Wonderful!!! It sounds like he loves to please! And if you keep it positive and keep up the praise, I'm sure that he will do just fine... :)

That's great, we'd love to have you guys at our practices! Are you on Facebook? You can find me by searching for Sondra Weatherson. And if your boy Sumo is neutered, you can get a TL (temporary listing) number from UKC (United Kennel Club) and still earn titles in working events such as weight pull, rally, obedience, agility. Add me on facebook and I can add you to our Nor Cal Weight Pullers group! :)

And always, always, always make it fun for him! Be sure to have treats. Give him treats and lots of praise when he is doing his drag weight willingly. With a real weight pull competition, you are not allowed to use treats or any kind of 'bait'. At least not in UKC. But when you practice, it's okay. Also... We have weekly weight pull practices at my friend's house in Loomis if you're interested in seriously competing in weight pull.

Hi Duncan! I would say that when Sumo's harness arrives, first just put the harness on him and walk him around in it so that he can get used to having a harness on. Then you can buy some chain and attach it to the back of the harness and walk him for a distance of about 1/2 mile to 1 mile. This will get him used to pulling a bit of weight, gain endurance and get used to the noise that is behind him. While doing drag work like this, always keep him on a leash and give him a command. I use "work".