Too soon?

[Dax]

Ariel turns 1 next week. She's about 110 lbs. So here is the question, normally Rotti's don't start pull training until after 2 because of stress on forming muscles and joints. They get the harnesses, etc but no pulling.

I am considering starting the training to get her to pull. I thought I would start with an empty sled on the snow. Maybe adding a little weight later on.

I think she can easily handle the training plus it might help get that jelly belly under control.

So should I do it?

[eXile]

Hey Dax It seems your eager to start. I sure would but really, i think this is something you should take up with your vet. Let him analize Dax. Ive known dogs to participate in sports before the expected time but its really something i dont think anyone should decide for you. Just my opinion. Hope i help. Im sorry, im kinda new here. What type of breed is Dax? Rotti? I persoanlly think he would do fine because the msucle mass has MOSTLY fully came in and hes not young enough anymore to hurt himself due to growth. Im all for it but, again i would talk to your vet.

[Dawn]

I don't know much about dogs in this aspect. But from what I understand, it works off the same principles of horses and their joints and growth plates. With that information, I have formed the opinion that no, dogs should not be started in any weight bearing work or hard non weight bearing work until the growth plates are reasonably closed. Now I don't know when that is for the breed/type in question. I would assume though that it would not be at 1 if the standard is to wait until 2.

With the understanding that it is similar to the growth process in horses, it's not worth the risk and the long term effects to push it now. There are so many more things you can do before introducing the 'work'.

But I do think that dragging something behind her might be alright (again with the disclaimer that this is an area that is very 'fuzzy' to me). Not weight, and not something that's going to create drag. Just to get her used to having something behind her that moves as she moves.

[Moo]

I would say no, Dax, not yet. You should definitely get a vet's ok, in my opinion, it's too early. She's still a healthy, growing puppy, so you don't have to worry about the jelly belly until later anyways. I would give it another 4-5 months, then talk to my vet about starting up. For all physically exerting dog sports, I follow the rule of at least 12 months for small breeds, at least 16 months for large breeds.

[Lessica Jake]

I would say, get a little toboggan and a harness and get her used to something following her. That way, there's little to no actual weight, but there is something for her to learn.

[Rip's Girl]

In my opinion she is far too young to start pulling anything of substantial weight. I don't see anything wrong with starting her out on a harness and 5-10lbs at the end of a lead on the harness, just to get her used to the tension.. But, since she's a Rotti, and a large one at that, her growth plates are probably not closed and hardened. Before I'd start with serious training, I'd get the "OK" from the vet.

[erdog3]

Dax you do have to wait, Labs don't start in field trials till 18 months.
Although the suggestion of the weightless toboggin just to get her used to something behind her would not hurt.
Probably a good idea. OOoooo I can't wait for pics of Ariel pulling that. Too cute.

[BabyElephant]

I think you should wait, I have read a bit about this and one site suggests getting your puppy used to a normal walking harness before starting out on a gentle intro to weight pulling at 18 months of age - anytime before this and the bones and muscles aren't properly developed and you could cause damage. This site was for Pit Bulls, but I think it will apply to all dogs and I found it really interesting to read http://www.apbtconformation.com/weight_pulling.htm

[doglovin]

Originally Posted by ellierat

Dax you do have to wait, Labs don't start in field trials till 18 months.
Although the suggestion of the weightless toboggin just to get her used to something behind her would not hurt.
Probably a good idea. OOoooo I can't wait for pics of Ariel pulling that. Too cute.

exactly what i would say!!! Rottwielers need to fully develop first,but the weightless tobogan is the best way to start.Thats how we started with King!!!

[Dobified]

Yup, I have to agree with the tobogan ( sp ) idea too. I would get Dax use to the harness etc but it is a good idea to wait.

Alot like starting a colt.