Category Archives: Draft Work

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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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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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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Buying A Used Dog Cart

I still have my original dog cart and it is in excellent shape. Wheels and tires have been replaced, the seat re-upholstered and the wooden whiffle tree changed to a metal one. Of course it has been re-painted a few times. It is my shining example of a good value purchase. While this particular cart is not for sale, I use it to show people that a good dog cart holds its value and you can usually sell it years later for more than what you paid for it. It is also representative of why buying used is a good idea. Of course when buying anything used you need to know what to look for. Continue reading

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