CARTING
The below information is for club training & assessments, and may differ slightly from competitive Carting at a KUSA level.
Carting is a sport with many practical applications. A misconception is that carting is limited to large dogs, but this is definitely not the case. If you think your big or small dog needs a job, check out this sport!
The load and cart are in proportion to the height, weight, and strength of the dog, therefore even small dogs can pull a cart. Carting training is best accomplished using positive reinforcement techniques.
If you would like to perform demonstrations for public audiences, this sport will delight them. Besides the fun of entering dog shows, there are other benefits to carting. Imagine having help while gardening by loading things into the cart or shopping (if you live near shops) and the excitement of demonstrations where young children love to be given cart rides and most bigger dogs can pull a small child.
Carting is good exercise and can improve the dog’s stamina and muscle tone – not to mention the handlers!
The history of Carting:
Many large breeds were once used as draft animals in history for example Rottweilers and St. Bernard’s used to pull loads; Bouvier’s were used as carting dogs to haul people and produce and during times of war, served the military as sentries and haulers of machine guns and wounded soldiers.
Dog Carting was introduced to South Africa in 1986 and is a recognised canine sporting event.
Minimum criteria:
- Dogs must be at least 14 months old to participate in the Carting class
- Dogs must actively participate in an obedience class; preferably Beginners or higher.
There are 4 Carting classes at club and competition level namely Mini Novice, Standard Novice, Mini Senior, and Standard Senior.
The specialist carting trainer will confirm if your dog is suitable for carting. If you are interested in this sport, get your dog used to wearing a harness in the interim as all carts are attached to the harness (very similar to horse carts).
The trainer will slowly introduce the cart by first walking alongside your dog to get it used to the sound and movement before attempting to hitch the cart to the dog. Having your dog able to know and respond to cues in a distracting environment is very important. An out-of-control dog with a cart can be dangerous to himself and others.
Before attempting the carting course, handlers walk the course and the judge will explain technicalities and what to do.
*Mini dogs are defined as measuring 40cm and less at the withers.
Exercises
Novice (Beginner) level
Seniors
On/off lead
All work except the
recall is done on lead. The judge or steward will verbally direct the handler around the course.
All work is done off lead. Verbal directions are at the judge’s discretion.
Harness and Cart Basic Handling
Handlers are judged on harnessing and hitching. Normal-, fast- and slow pace; left, right, and about turns; halt (sit/stand) and back up. The basic handling is done before the carting course in an area free of obstacles.
Normal-, fast- and slow pace; left, right, and about turns; halt (sit/stand) and back up and an extra element at the judge’s discretion. The basic handling is done before the carting course in an area free of obstacles.
Manoeuvring
Figure of eight; 90° turns; broad curve; narrow area (e.g. bridge); removable obstacle (e.g. a gate); load/unload (cognisance is taken of the size and breed of dog, type of cart and terrain); back up; distraction control; recall
Figure of eight; 90° turns; broad curve; narrow area (e.g. bridge); removable obstacle (e.g. a gate); load/unload (cognisance is taken of the size and breed of dog, type of cart and terrain); back up; distraction control; recall
Stay exercise
1 minute with the dog harnessed and hitched to the cart in the “sit” or “stand” position (at the handler’s discretion), with the handler in sight of the dogs.
3 minutes with the dog harnessed and hitched to the cart in the “sit” or “stand” position with the handler in or out of sight of the dogs as directed by the judge.
Commands
The handler may give a single command at each change of direction, pace change, or stay. Repeated commands are penalised. The handlers may encourage and talk to their dogs whilst competing in the manoeuvring and handling exercises but may not repeat commands Physical handling of a dog or cart during any exercise is not permitted.
The handler may give a single command at each change of direction, pace change, or stay. Repeated commands must be penalised. Physical handling of a dog or cart during any exercise is not permitted
Cart loads
Mini Novice: should not be less than 1 kg and not more than 3 kg.
Standard Novice: should not be less than 2 kg and not more than 9 kg.
Mini Senior: should not be less than 2 kg and not more than 6 kg.
Standard Senior: should not be less than 5 kg and not more than 12 kg.