Weight pulls are a very popular dog sport,  and are truly a competition of mind over matter and close collaboration between dog and their handlers.  

 

In these events, dogs pull a cart or a sled a certain distance in a set timeframe while being timed and monitored by a sanctioned weight pull judge.  AADR weight pulls are open to all breeds as well as mixed breed dogs.  

 

In an AADR weight pull event, classes are broken down by sex of the dog and their weight, starting at 30 lbs and under and going up to "Heavyweight", 90 lbs and over.  Dogs under 9 months old are not fully developed, therefore may not compete in AADR pulls. Dogs must pull a distance of 15 feet within 60 seconds without a foul (handler interference) or alibi (judge's call) committed.

 

Handlers are not allowed to touch the dog once he begins pulling. After each dog has completed their pull of the current weight, more weight is added to the cart until there is only one dog left pulling the current weight.

Dogs that pulled the highest weight per pound for their weight class are awarded first, second and third prizes. The male and female that pulled the most weight for their body size are awarded Over All Pound for Pound.

Weight Pull Points System

Ultimate Pull is awarded to the male and female that pulled the most actual weight that day. A dog that achieves 100 points while pulling at different events is awarded a Pull Master Title.  Pull Masters then compete against other Pull Masters and compete for a Pull Master I, by earning an additional 100 points by pulling at different events under variant certified judges.

Here is the point breakdown for the AADR:

1st Place= 10 points
2nd Place= 5 points
3rd place= 3 points

Over All Pound For Pound Male= 15 points
Over All Pound for Pound Female= 15 points
Ultimate Pull Male= 15 points
Ultimate Pull Female= 15 points

 

Basic Weight Pull Rules

 

• All dogs must be AADR registered. Dog may be registered the day of the show.
• All dogs must be 9 months of age to compete.
• No bitches in heat will be allowed to compete. Deceit equals disqualification. NO REFUND!
• No human aggressive dogs and No dog aggressive humans. Violation will result in disqualification. NO REFUND!
• No choke chains are allowed at any time at any AADR weight pull.
• Each dog must be weighed to determine the weight class that he may enter.
• No double classing.
• The pulling area will be roped off with a minimum of 10 feet on each side.
• Track and weight is to be certified by the judge for the day's event.
• Enhanced equipment is not allowed, i.e. springs, shocks, etc.
• No artificial aids such as stick-em may be used on the dog's feet.
• Traces will be between 4-6 feet. The handler will allow no more then 2 feet of slack in the traces at the start of the pull.
• Dogs will pull in order from the lightest to the heaviest. It will be the hosting club's decision to pull the weight classes together or one at a time
• In the event that a dog is needed in the Conformation ring or a handler has two dogs pulling back to back, the order may be shuffled to avoid delays as much as possible.
• The judge will determine the starting weight and all weight increases. Participants are never allowed to call any weight increases.
• No more then 2 handlers and 1 form of bait will be allowed in the pull area. No food or drink or live bait may be used. Bait will be approved by the judge before the pull begins.
• Each dog will be allowed to sit out 4 weight increases. These sit outs can be used consecutively or spaced out. Sit outs will start after the dog has completed his first pull.
• Dogs must complete one full pull to be in contention for awards. The handler will decide when to begin pulling their dog. No minimum amount of weight is required.
• A qualifying pull (Full Pull) is a distance of 15 feet in 60 seconds or less with no fouls or alibis committed.
• Each dog will be allowed three (3) fouls before they are fouled out for the day. The following are considered fouls:
  • Pushing, pulling or dropping the dog at the start of the pull.
  • Intentional touching of the dog or cart after the time has started.
  • Incidental contact that in no way aids the dog in the pull will not be considered a foul
  • Running out of time without completing the pull
  • Contact between the dog and bait. THE JUDGES DECISIN IS FINAL!!!!!!!
• The judge will stop the pull and order a restart if he feels the dog may be in danger of injury as a result of equipment malfunction, entanglement or outside interference. This will be considered an alibi. Two alibis will equal a foul.
• No dog will be asked to get on the track without a 5-minute rest period.