Bernese Mountain Dog Cart: A Comprehensive Guide

These carts originated in the Swiss Alps, where Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred to help farmers and traders transport goods.

The carts were designed to be sturdy and reliable, with a maximum weight capacity of 150 pounds.

The carts typically have two wheels, with one being larger than the other to provide stability.

The carts are often decorated with intricate designs and colors, reflecting the owner's personal style.

The Bernese Mountain Dog's instinct for cart pulling is still strong, even though it's no longer a farm dog. This means it can be a lot of fun for you and your dog to participate in carting activities.

To participate in draft tests, you need to follow a few steps. The first is to make sure your Bernese Mountain Dog is comfortable wearing a harness.

The activity can be a lot of fun for you and your dog and provide an opportunity to bond, but only if you follow the right steps. The Bernese Mountain Dog is no longer a farm dog, but it still has the instinct for cart pulling.

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Safety is paramount when teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog draft work, because an out of control dog hitched to a drafting cart is a hazard to himself and all around him. Always keep your dog on leash during the early stages of training.

Introduce the harness to your Berner first, letting them sniff it, then putting it on them and letting them wear it around the house and on walks until completely comfortable. This helps prevent any anxiety or discomfort associated with the harness.

Training your Bernese Mountain Dog carting command is easier if they know some basic obedience commands like sit, stand, and stay. You can then add a few more commands, such as "let's go" when you want them to pull.

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To start training your Berner for carting, it's essential to introduce the harness gradually. Let your dog sniff and get used to the harness at home, then put it on and let them wear it around the house and on walks until they're completely comfortable.

You should also let your dog thoroughly investigate your new drafting cart, pulling it around your yard while they follow along. This will help them become accustomed to the cart's movements and sounds.

Introduce the traces and let your dog get used to them dragging, then attach a light drag to the traces, such as a small piece of wood or partially sand-filled milk jug. This should be done on-leash to ensure your dog's safety.

Remember to take it slow and let your dog become comfortable at each step before proceeding to the next. This may take time, care, and patience, but it's crucial for a successful training experience.

Your dog will also need to learn some obedience commands, such as sit, stand, and stay, to help with carting training.

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Safety is paramount when teaching your dog draft work, because an out of control dog hitched to a drafting cart is a hazard to himself and all around him. Always keep your dog on leash during the early stages of training.

Working with a second person to help manage the situation is a good idea, especially when first hitching your dog to a cart. This can help you both stay in control and prevent any panic that might arise.

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There are two basic styles of harness to choose from: buckle and siwash. The buckle harness is the traditional style, often seen in older pictures of Bernese carting in Switzerland.

A siwash harness, on the other hand, is the style used in dog sledding and allows for complete freedom of movement of the dog's shoulder assembly. This can be a good option for dogs that find the buckle harness restrictive.

Regardless of the style, the harness should fit fairly snugly, without chafing. A properly fitted harness keeps your dog comfortable and safe.

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When choosing between a cart and a wagon, consider the weight of the load you'll be carrying. A cart is compact and straightforward for your dog to control, but it's not suitable for heavy loads.

If you're carrying a heavier load, a wagon is a better option, despite being heavier and more challenging to maneuver.

Ultimately, the choice between a cart and a wagon depends on your specific needs, so think carefully about what you'll be using it for.

There are two basic styles of harness to choose from: buckle and siwash. The buckle harness is the traditional style often seen in older pictures of Bernese carting in Switzerland.

The buckle harness features a band that crosses the dog's chest horizontally across the sternum. A siwash harness, on the other hand, allows complete freedom of movement of the dog's shoulder assembly.

Regardless of style, the harness should fit fairly snugly, without chafing.

The Bernese Mountain Dog Cart is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. Bernese Mountain Dogs are naturally strong and agile, making them well-suited for carting.

They can pull carts for long distances, up to 5 miles, without getting tired. This is due to their strong back muscles and endurance.

