Building a dog cart

[Crazy Joe Davola]

I'd like to build a dog cart/carriage to pull stuff around in when Gracie gets older. I'm wondering if there are any experienced users here who have built there own and would like to share their creations, or know of good places to buy.

Cheers,
CJD

[ck85abc3]

Originally Posted by Crazy Joe Davola

I'd like to build a dog cart/carriage to pull stuff around in when Gracie gets older. I'm wondering if there are any experienced users here who have built there own and would like to share their creations, or know of good places to buy.

Cheers,
CJD

I'm not experienced, but it might help others if you exlain what type of ground he will be pulling on. Grass, gravel, or concrete? Or anything else. Just from life experience, if she will need to pull the carts over something like uneven concrete slabs, bigger wheels will go over them better.

You might want to start having her pull around some pop cans or something that makes noise. Then reward her when she moves without being scared/startled. Change up the light things she is pulling so she gets used to pulling anything around.

[Crazy Joe Davola]

Oh, for sure. It will be awhile before implementing any kind of training, she's still quite young. I'm just thinking down the road.

Mostly would be even grass or concrete. I thought larger rubber tires would be best because they're quiter and the larger size would make it a smoother ride.

Also, this is just for recreational, not for any kind of AKC carting type stuff.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by Crazy Joe Davola

I thought larger rubber tires would be best because they're quiter and the larger size would make it a smoother ride.

I've done a bit of drafting with my Moxie.

You don't really need to worry much about the tires--they aren't as critical as are 1) a harness that leaves the dog's shoulders free and is fitted to the dog and 2) the shafts of the cart.

I have a Siwash harness. I like it because it allows free movement of the shoulders and lets Mox use her chest to pull.

When the dog is hitched up to the cart the shafts should be parrallel to the ground. The rise in the shaft depends on your dog's height. When your dog is hitched to his or her cart, the shafts can tip up slightly, but only slightly. If the rise is too low or too high, the dog's harness is pulled in ways it shouldn't.

I didn't make my cart. I bought what the supplier calls a "starter kit." It contained a harness, a platform for optional freight box to which 12.5" removable wheels were attached, bent metal shafts, and a wood tree.

In my member's gallery are a couple of pix of Mox and me drafting, and a pix of the back of Mox's freight box. My SO made the freight box for me (out of pine)--and he made the decorations on its back.

Originally Posted by Crazy Joe Davola

..this is just for recreational, not for any kind of AKC carting type stuff.

Others might not know that drafting is not a sport recognized by the AKC.

[Liz]

We did a PVC dog cart years ago - it's way in the back of the garage now behind about two years worth of remodeling leftovers

You can find the plans here: http://www.sonic.net/~cdlcruz/carting/pvccart.htm

Liz

[fostermom]

Some companies offer "adapter kits" for children's wagons to convert them over for a dog to pull. The shafts hook onto the tongue of the wagon with something like a cotter (sp?) pin so quick and simple.
http://www.wilczekwoodworks.com/wagons.php