Rottweilers are natural at many tasks. Herding, obedience and of course, Carting - as they are a drafting breed. I started carting with “Riley”, now over 11 1/2, when she was around 2 years old. She took to it very quickly, and within a few weeks, she was pulling me around the neighborhood in our new cart. However, not every dog takes to it as quickly and easily, but Riley has opened up many doors and has never let me down - so I have continued to cart with her daughter, and now, grand daughter. It is important to have a Rottweiler that has solid obedience training before ever attempting to cart. Also, the harness must be a well fitted one so it sits properly and carries the weight of the cart, and riders or driver. The cart can be a sulky type, as shown in these pictures of my girls, or a draft or freight cart. You can search some of the links pages for more information on equipment and sources. Prior to ever hooking your dog up to a cart, you must introduce the concept to the dog based on the dogs temperament and ability to work with, and trust, the handler. If the dog has great basic obedience, is confident, stable, and has a willingness to try something new, then you have a dog that may make a great carting dog. Young puppies, dogs that are not well socialized, dog aggressive dogs or dogs that are not sound in any way, would not be good candidates for this sport. Carting can be fun for the whole family. Once the dog is comfortable with carting, and listens well to commands, there is never a lack of volunteers to ride in the cart. There are also tests that you can enter with your Rottweiler that test his, and your, skills around a course - through the American Rottweiler Club. The three levels of tests are Carting Started (dog on lead), Carting Intermediate (dog off lead) and Carting Excellent (dog driving, meaning handler is in the cart).
Great links for getting started, and finding the correct equipment. Feel free to email with any questions - and happy Carting!
Great website that looks at the history of dogs being used for draft work and carting.
Carting with your Rottweiler
 
Our Collars come in a variety of colors and patterns - call if you need a specific color/pattern. Below are some of our 1” patterns. Same patterns apply for harnesses. - Our harnesses are $50 and are adjustable around the shoulders and chest area. - Our Traces are $12 and are also adjustable. - A Set, as pictured above in Red, is $75 - Colors in stock are Black, Red, Green, Blue, Teal, Purple - any color can be special ordered for an additional $5.
Our custom harnesses are sizeable and are made to fit your dog perfectly to disperse the weight of the cart and load properly (over your dogs shoulders and across front of chest). 5 adjustments allow for the harness to grow with your dog, and a perfect fit will make maneuvering and backing up much more comfortable for your dog. We can make them in most colors - some of more popular ones shown above - but we also have black and purple (and may offer more variety in the future). You can also choose your color of padding. Our harnesses are $50 (plus shipping) and take a few weeks to make (not including shipping time). Please use the Measurement Chart below when measuring your dog to ensure best fit. Feel free to contact us and we can assist you in measuring your dog.mailto:GeulaR@aol.com?subject=Carting%20Harnessshapeimage_9_link_0
Carting Harnesses Check chokes are great for obedience training or just for walking your dog - they allow a correction without the actual choking part of a regular choke chain. Ours come in an array of patterns and colors. Large - $14.00 Medium - $10.00 Small - $8.00 Carting Harnesses - Prices/Sizing Check Choke Collars - Prices Please use a tape measure to properly measure your dog; A. From Elbow, around front, to other Elbow (measure around most prominent part of sternum/forechest) B. Around largest girth of chest C. From top of front leg, over shoulders, to top of other leg D. From lower point of C, around front of chest, to other side Please email with any questions - the harness is sizeable, but it is made to fit over your dogs shoulders, so it is very important to measure correctly.
Tyra - the carting frenchie!
Make sure that the dog and the equipment is well suited for the type of carting you will be doing - and PLEASE remember that during hot weather, the dog may need to have a cool coat (as shown below) to keep comfortable while working. Here are some pictures of our dogs and some of our harnesses at work and on parade - including our French Bulldog, Tyra!
Our Carting Set ($75)includes a Custom Harness, Adjustable Traces, and an Adjustable Check Choke.