Welcome to the CopperPull 2026
What is CopperPull
CopperPull is a canine weight-pulling competition held as part of the CopperDog weekend festivities. In this event, dogs of all breeds and experience levels compete in three World Wide Weight Pull Organization (W3PO)-sanctioned weight pull matches over snow using a chute created alongside the CopperDog race course. Dogs are weighed, harnessed, and challenged to pull increasingly heavier loads, with matches held outdoors on snow and participants aiming to pull the most weight or the most relative to their body size.
When & Where
- Dates: February 28 and March 1, 2026.
- Location: George Gipp Recreation Area & Ice Arena, 200 Isle Royale St, Laurium, MI 49913.
- The pulls take place outdoors on snow, using a chute created in conjunction with the CopperDog race snow course.
Match Schedule
Match Schedule
Saturday Morning Pull
Weigh-in & same-day registration: 9:00–9:45 AM
Handlers Meeting: 9:45 AM
Pull begins: 10:00 AM
Saturday Evening Pull
Weigh-in & registration: 5:30–5:45 PM
Handlers Meeting: 5:45 PM
Pull begins: 6:00 PM
Sunday Morning Pull
Weigh-in & registration: 8:30–9:00 AM
Handlers Meeting: 9:00 AM
Pull begins: 9:15 AM
Eligibility
All breeds and mixes welcome
Dogs must be 10 months to 12 years old
Dogs under 1 year may pull only until they reach the Weight Pull Aptitude qualifier
Dogs over 12 years require written veterinary approval
No pregnant, nursing, or in-season dogs
Dogs must be healthy and not on performance-enhancing drugs
Rules & Conduct
Only flat or martingale collars allowed while pulling
No electric collars at any time
No rewards in the chute (allowed in crating area only)
Excessive corrections or abusive handling result in disqualification
Reactive dogs are welcome; accommodations should be discussed with the Chief Judge
Dogs may not be forced, dragged, or bullied to pull
Entry & Fees
Fees:
$25 per dog, per match
$60 for all three matches
$10 per dog, per match for novice pulls
- $10 per dog, per match for junior handlers
Registration:
Entries will be accepted day of the event up until the start of each Handlers Meeting.Register Here
Competition Details
There are three matches: a Saturday morning pull, a Saturday evening pull, and a Sunday morning pull.
Dogs of all breeds and mixes can compete (10 months to 12 years old, with some exceptions).
Handler meetings and weigh-ins happen before each match.
Important Notes
Only dogs participating in CopperPull or related CopperDog events may attend the pull. We warmly encourage local dog owners to join in and register their dogs to participate in the event. To keep all dogs and handlers safe, pets or non-participating animals are not permitted at the pull or event areas.
Handlers must follow specific safety and sportsmanship rules (e.g., proper harness use, no electric collars, and respectful handling).
Weigh-In & Handler Requirements
Dogs must be weighed by a judge to compete
Dogs pulling all matches only need to be weighed once
Dogs must be weighed in natural form wearing a flat or martingale collar
All handlers must attend the Handlers Meeting prior to competing
Equipment & Harness
Proper weight pull harness with spreader bar required
TCDPS harnesses available to borrow (must be returned after each match)
Judges and members available to help check harness fit
Officers and Officials
Chris Kivi – Chief Judge / CopperDash Coordinator
Stephanie See – Judge / CopperDash Coordinator
Morgan Cain – Judge
Sue Logan – Trial Secretary
Patti Salls – TCDPS Board Member
- Emily McGrane – TCDPS Staff
Awards & Recognition
Dogs can earn awards such as Most Weight Pulled, Most Weight Pulled per Body Pound (MWPP), class placements, and a Turtle Award for the slowest successful pull — all emphasizing participation and fun.