Food & Weight Training

Weight pull training has been used for centuries to test the endurance and strength of sled dogs. Modernly, there are competitions in which dogs vie for titles and ranking. Weight pull dogs are performance athletes and require specialized diets in order to be at the top of their game.

  1. History

    • As long as there have been sled dogs, weight training has been a tool to develop their endurance and strength. Weight training initially started when there were organized races so handlers could show which dog was strongest.

    Function

    • The function of weight training is to develop strong muscles and extreme endurance. A dog that can pull 3,000 lbs. a short distance can run exceptionally long distances with 30 lbs. There is a sport aspect to weight training as well. Competitions rank dogs as strongest and see which dog will make a better freight dog or wheel dog. Wheel dogs are placed directly next to the sled and provide the brute force to move the sled.

    Training

    • The dog must first learn to accept a weight-pulling harness. This harness evenly distributes weight and provides the low leverage a dog needs to move the maximum amount of weight. Weight training begins with light weights and progresses until the dog is pulling a heavy weight long distances or an extremely heavy weight short distances. Trainers should never use treats in training, as they aren't allowed in competition or while running a trail.

    Nutritional Needs

    • A weight pull dog's nutritional needs are drastically different from that of a family pet. Weight pullers are strength athletes, much like human body builders. They give short, intense bursts of movement that can't be sustained for long periods of time. The majority of their calories needs to come from high-quality protein and fat sources. At least 30 percent of their diet needs to be protein and 20 percent of it fat. The rest of their diet needs to be derived from high-quality carbohydrates. Carbs provide the quick-acting energy needed for the short, intense exertion.

    Providing Nutrition

    • Feed your weight pull dog an extremely high-quality, performance dog food. Supplement his meal with supplements for working dogs in order to ensure he gets enough fat and protein. Alternatively, use olive oil and cooked meats to provide additional nutrients. Your dog will need a significant increase in portion size during competition season or active training. Determining the necessary portion will be trial and error. If your dog is losing weight or performing poorly, increase the amount he's eating.