Niber Posted November 6, 2012 Report Share Posted November 6, 2012 Sorry all - third new thread today and all regarding pulling. This one could divide opinion - I have heard to get Niber used to pulling when he's ready, wait til a year, 18 months or even 2 years. I was planning to wait to 12 months as I personally believe that he should be learning whilst he's still young and eager to learn. So far he has run with the bike (don't worry, less than a mile each time) on a few occasions just to get him used to the bike and he has improved from the first time, darting off in the wrong direction etc. He has tried to pull me a couple of times and I have not corrected him - but I have kept pedalling to make sure he is not taking much, if any weight. At 9 1/2 months I now plan to get his first proper harness and pull small, light objects to get him used to pulling. I will then up to slightly heavier weights and then around a year let him pull me, but pedal if on bumpy ground or uphil. The question is, is a year too young...? He won't be going straight into ful on pulling over long distances, but short with pedal power. I don't want to injure him but also don't want to wait too long that he struggles to pick it up. He is a big boy already - does that make a difference on when to start. He is 24kg. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HuskyMom09 Posted November 6, 2012 Report Share Posted November 6, 2012 There is no such thing as too old to learn. We just started a 4 dog team, my oldest novice dog is 8 years old and he is just as eager to get out there and learn as both of my 2 year olds are. There is nothing wrong with enforcing directional commands now, and minimum or no resistance training....but I don't believe in pulling before 18 months, besides that most x-back harnesses are custom fit so if you buy a harness now by the time he's 2 you'll be buying a new harness anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leyka&Diva Posted November 6, 2012 Report Share Posted November 6, 2012 my veiw on it is to start training at a year old ie commands etc the start working the dog in light work at 18 months and heavier work at 2/2 and a half years as starting to young can damage the dog xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elyse Posted November 7, 2012 Report Share Posted November 7, 2012 (edited) I should really stress that you do NOT want to exercise a dog too much when they are young. Suka got arthritis at 5 years old (I adopted him), a good 2-3 years before the average age of onset, because I suspect he was exercised too much as a puppy. It's expensive and heartbreaking for us, and painful for him! We're constantly watching for signs of HD (hip dysplasia), and I hope to god he never gets it. We would have to say goodbye then, because my Dad says he can't afford to pay for a $5000+ hip replacement...and the vet said its very invasive and a lot of older dogs she's seen/sent to specialists don't make it. I've never owned a puppy, but if I had, I would not run them let alone make them pull anything until they were at least 1.5 years old. I don't know if this is the right thing to do, or if its just my fear that another dog will end up like Suka..getting old and unhappy before his time. Like already said, dogs are never too old to learn. My boy is still very eager to do ANYTHING for treats, and I've taught him so many tricks/commands/behaviours in the 3 years I've had him. And he's 7 years old now. Edited November 8, 2012 by SolitaryHowl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sid_Wolf Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Kira started training in harness at 8 months, and my youngest was running rallies at a year old after starting training at 8 months we start off on a bike though giving a lot of help. If you want to wait until a year ten start practicing the commands at an early age on walks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staceybob Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Dogs can run a rally in the UK from a year old providing they are fit, healthy and trained. Id start directional command training as soon as possible and then start lightweight pulling over short distances around 10-12 months old. Allow the dog light exercise and a strectch before you hook them up to avoid injury. Stacey xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kieferwolf Posted November 8, 2012 Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Teach the commands as early as possible when on walks, they will pick the commands up easiermfrom a young age. re when to get them to pull start it very gradual at 1year old, ie start off with a weekly 100metre run then very slowly build it up. Give them loads of praise when there done. Don't rush things Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niber Posted November 8, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2012 Cool, thanks for all the advice. There's always so many different opinions - guess it depends on the dog and the owner. I will probably wait a bit longer - can't wait to get him out there, sounds fun, but it's not worth injuring him. Wil start the commands first. 'On by' is going to be his biggest challenge... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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