Tanker Toys » Exercise

Harnesses By Carol - Weight Pull Harness

Tanker — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 16:36:08 +0000

First Impression: Well when Dad told me that I was going to start “carting” to give me yet another outlet for my boundless energy I didn’t quite know what to expect. He ordered me a fancy harness online from Harnesses by Carol, after doing much research and comparing. Unfortunately, it took over 6 weeks to arrive - by then I had forgotten all about it! Even though it took forever to arrive, it was made very well. I got a size 34, with the extra foam padding around the neck. I go every week to practice with my trainer. I’m still learning the proper pulling technique so I’m not hauling that much yet. I am trying to learn to keep my head down and muscle through the pull v.s. a lunge or jump at the start. Dad found a book online called “Weight Pull Training” by Mark Landers, it’s full of great information that I recommend every interested puppy start with.
Conclusion: Quality harness! Took forever… Expensive, $110 for mine, but it’s better to have quality gear. If you’re interested in carting/pulling, give this harness a shot! 3.5 out of 4 paws because of slow service.

3.5 out of 4 paws!

Tanker — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 21:49:34 +0000

First Impression: Well after I got done with my solo tetherball match, I decided I should play on the human kids playground. First I started with the straight slide. It was pretty fun and I went down it a few times. Then I tried the spiral slide. Never ever ever try the spiral slide. Let me tell all you puppies that I took one for the team on that one.
Conclusion: Straight slides are fun! Spiral slides suck!

Me on the straight slide having fun.

3 out of 4 paws!

Me on the spiral slide, taking one for the puppy team.

0 out of 4 paws!

Tanker — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 21:41:17 +0000

First Impression: I LOVE tetherball, but I need a strong human setup to play. The tetherballs for dogs just don’t hold up under my weight. Mom and Dad bought me a Baden tetherball. Dad picked one out that was rubbery and tough! Then he pumped it up about 2psi more than what is recommended so I can’t compress it to puncture it.
Conclusion: If you like sports like me, tetherball is a great way to blow some energy. Just have your parents take you to a school, or better yet have them cement your own pole in the backyard. As soon as my Dad latches the rope on, I go crazy. As you can see from my pictures, I fly though the air, sometimes swinging from the rope. That’s no easy feat for a 120+ lb puppy!

Here are some pictures of my last solo game.

4 out of 4 paws!

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:34:03 +0000

First Impression: Dad bought me the Mountain Smith Dog Pack to go on hikes in the mountains. Originally he bought me a Large because it said it was for 80-110 pound dogs. The pack was way too big, even though I weighed 115 pounds. Dad returned it an bought me a Medium. It fits just right, even at 120 pounds. I can carry water bottles and some food for Mom and Dad and myself in my pack. Recommended for Rottweilers who love to hike.
Conclusion: Dad says it’s well worth the money. Even if we can’t go on a hike, it works great for wearing me out quickly. Sometime Dad will just put some full water bottles in the pack and we will go walk a few miles. Man that wears me out! 3.5 out of 4 Paws because the covers that go over the tummy straps tend to slide off when not in use.

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3.5 out of 4 paws!

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:27:09 +0000

First Impression: Dad’s friend at the SPCA gave me a tetherball prototype to test. I destroyed the Jolly Ball in less than an hour of total use. But I loved every minute of it. I thought the goal of the game was the drag the ball to the ground and destroy it. Dad and Mom kept throwing the ball so I would jump for it. I’m hoping to join the All-Rottweiler Tetherball circuit next year.

After Dad realized how easily a big dog could tip the unit over, he filled the base with cement and let it dry. Here are some pictures of me playing tetherball with the heavy base. Also here is an 8 point review of the current design.
Conclusion: Wonderful concept, but not sturdy enough for a large breed dog. Dad says he would recommend cementing a 8ft tall fence post in your backyard and attaching your own tetherball. However this product would be ideal for puppies, or any dog weighing less than 40 lbs. As you can see I found the toy irresistible. 2.5 out of 4 Paws because its not strong enough for BIG dogs, but a great concept.

2.5 out of 4 paws!

Tanker — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 18:18:59 +0000

First Impression: Dad bought me a human treadmill. He remodeled it to add blinders onto the sides so I don’t get distracted. Dad also added a wood bar at the front of the treadmill to which he attaches toys. When it’s rainy outside, Dad starts the treadmill and I jog on it. I chase after whatever toy Dad hooks onto the treadmill. I need Dad or Mom to stay near the treadmill or I just walk off the back of it looking for them. Treadmills are great for Rottweilers who cannot get walked outside every day.

I like it best when the treadmill is in front of the dining room window. Then I can look outside while I’m exercising.
Conclusion: If your parents don’t like to walk you when the weather is nasty out, or even if you just like to walk more than your parents do, this is a great idea for you. Any standard human treadmill is more than adequate for a large puppy. There is no need for your parents to spend thousands on a specialized dog treadmill.

Here is a picture of my treadmill before dad added the 2×4 with the eye bolt on the front.

3.5 out of 4 paws!