In competitive Dog Puller Running, a point is awarded for every puller ring that a dog successfully catches and retrieves within a 90 second window.
For a catch to be deemed as successful, the ring must:
- hit the ground at least once before a catch
- be caught in the catch zone while in motion
- be returned to the handler in the start zone without encountering any errors or penalties along the way
The winner is the dog/handler team who gains the most points.
How the scoring system works in puller running
Before you can get started in the Puller Sports, you’re going to need a pair of Puller Rings. You can find the professional same ones that we use here on Amazon.
The next thing to take a look at is how the Puller Running field is mapped out. Obviously, you don’t need to go to any excessive lengths to measure and mark out a course before giving it a go yourself, a large flat garden or park area will do nicely.
But in the world of competitive Puller Running, a performance area must be measured and marked out as shown below to enable the points scoring system to be accurate.
The next thing to take a look at is how the Puller Running field is mapped out.
Obviously, you don’t need to go to any excessive lengths to measure and mark out a course before giving it a go yourself. To start with a large flat garden or park area will do nicely.
In the world of competitive Puller Running, a performance area must be measured and marked out as shown below to enable the points scoring system to be accurate.
Playing dog puller running with a puppy
Puller Sports are great games to teach young or old dogs, and with their simple rules and adaptability, any dog of any breed or fitness level can take part.
With that said, puppies are also encouraged to take part, so the scoring system has been altered slightly to help them get the most out of this interactive game.
See our helpful table below for the extra ways puppies can win points in Puller Running.
What are the dog puller running categories?
Just like in Puller Jumping, dogs compete in Puller Running against other dogs of similar age, height and weight.
The categories are determined by measuring each dogs height as well as taking into consideration breed factors such as weight and speed ability.
In competitive Puller sports, the height of each dog is measured by 3 judges before an average is taken.
Dogs are then placed into one of the following categories:
- Puppy
- Mini
- Midi
- Maxi
- Drive
- Heavyweight
- Veteran
Puller ring throwing technique
Believe it or not, there is actually a right and wrong way to throw a Puller Ring.
The safest and most effective way to throw is to hold the ring using the thumb and first 2 fingers of one hand.
It’s then lifted up to be in line with your ear before being thrown forward from this position. This allows it to continue rolling once it hits the ground which is an essential part of the game.
Errors, violations and disqualification
When playing competitive Puller Running there are a few things to consider that allow the games to run smoothly.
Breaking any of these rules can lead to points being deducted or even disqualification, so be mindful of the following scenarios:
- If damage occurs to a Puller Ring during a game, then the handler is allowed to replace it. Be aware though that the performance time does not stop while a change takes place.
- No food is allowed to be used as rewards for your dog during a competitive game of Puller Running. This is to reduce the possibility of causing a distraction to other competitors if food has been dropped.
- Aggression of any sort is not tolerated. Any aggressive behaviour observed, either between handlers, handlers and their dog or dogs reacting to other dogs will result in disqualification.
Summary
And that concludes our rundown of the Puller Running scoring system.
Whether you are just starting out in Puller Running or are on your way to becoming a champion, this sport really is a great way to connect and have fun with your canine companion.
So, rings at the ready!!