[sadgpokx]

I'm a bit confused. Are you saying that you're trainer thinks that because you want your dog to be a weight-pull dog in the future, that your dog will then be unable to walk properly on a leash?

If so, get out of that class and find yourself a REAL trainer.

Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. A weight-pull dog should still have the same leash manners as any other dog should have and by this I mean walking politely beside you and not dragging you after things or through your neighbors yard like a runaway train. Your arms should not feel as though they just got a serious workout when you are done walking your dog.

Dogs know when it's time to work. I've been around weight-pull dogs and I've been around true sled dogs (Alaskan Huskies). The fun begins when the harness goes on. And even then, your dog needs to be taught to stand patiently while the harness is put on and adjusted and not act a fool. Hell, even those Huskies that started jumping up and down off their dog houses and running their chains like crazy at the sight of the sled stood still as statues while being hooked up.

So get a real trainer...one who doesn't believe in stupid myths or excuse bad behavior because such dog is going to actually do some "work" in its life other than jump on and off the couch. Start work on all the basic obedience commands. And you can even buy just a small puppy harness and start working with your pup on standing still and patient while you put it on and take it off.

Find some local APBT shows near you and attend them (especially weight-pull events). Get to know other people that do the same things with their dogs and allow them to mentor you if they are willing.

Good luck with it!