{"id":265,"date":"2010-06-21T01:58:19","date_gmt":"2010-06-21T01:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.leonbergerclubofcanada.com\/blog\/"},"modified":"2020-12-17T19:05:54","modified_gmt":"2020-12-17T23:05:54","slug":"carting-and-drafting","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.leonbergerclubofcanada.com\/blog\/the-leonberger\/carting-and-drafting\/","title":{"rendered":"Carting and Drafting"},"content":{"rendered":"

The use of dogs as draft animals has a long history. <\/strong> Newfoundlands hauled fishing nets in to shore for their owners.\u00a0\u00a0 Swiss Mountain Dogs and Rottweilers hauled carts containing farm produce to market for their owners, along with numerous other large breeds, among them Leonbergers.\u00a0 Although using dogs as draft animals is no longer extensively practiced, people are discovering the joys of involving the family dog in this sport.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/strong>Teaching your Leonberger to pull a cart, a wagon, a sled, is not a hard activity at all to learn.<\/strong> The things you need to get started are a good quality Pulling Harness, and your time.<\/p>\n

There are different styles of harnesses available and whichever one you choose, be sure it is designed for pulling.<\/strong> Nothing will spoil your fun and ruin a dog faster than an ill fitting harness.<\/p>\n

Fitting the dog for and learning to use the equipment should be done under the supervision of an experienced draft instructor to avoid injury to the dog. <\/strong> While training it is important to make sure that all lessons are slow and POSITIVE.\u00a0 Remember, this is supposed to be fun!\u00a0 So go slow.<\/p>\n

Leonbergers and other giant breed dogs under 18 months of age should not pull any weight at all since they aren\u2019t fully developed yet.<\/span>
<\/strong>
Once you have a harness, you can look at getting your cart or wagon. <\/strong> What you need depends upon what you want to do.\u00a0 If you want to haul firewood around, a wagon is probably a better choice than a cart.\u00a0 If you want to carry kids in parades, then a cart with a seat is probably a better starting point.\u00a0 Most people seem to end up with a few different vehicles to hook their dogs to, since each vehicle has a unique purpose.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/strong>Carting\/Drafting Terminology:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Harness<\/span> – This is what the dog wears to pull.<\/p>\n

Shafts<\/span> \u2013 These are rigid poles positioned parallel either side of the dog. These are the steering and the brakes they attach to the dog\u2019s harness.<\/p>\n

Whipple Tree<\/span> (also known as a Swingle Tree) – This is a pivoting bar that is attached to the cart or wagon.\u00a0\u00a0 It is slightly wider than the dog and has attachment points for the traces on each side.<\/p>\n

Traces<\/span> \u2013 These are the straps that connect to the Whipple Tree t the harness.\u00a0 The dog actually pulls with the traces.<\/p>\n

Terms for Vehicles \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cart<\/span> \u2013 this is a two-wheeled vehicle.\u00a0 These may be used to haul freight, while some styles are designed to carry passengers, like a sulky.<\/p>\n

Wagon<\/span> \u2013 a four wheeled vehicle.\u00a0 These may carry freight or passengers.<\/p>\n

Travois<\/span> \u2013 this has no-wheels and is dragged by the dog.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Terms for Harness Types \u2013<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parade Harness<\/span> \u2013 this is usually a leather harness that distributes pull to the right point on the dog. The straps are adjustable and are buckled together.<\/p>\n

Siwash Harness<\/span> \u2013 this looks more like a sled dog harness.<\/p>\n

Draft Harness<\/span> \u2013 this resembles the draft rigs normally seen on horses.\u00a0 A large padded collar provides the main pull<\/p>\n

Carting Commands:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHike\u201d\/\u201cGiddy Up\u201d\/\u201cWalk On\u201d\/\u201cStart\u201d\/\u201cForward\u201d<\/span> \u2013 these are all commands for start up and going straight.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack\u201d<\/span> \u2013 this is the command used to back up<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa\u201d\/\u201dStop\u201d\/ \u201cHalt\u201d<\/span> \u2013 these are commands for stop.<\/p>\n

\u201cGee\u201d\/ \u201cRight\u201d<\/span> – this is the command for turn right<\/p>\n

\u201cHaw\u201d\/\u201cLeft\u201d<\/span> – this is the command for turn left<\/p>\n

There are breed clubs that offer seminars and classes.\u00a0 Your Leo can work towards a number of titles which advance through the following levels.<\/p>\n