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An Anatolian’s Introduction to Carting
by Jennifer Floyd |
| There are many ways in which Anatolian Shepherds can be helpful
working companions; I like to investigate the capabilities and talents of my
dogs, so when I heard of an upcoming draft and driving seminar, I was quick to
sign up one of my ASDs! |
| Quite a few owners of large (and not so large breeds) are
looking into ways in which their dogs can do useful work. Draft work is where
the person walks alongside the cart giving directions while the dog hauls loads
of heavy items, such as firewood, feed bags, hay, garbage cans, gardening
materials - or even dog show supplies, like crates, canopies, and other gear.
Driving is where the handler sits in the cart or carriage, using verbal commands
or neck reining to direct the dog, while covering distance. Many of the
traditional drafting breeds have set up rules and procedures for certifying the
abilities of their dogs in hauling freight, maneuvering, and following
directions (Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands), and other breeds have
endurance roadwork tests where the dogs have to cover a certain number of miles
in a given time (German Shepherd Dogs, Belgian Tervurens) usually utilizing
driving skills. |
| The Newfoundland Club of San Diego sponsored the November 22 and
23 seminar featuring the draft training instructor, Cheryl M. Dondino. The
location was the Lake Poway Recreation Area, which had lovely rolling lawns,
many trees, and very clean, neat facilities, which the dog owners were careful
to keep that way. Basic training in directional commands was covered (left,
right, back, stop) as well as harness fitting and adjustment, uses of the
different styles of harnesses, proper balance of cart, whether the shafts of the
cart or wagon are adjusted properly on the dog, and whether the setup has an
adequate braking system. Some of the students had both cart and harness, some
only had a harness, and some did not have either; you were asked to indicate
which category you fit in when you signed up, and if you could bring any extras to share. Saturday was devoted to an introductory lecture, basic training and
commands with the dog on leash, and, after a lunch break, fitting and harnessing
the dog to a cart,. The latter took quite a while, as the dogs were not hurried
for this; many dogs need to get used to the sound of the cart behind them before
being attached to it (so you lead them around while you or someone else pulls
the cart behind the dog), then when they are hitched, you may need to lift the
shafts up when they are making a (gradual, at first) turn. If the shafts do not
alarm them, then you can proceed to practicing broad turns and halts, but if
still uncertain, one should lift up on the shaft in the direction that the dog
is turning so that they do not have to be turning into it and feel trapped. |
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| Sim’s introduction to a cart |
| I brought my young male, Sim, who was just over the minimum age
of one year (he was 14 months in November). Sim has a really laid back
personality, is doing well in his training, and is quite a big boy, so I thought
that draft work would be something that he would enjoy and be good at. I have a
couple of harness from when I did a little carting with my dogs some years ago,
although I need to build/buy another cart, as I’d sold my old one. Before the
seminar, I introduced him to a harness, and had him drag some boards around to
get used to the feeling of something behind him; he’s used to being around
wheelbarrows, so I didn’t think he’d mind the noise of a wheeled conveyance.
After some adjustments on the carting style harness we were using he was ready
to go - and took to carting like the proverbial duck to water! Sim thought that
pulling a cart was a great idea (he’d seen me pushing wheeled things around,
after all), had no qualms about shouldering into the shafts to turn, and spent
most of the practice time prancing along with a big grin on his face, waving his
curly tail in the air. The fact that the turn signals, backs, and halts (I used
the "stand" command that he’s already familiar with) were being
reinforced with one of his favorite food treats (Rollover) just reinforced his
interest in the whole business. |
| On Sunday, the method of training the dog to take one step at a
time, on command, was covered, as well as how the "back" command can
help with tight turns. Then we practiced on an obstacle course that was laid out
in the park. The first item was a chute laid out with poles, then a sharp left
turn, a snake line loop leading into a tight circle around a tree, a right turn,
a straightaway with a narrow path between two X pens, a left, a right, then
straight, to a stand-stay while you opened a gate, returned and went through it,
then a stand-stay while you closed the gate behind you, into a couple of more
turns, and then you were through. |
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| Hey, this is fun! |
| After practicing on this course for a
while, we broke for lunch and had a question and answer session. Some of the
things discussed were specific problems in training, the fact that the Siwash
style harness is still best for heavy freighting, and what resources are
available to carting enthusiasts. We ended up the day with some more practice,
and a few fun activities, like a relay race (for those who were ready to move a
little faster on the course). |
| Dogs at the seminar included lots of
Newfoundlands, a couple of Bouviers, a great Dane, a Collie, two Shelties (with very small carts), several
Leonbergers, several Rottweillers, a couple of Golden Retrievers, and a group of
Australian Shepherds - plus, one Anatolian Shepherd! Some of the dogs already
had drafting titles, and some were being put into harness for the first time,
but there was lots of information for both the more advanced and for the novice.
Sim and I had a great time - many there were impressed with his good temperament
and talent - and I think that, by next year when he is full-grown, I will have a
handy draft dog to help with hauling things around! |
| Some places where you can find supplies/information on doing
draft work with your dog: |
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