Dog Draft Carts:
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However, since most dogs are not used to something following along behind them, training is necessary.
It is vital to take a very slow approach.
If you rush the process of your dog getting used to pulling a dog cart, you may regret it when you get into a situation with lots of dogs and people, or worse yet, traffic.
Havoc and injury may end the fun, perhaps forever.
The folks at Rosewood Rottweilers used to have step-by-step instructions for a patient, methodical approach to teaching your dog about dog carting or drafting. [The link we had is no longer working. Please contact us if you have a viable link].
A Rottweiler puppy is first introduced to a harness, then a travois made of PVC. Finally, the dog is introduced to a cart. Their description included some possible adverse reactions.
Most dogs are not physically mature enough to pull any kind of load until they are about 18 months old.
Information gleaned from the MightyMite Dog Powered Sports/Carting/
Weight Pull forum suggests there is a lot you can do to prepare any breed of puppy (or an older dog) for carting:
- Have your puppy/dog learn all basic commands well
- Introduce your dog to wearing a harness
- Attach things like ropes or other items so your dog gets used to dragging something behind him or her
- Teach commands specific to dog carting
- Continue on to a travois, and finally to a cart
Return from Dog Draft Carts to Dog Carting
