How to Pull Harnesses

Weight pulling with a harness is an effective and fun way to train and exercise a dog. Not only can your dog help you move loads around the house, it can also compete in weight pulling competitions once comfortable pulling harnesses. Harnesses are humane and appropriate for dogs of all sizes, even small dogs.

Things You'll Need

  • Harness
  • Leash
  • Small empty water bottle
  • 2 liter empty soda bottle
  • Light tow chain
  • Weights
  • Weight pull cart
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin harness instruction at a very young age, typically 12 to 16 weeks. Early introduction allows the dog to acclimate to the harness and become comfortable with it.

    • 2

      Attach something small and lightweight (like an empty water bottle) for it to pull once it is comfortable wearing its harness.

    • 3

      Attach something larger, like a 2-liter bottle or milk jug, for the dog to pull with its harness once it has become comfortable dragging the initial, lightweight item. Make the rope longer if your dog is getting scared by the noise, so the item is farther away.

    • 4

      Buy a quality weight pull harness once the dog is about 6 months old and walk your dog 20 or 30 yards per stretch during each training session, having it pull a light tow chain or small sled.

    • 5

      Work your dog every other day, adding a couple pounds of weight to its load until it pulls its body weight. Once your dog can pull its body weight for 20 to 30 yards, start doing shorter drags with more weight.

    • 6

      Begin your dog on a weight cart once it is good at doing shorter pulls with 1 1/2 times its body weight.