I train pitbulls for weight pulling, not just my dog but other dogs as well. I have a man who is wanting me to train his three month old puppy. My problem is that I cannot get this fellow to understand that it is not good to train such a young dog for weight pulling because it will mess up his legs right now. However he is persistant. He will show up at my house with this cute little blue pitbull puppy, begging me to train him. I told him I would but not until the dog is ready and able and even then it will be a slow process. You cannot just put a pulling harness on him and say go with 50 pounds attached. I try to make him understand that weight pulling puts a toll on your dog and he has to be conditioned right or you will ruin him. He cannot accept my answers.

Recently I have had a problem getting a puppy seeking couple to understand when I am and am not available, and, my criteria for selling a puppy. Finally, I ended our contact by telling them to go elsewhere. Maybe you should do the same.

If he goes elsewhere, he will find somebody who will train/ruin the dog. I'd do the training. There is so much that can be done with pups before putting on weight.

I'm sure you know this, but I'll put it down anyway:

drive building and games to build a bond between owner and pup
teach buck, tuck and step.
conditioning the pup to wearing the harness
conditioning the pup to the noise of something dragging (a light chain) and at 6 - 8 mo - a light cart (small child's wagon)
physical conditioning of swimming
socializing
entering as a novice in pulls but instead of clipping on the cart/sled, having a person hold back the ring (with a leash) to create a little resistance

I know all that, but the guy wants the dog pulling weight right away. I do not mind conditioning the dog and getting him ready to pull heavy weight, it is just the " getting him ready" part the owner does not like. I have a certain way I train my dogs or puppies, to ensure my safety and the dog's safety as well. I am trying to find a way to make the owner realize this and I would hate for him to find a new trainer that would be willing to put the weight on the dog right away and ruin him, because that, to me, is not a trainer but someone just wanting to get paid. I guess I will just have to lay down my rules, he can either accept them or not. It is just awful having to get ill with people.

How about being straight up with him, that you refuse to put him on weights because it will PHYSICALLY damage the dog, and let him know if he goes elsewhere, he will end up with nothing more than a broken pile of dog. The fact that he's insisting even when you tell him it will hurt the dog sends up a warning- is he really in it for the dog or for selfish competitions or worse? I don't think this guy should own a dog in the first place, and honestly I think no matter what you say he WILL get weight on that dog one way or another. Is the puppy from one of your breedings? If so, and you have as clause for it under your contract, you may want to take it back under "abusive intent." I'm afraid that pup is going to be ruined so long as it's in his hands <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

If you think he's just well-intentioned but a bit on the dense side, maybe you can get in contact with top weight pullers and have them tell the guy that their program involves careful preparation and would never subject such a young dog to weight pulling. Hearing it from pros may make a difference.

You are absolutely right,and the pup is not from my litter. I do not believe that his intentions for this puppy is good. I believe I will take your advice and just lay down the law. Well never mind, my husband says that he will do that. Either way it goes, this pup will be pulling weight regardless, but not here. Boy he is not going to like what my husband will have to say to him, he is not as polite as me when it comes to dealing with stupid people.

I agree with Anne here. Why don't you tell the guy that you are going to start the training...and do playing, let him pull little puff toys..tell the owner that you are conditioning the dog and his muscles. See how much you can give the dog. Looks like the owner is an idiot and does not know anything about the biology of muscles. If you can have the dog for 1.5-2 months with 1/2-1 hour a week, at least you give the puppy to grow up or this man will take him somewhere else and ruin the dog.

Also, by you doing this, he will be able to see limitation on a yound puppy and will perhaps decide to wait.

Rashmi

I understand what you are saying. I am just so frustrated and angry with this man. All of you do make very fine points though. I will do it, at least I can somewhat ensure the safety of the pup, and teach this idiot a thing or two about dogs and limits.

Why don't you agree to do the training with the puppy....but not weight pulling until the pup/dog is ready? You could start with a variety of other things...then maybe...its owner will understand.

I think it is time for that sit down and watch my finger talk, that means "NO I will not train your puppy" get some x-rays show him what a dysplastic dog can look like,damaged ligaments etc, he sounds like a hard core stubborn type,Ask him does he want a strong healthy puppy or a frog legged pup due to his negligence. Some people are unreal, it is his dog tell him socialisation at this point is probably a lot more beneficial.Good luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />