Bernese Mountain Dog Pulling Sled: A Guide to Draft Work

Bernese Mountain Dogs have a natural instinct to pull sleds, with their ancestors originating from the Swiss Alps where they helped farmers and traders by pulling carts and sleds through the rugged terrain.

Their strong build and muscular physique make them well-suited for draft work, with adult Bernese Mountain Dogs weighing between 80-120 pounds and standing between 23-27.5 inches tall at the shoulder.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring consistent and patient training to learn the commands and techniques necessary for sled pulling.

With proper training and socialization, Bernese Mountain Dogs can become reliable and efficient sled pullers, capable of pulling loads of up to 1,000 pounds over short to medium distances.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Bernese Mountain Dogs Calm

There are two basic styles of harness to choose from: buckle and siwash. A properly fitted harness keeps your dog comfortable and safe.

The buckle harness is the traditional harness often seen in older pictures of Bernese carting in Switzerland. It has a distinctive 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, which may be restricted by a buckle harness.

Shafts are a crucial part of a sled, and they should be made from a strong springy hardwood such as Ash to ensure they can withstand the stresses of sled pulling.

A pair of shafts can cost at least £50 or more, which may require some tracking down, but it's worth the investment as softwood shafts will probably break sooner or later.

It's essential to make sure the shafts are long enough to give clearance to your dog's hind legs when he's striding out, and it's also a good idea to make them wide enough to accommodate a good size dog.

For the sake of your shins and calves, avoid having too much shaft protruding in front of the dog, and make a good job of the joints of the shafts as all the power when moving is passed through them.

Steel reinforcing plates can be hidden on the bottom surface across the joints for additional strength, but be wary of making them too thick which will add needless extra weight.

The connection to the sled itself should allow up & down movement over uneven terrain and should be at a reasonable height for the dog pulling, the ideal being a slight upward tilt of the shafts to the dog.

Additional reading: When to Neuter a Bernese Mountain Dog

A well-fitting harness is essential for your dog's comfort and safety while sled pulling.

Leather is the traditional material for harnesses and is difficult to better, but it needs occasional maintenance with saddle soap to prevent cracking and maintain a good finish.

A broad strong chest band is essential for the dog to pull against, and it's usually padded out with thick felt type material for extra comfort.

Harnesses are fitted to the shafts in two places, the front and the back, and they should be secure and strong to enable the dog to pull evenly balancing the load between the front and back fastenings.

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

A properly fitted harness keeps your dog comfortable and safe, and it should fit fairly snugly without chafing.

A fresh viewpoint: Sled Dog Pull

Bernese Mountain Dogs have been bred to pull sleds for centuries, with some teams consisting of up to 10 dogs.

Their strength and endurance make them well-suited for this task, with some dogs able to pull loads of up to 600 pounds.

Their calm and gentle nature also makes them a popular choice for sled teams, as they are less likely to get distracted or spooked by loud noises or other dogs.

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Cart pulling is a fun and rewarding activity for dogs, especially Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Hazelnut, a Bernese Mountain Dog, is a great example of a dog that loves cart pulling. Her owner must be thrilled with the exercise and mental stimulation it provides.

The Bernese Mountain Dog breed is well-suited for cart pulling due to their strength and endurance. They also excel in other dog sports like agility and obedience.

Broaden your view: Dogs like Bernese Mountain Dog

If you're interested in cart pulling with your Bernese Mountain Dog, there are carts available for purchase or you can look for used ones online. Debra A Lucas, a Bernese Mountain Dog owner, was able to find a used cart through a online search.

Bernese Mountain Dogs can start cart pulling at a young age, even at 1 1/2 years old, as mentioned by Susan Sanford-Weiss. With proper training and equipment, your dog can enjoy this fun and rewarding activity.

Some key characteristics of a good cart for cart pulling include efficiency, willingness, and enjoyment of the work, as demonstrated by the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America Draft Tests.

Consider reading: Bernese Mountain Dog Pulling Cart

Brian Drye is a man who knows how to have fun in the snowy hills of Winthrop, Washington. He and his Bernese mountain dog have been making waves on YouTube.

In 2012, Drye uploaded a trio of videos showcasing their adventures, with one of them getting over 54,000 views.

His dog is quite the enthusiastic partner, pulling him through narrow passageways whenever he slows down.