ROTT N CHATTER, August 1992, Volume 1 Number 1

 

                               THE ART OF CARTING

                                 by LINDA BENISH

 

   This will be a series to teach you and your Rottweiler the 'gentle' art

of carting.

 

   First, because of the slow development of the hips and other bones, I

personally feel that the Rottweiler should be at least 12 to 18 months old

and have basic obedience before beginning to cart.  Though you will be using

different commands for carting than you use for obedience, your dog should

always know what it is you want him to do.

 

   Our Rotties are ALWAYS willing to please and do the things we "mere

humans" ask of them, but we sometimes DEMAND things that our dogs just flat

out don't like and not every Rottweiler likes carting.

 

   You will know after the first few weeks if your Rottweiler is a "Happy

Carting Camper" by the way he looks at the harnessing and pulling of the

cart.  Because he is a Rottie, he will do it just to please you, so don't

force him.

 

   Second, you will need a good fitting harness and a cart.  You can buy the

harness at most pet supply stores, feed stores or by mail.  You can purchase

a cart or make your own.

 

   ALWAYS start carting on asphalt or cement, these surfaces have less

resistance than dirt, grass or sand and has few bumps or holes.  This is

important until your dog feel confident.

 

   Know the Basic Carting Commands, as in Obedience (heel, sit, stand &

stay), carting has;

 

        PULL - Pulling of the cart forward.

        RIGHT or LEFT - Use when turning.

        STOP or HALT - Stopping the dog.

        STAY - Same as Obedience

        SIT or DOWN - Same as Obedience

        Back - Backing up with the cart.

 

   PATIENCE is a virtue, and if you take the time to "GENTLY TEACH YOUR DOG

TO CART", the less likely you will end up with an unhappy and cofused dog

and you will both be more likely to become "HAPPY CARTING CAMPERS."

 

   See you next month and we will get started......