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Frequently Asked Questions about Canine Carting
How do I get Started?
Visit Before You Get Started
What dog breeds can cart?
Carting is a sport that can be enjoyed by dogs of any breed and any size. Sheltie, St. Bernard, Maltese or Malamute -- with proper equipment, handling and training, all can be taught to safely pull a cart or wagon.
How old does my dog need to be to start carting?
Dogs can learn to cart at any age but must not pull any weight until and unless they are physically mature and sound. (For Bernese Mountain Dogs, this means two years of age.) Please check with your breed's drafting recommendations and your veterinarian before you ask your dog to pull weight. The Wilczek Woodworks Training Wheels are an ideal lightweight training apparatus for dogs of all ages.
What kind of equipment do I need to have?
If you're just starting out, you'll need a harness designed specifically for carting and custom fitted for your dog. We recommend a set of lightweight "training wheels" or a small competition cart (if your dog is mature), and, of course, a collar and lead. Wilczek Woodworks' Carting Starter Kit includes the basic apparatus you'll need; the training wheels (included) can be fitted with a freight box for novice competitions or for hauling small loads around the yard.
How much training does my dog need to start carting?
Dogs need to have basic obedience skills in order to start carting. Sit, down, stay, walking in heel position, good attention and reliable response to commands are essential. If your dog doesn't have those skills, consider a basic obedience class.
Once basic skills are mastered, carting training can begin. We recommend training with the help and direction of an experienced instructor or seasoned handler. If this is not possible, we have available several good instructional books. The training is progressive -- you can't just hook your dog up to a cart. He must be acclimated to all of the equipment, the concept of pulling, the "confinement" of walking between the shafts, and so on. He'll also have to learn some skills that don't come naturally -- like backing up, and turning by crossing his front legs.
How much weight is my dog capable of pulling?
There is no clear answer to this question. Your dog's conditioning, physical soundness, age, the apparatus, the temperature and humidity, and the surface on which you will be working all impact the amount of weight that can be pulled.
Which type of Harness should I get?
We sell only Siwash type harnesses, which allow freedom of movement for the dog's shoulders. They also distribute the weight of the object being pulled more evenly than other types of harnesses. Initially, they are more difficult to put on but the effort is worth it. Band-type harnesses are available at discount sources but they can put unnecessary & potentially dangerous stresses on your dog. We sell what is safest for your dog.
What is the difference between a cart and a wagon and which is better?
A cart has two wheels and a wagon has four wheels. It is easier to train a dog to pull a cart, as it is lighter and more maneuverable than a wagon. Most people use carts for competition work. A wagon is more stable than a cart and weight distribution does not affect the dog as much as in a cart. In a cart, it is critical that its load be centered over the axle so that the shafts are properly balanced and not pushing down too hard or pulling up on the dog's harness. A wagon is also much more practical for hauling children, firewood, groceries, etc. Either apparatus can be used for fun such as parades and exercising your dog. We recommend only using wagons for pulling children.
Why do some carts have trees and some do not?
A tree (a.k.a. wiffle tree or singletree) is used to convert the pulling force of the two traces attached to the dog's harness to a single point on the apparatus being pulled. It keeps the traces from pinching the dogs haunches. It also acts as a shock absorber between the moving dog and the pulled equipment. It moves up and down and swivels back and forth, smoothing out the forces exherted on and by the dog. We highly recommend always using a tree to protect your dog by smoothing out all the stresses created by both a moving dog and the equipment he is pulling.
Who holds carting competitions and what dog breeds can compete?
The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America, Newfoundland Club of America, Saint Bernard Club of America, Mastiff Club of America, North American Bouvier Association and American Working Collie Association have draft test regulations and offer drafting titles. The AKC does not have drafting regulations at this time. Some clubs will allow other breeds to enter their competitions. Be sure to contact the test sponsor to see if your dog will be permitted to compete.
What is Brace and why do Brace Carts and Wagons have different numbers of shafts?
Brace refers to two dogs working together and located next to each other.
Cart shafts must keep the equipment upright in addition to being used by the dog for turning and braking. It is recommended that three shafts be used for safe brace work. Each dog will have its own outside shaft and share the inside or center shaft.
Wagon shafts do not balance the load which is stable because the wagon has four wheels. The most common brace wagon set up is one single center brace shaft. This works well if the dogs are within 2 inches of each other in height. There is a loss of breaking power on big hills or heavy loads. This is also the least expensive brace system. The four shaft system is more expensive. Each dog has their own set of shafts for great braking and comfort when the dogs are of different heights.
Look for us at the following Upcoming Events
(Save S&H charages- Pre-order and pick up at the following events.)
To be announced
* BMDCA National Specialty - Rhode Island -- May 2008
Sites of related interest
OK, here are some great links to sites, big and small, that have to do with carting and dogs. Enjoy!
BMDCA - The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.
BMDC of Watchung - The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Watchung, NJ and PA.
Potomac Valley BMDC - The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Potomac Valley, VA, MD & DE.
Helderberg BMDC - The Helderberg Bernese Mountain Dog Club ofEastern New York.
BMDC of Nashoba Valley - The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Nashoba Valley, New England.
Swiss Traditions - Great imports from Switzerland.
Original Art by Ingrid - Beautiful custom Dog Artwork on glass & clothing
