It is a matter of personal preference. For every one that says one way ten others will say the opposite. And vice-versa will apply as well.

My preference is to have the dog on weight every day we start work. I don't bring him up or down the last few weeks. I want him to start the day off on weight and let that day's work pull him down. Much the same as show night.

If you are talking about weeks out then I let them carry a couple-three pounds, especially in the colder months, but as far as Day #1 I am pretty much on weight. I don't use a pre-keep so on Day#1 we hit the ground running on weight and go from there. EWO