However, Bernese Mountain Dogs can be prone to joint issues, which may be exacerbated by carting. This is because their joints can become stressed from the repetitive motion of pulling a cart.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent joint issues in Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Carting with your Bernese Mountain Dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to accomplish tasks like carrying groceries home or hauling firewood back to your house.

The exercise from carting is great for your heart and lungs. It's also a great way to bond with your dog, making it a win-win situation for both of you.

Participating in draft tests can be challenging, but the sense of achievement is even more satisfying.

Carting can be a costly endeavor, with a cart alone setting you back a few thousand dollars, not to mention the cost of a harness.

The biggest concern, however, is the risk of injury or death to your dog. If they get out of control or frighten easily while pulling a heavy load, it can be a serious issue.

To minimize this risk, make sure the weight your dog is pulling is within their limits and evenly distributed in the cart. A well-fitting harness is also crucial.

Always keep a close eye on your dog for signs of distress, such as a change in attitude or posture, or if they're struggling to follow your commands.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are still instinctively drawn to cart pulling, making it a fun activity for you and your dog to bond over.

The equipment for carting can be pricey, with a single cart costing several thousand dollars, not to mention the cost of a harness.

However, with proper precautions, carting can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.

To ensure your dog's safety, always check that the weight they're pulling is within their limits and evenly distributed in the cart.

You should also double-check the harness to make sure it's the right size for your dog.

Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of distress, such as a change in attitude or posture, or if they're struggling to pull the cart.

If you notice any of these signs, be prepared to act quickly and adjust the situation as needed.

By following these simple steps, you can help create a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your Bernese Mountain Dog when carting.

If you're interested in competing with your Bernese Mountain Dog in drafting tests, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America offers a range of titles to earn.

You can earn eight different certifications by participating in a Bernese Mountain Dog drafting test, including the Novice Draft Dog (NDD) and Draft Dog (DD) certifications.

The NDD certification involves exercises done on-leash, including a three-minute group stay and a half-mile freight haul with 20 pounds.

The DD certification involves exercises done off-leash, including a three-minute group stay and a half-mile freight haul where the dog pulls its weight.

Additionally, you can earn four more titles after passing all the certifications above five times under the supervision of seven judges.

These four titles include the Advanced Novice Draft Dog and Master Draft Dog titles, as well as the Advanced Brace Novice Draft Dog and Master Brace Draft Dog titles.

Here are the eight initial certifications in a list:

Your Bernese Mountain Dog is an athlete that requires careful conditioning, especially when it comes to drafting. A little puppy can be introduced to a harness and dragging traces, but heavy loads should be avoided until they're at least two years old.

Load weight should always be increased gradually over weeks of time to prevent injury. Your patience and the dog's safety should always be the top priority.

As you work with your Bernese Mountain Dog, remember that patience is key - your dog is an athlete and should be carefully conditioned.

Your Berner may not enter a Draft Test until he is two years old, so don't rush the training process.

Even a little puppy can be introduced to a harness and dragging traces, but it's essential to start with a gentle approach.

Heavy loads, such as those required for Open Draft, should not be introduced until a dog is fully mature - at least two years old.

Load weight should always be increased gradually over weeks of time, so don't try to push your dog too hard too fast.

With safety always first and your Berner's well-being in mind, enjoy exploring the draft heritage of your Bernese Mountain Dog.

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The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is well-suited for cart pulling, as demonstrated by Daisy Lu's comment about learning about the breed's capabilities. This breed's strength and endurance make them a popular choice for cart pulling.

Elaine jokingly asked about a cart for fat cats, but the focus here is on our canine friends. Susan Sanford-Weiss inquired about cart recommendations for her 1 1/2-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog.

Debra A Lucas sought a used cart for her two-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, while Aleia Danielle Nay asked about equipment for her Bernese/Pyrenees mix. It's clear that many readers are interested in cart pulling as a fun and engaging activity for their dogs.

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