Category Archives: Carting Corner

Carting Terminology

One of the biggest hurdles for newcomers to carting and other forms of draft work with dogs is the terminology used. For amateur cart builders this is especially so. For example when someone starts to make their own cart for the first time, they see the pivoting bar but not knowing the purpose, may ignore it in their construction. However, if they know it has a name (whiffle tree), they would be more likely to do their research and find out why other cart makers took the trouble to install such a device. Continue reading

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Service Dogs And The Law

The regulations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 give all encompassing access for service animals without them needing to come from a professional service animal institution. This is important as a dog trained for carting or other draft work can easily be taught at home to pull a wheelchair or act as a living cane. Some Newfoundlands even do this instinctively with only some minor practice needed. Continue reading

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Carting Demeanour

Demeanour is not a word normally used in dog training but it has a special place in dog carting. By demeanour I am referring to the dog’s outward bearing. It should noticeably change as the dog is harnessed and hitched to an apparatus. The exception would be for canines that are super calm at all times, who would not be incensed at the sight of a squirrel running across their path or throwing broken nut shells down at them. For the majority of dogs, as you attach them to the cart, they should become visibly aware of a difference in their status and much more alert to their handler. Continue reading

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Wheelchair Pulling

Ever since I saw a young lady in a wheelchair at the US National Specialty Show in 2003 being pulled all over the site by her Newfoundland dog I have been fascinated by this modern adaptation of canine draft work. This wonderful Newf was a true service dog and I couldn’t have been more proud of our breed. Continue reading

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Beware Of Heatstroke

Hot temperatures have come early to Canada and this signals me to put away the sled and get out the dog cart. It also reminds me that special care must be taken with respect to heatstroke.

Back in the 1980′s I almost killed my carting dog when I let her get heatstroke. We were at a July 1st parade in Toronto as part of the Newfoundland Dog Club of Canada contingent. Thanks to fellow club members and an emergency vet clinic my precious girl survived. Continue reading

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Carting At 14 Years Old

On Belle’s 14th birthday, Christmas Day of 2011, I wanted photographic proof of what sound longevity really meant. Since there wasn’t much snow here in Southern Ontario anyway, I dug up one of my passenger carts and hitched up my rather young fourteen year old. Belle as always came through for me and took the cart all over the four cleared acres on the property. I couldn’t contain my excitement as this was the best Christmas ever. Not only had I achieved a life goal twice but now I had exceeded it. Continue reading

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Nordic Walking With Dogs

Just when I think that every form of draft/harness activity with domestic canines has finally been invented, along comes one more. This time it is nordic walking with dogs. The name is casual sounding and so is the sport. One person who is taking this up with her Newfs has started called the activity cani-nordic walking but the term does not seem to have caught on, at least not yet. Continue reading

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