Lug-Nuts
Lug-Nuts™ is a program that organizes and hosts informal weight-pulling contests. Most dog fights are not organized by professional dog fighters, but rather by kids and adults spontaneously sparring their own pet dogs. Breeding their dogs and selling puppies, along with winning casual corner fights, can be profitable and compelling.
Many young people have few role models for positive, healthy, constructive interactions with dogs. Often, the only "sport" these kids see is dog fighting or sparring. Weight pulling has all the elements of dog fighting--the excitement, the competitiveness, the machismo, the thrill--but none of the violence, blood shed, or cruelty. The Lug Nuts program is an antidote to dog fighting.
Plastic snow sleds are loaded up with bags of dog food. The bags of food have known weights and also make great prizes afterwards. Dogs are hooked up to the sled with a dog-sled gang line and wear padded pulling harnesses. The most gifted dogs at weight-pulling are the "power" and "bully" breeds and their mixes. However there are no breed or age limitations and no prior training is needed. A dog cannot be forced to pull. A good relationship, a strong bond, and a strong dog are often all that is required. Hot dogs are offered as lures for owners to encourage the dog to move forward.
Cash prizes (and pet food) are offered for first, second, third place. Cash prizes are doubled if the winner is sterilized, and access to free spaying and neutering is offered. If you are already associated with any rescue, animal welfare group or veterinarian, AND you would like for your dog to compete in LugNuts, we kindly request that you forfeit prize money if your dog places so that it can go to someone who is more in need of responsible ownership outreach. You can indicate that you are forfeiting prize money on the LugNuts registration form.
This year the Lug-Nuts weight-pull will be even more pleasurable and accurate with the generous donation of a veterinary scale from Zieis, an industry leader in scales and measures. Participants in our previous weight-pull might remember how some of the dogs were nervous using our mailroom scale that wasn’t large enough for most dogs, preventing us from getting an accurate weight. This year the weigh-in process will be quick and easy without causing any of our participants undue anxiety!
Can your dog participate in Lug-Nuts?
Yes! If your dog:
- Is old enough to be around other dogs and people (at least 4 months of age)
- Is up to date on all required vaccinations
- Is in relatively good health and can walk up and down several flights of stairs (can do cardio activity)
- Does well on-leash and is not overly aggressive toward other dogs
- Is friendly toward humans and not excessively fearful
Probably Not, if your dog:
- Is still too young to mix with a big crowd (under 4 months);
- Is a senior or obese dog that would have trouble with cardio activity or being outside for an extended period of time;
- Has aggressive tendencies towards other dogs or humans while on-leash (or off);
- Is exhibiting any signs of illness close to the day of the game (ie, cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, diarrhea, etc). These symptoms can be signs of potentially infectious illnesses and it would probably be best for your dog as well as the other dogs in attendance, if they did not attend.
Older dogs, dogs with short muzzles and/or dogs in general that are quickly prone to heat exhaustion should consider not attending this event. Even though there will be cool water and shady spots, the direct sun and heat can be a deadly combination for dogs. Dogs cool themselves down by panting and are not nearly as efficient as us humans. Please consider the comfort and safety of your dog when planning this fun day at the park.