, I agree. Siting on the couch is bad! These dogs should do what they are bred to do, and what they do best!