Cart pulling

[wrottdog]

Has anyone had any experience or know anything about cart pulling? It looks like fun, but I wonder if it's good for the dog.

[Carina43]

Well, we started having Dutch pull a sled this winter. He loved it! Got a comfy harness, started with the empty sled - but within 5 minutes he was vigorously pulling the 12 year old at a dead run! (He's a pretty big, very strong dog.) My last Rottie used to pull neighborhood kids on wagons & sleds too.

So I don't know too much about it formally, but as long as the dog is healthy and fit, I don't see a problem. Lots of people do it, after all one of the jobs these large dogs used to do was pulling carts. And weight pulling is a popular dog sport - there's someone in my ob club who has two Italian Greyhounds who compete nationally at weight pulling.

I wouldn't let an immature dog pull too much weight, and they take a little time to get used to something dragging behind them. Just do a google search on dog carting, there's lots of info. I'm sure it's been discussed here too.

[Beckysmom]

Make sure dog is structurally sound. And that harness fits right with plenty of padding so there is no chafing. Chafing is biggest problem from pulling carts that I know about. I've heard of dogs worn to the bone by ill fitting equipment--yikes!

and that you are on flat or can otherwise stop thing pulled from hitting dog from behind. Not too much weight for the dog.

There is more on pulling over in working dogs forum.

Thanks for your notes in re my second hand dog post. I hope things are going well for your two.

[fbkeays]

I see that you are in Napa. If you can come down to Cal State Hayward on the 3rd weekend in June, you will See rottweilers and other breeds pulling carts. Western Rottweiler Owners is putting on their 3rd ARC carting test. We will have a fun match on the Saturday and the test on Sunday.
ARF is having their carting test in Dixon in August. Sorry I don't have a date. Some dogs love to pull, others don't. It depends on the dog, the training and the equipment used. Like any sport, it can be dangerous or cruel if not done correctly. But if your equipment is properly fitted and you use common sense, it is a very safe and enjoyable sport for you and the dog. It is also very handly.
When my girl had her TPLO surgery, I was trying to get her out to my van. She was drugged out of her mind and basically 3 legged. I didn't dare try to guild her by the leash. Instead I gave her carting commands. So on a loose lead, she naviaged out the vet and into the parking lot and into my van.
When people ask me if it is cruel or mean to "make" the dog pull me (I drive my dogs), I tell them that I can't make my dogs do anything they don't want to do. I have one dog that will try to harness herself.