Dog Sulkies

[CitizenKate]

Hi all,

With leash ordinances becoming more restrictive, I've been looking for new things to do with my dogs that will give them more exercise and involves some kind of meaningful interaction between them and me. One is an American Eskimo mix, the other a retriever mix. He loves to retrieve, but she hates it. She, on the other hand, seems to be born to pull something, because she can pull on a leash like nobody's business!

I thought, Aha! Carting! So I found a guy in Australia who makes sulkies for dogs. Click here to visit his site, and you can

.

I think my dogs would love this, but do any of you have any experience with this activity? Any advice on the gear, training, etc.?

Thanks,

Kate

[Ian]

LOL, that brought back some memories. I used to have some big Saanen goats that I trained to drive - got up to a 4 hitch. Actually, the first harness I made was for my goats. If I get a pic scanned, I'll post it. I had a picture of my team printed in 'Farm and Ranch' and that started a deluge of mail from people wanting to drive their goats. So much so, that I decided to go into the goat driving supply biz - it bombed, but I ended up with a lifetime supply of t-shirts and sweatshirts and mugs.

I was having my carts made by a menonite guy in Illinois.

PS, Kate, do you save your dog's undercoats to spin into yarn?

[CitizenKate]

LOL, that brought back some memories. I used to have some big Saanen goats that I trained to drive - got up to a 4 hitch. Actually, the first harness I made was for my goats. If I get a pic scanned, I'll post it.

That would be cool to see!

I had a picture of my team printed in 'Farm and Ranch' and that started a deluge of mail from people wanting to drive their goats. So much so, that I decided to go into the goat driving supply biz - it bombed, but I ended up with a lifetime supply of t-shirts and sweatshirts and mugs.

I was having my carts made by a menonite guy in Illinois.

As far as I know, nobody here has done this, or even thought about it; I'm pretty sure that once people start seeing us trotting around town, there is bound to be some interest in them. So your story is interesting, because I was thinking about how I could get a piece of the action if this started to take off here. Yeah, yeah, I know, all the little pitfalls...!

PS, Kate, do you save your dog's undercoats to spin into yarn?

No, but we do offer it to the local bird population for nest lining material. They seem pretty glad to get it, because it usually isn't 5 minutes before they are in the yard snatching it up.

Kate

[Crystal]

Hi Kate-

I found a website www.dogplay.com/Activities/harness.html it shows all kinds of things to do with dogs in harness. When I was a kid we raised and trained sled dogs. In the non-snow months we used a modified cart with rubber tires and regular lines and harness for training. (It was rather large and heavy - 10-12 dogs pulling). Maybe you could use a modified trike? You need something with brakes! We had little harnesses for puppies and would suit them up and have them start by dragging small things like pieces of wood, etc. around to get them used to pulling and started teaching Gee and Haw (right and left) voice commands for directions. I don't remember too much - it was a long time ago. If that link doesn't work, do a google search for "Carting with your dog". YouTube has some sled dog videos, too. Good luck!

Crystal

[whinewine]

When I was a kid we raised and trained sled dogs. In the non-snow months we used a modified cart with rubber tires and regular lines and harness for training.

Crystal

Back in the '80s, my friend & I would shoot (photographically) sled dog races in PA & sell prints to the owners & sponsors. It's too warm now in this area & mostly, not enough snow.

russ

[ClayB]

My neighbors dad told a story about the big dog he had when he was a kid. The dog loved to chase cars which led him to an idea. He hitched up the dog to his tricycle, stood on the back, and parked it in the ditch waiting for cars to come by. The dog took after the car, and the fun began. He said it wasn't long before people from town would drive by just to watch the show.

I know it doesn't help with your question at all, but it sure would have made a great video.

[roo4u]

hi

actually carting is very populat in most parts of the country...im in god forsaken nebraska and it is not done here but is in most places. there are several makers of very nice dog carts in the us, for far less than those sulkies. i have also seen info on line on how to convert those big wheeled wagons from places like tractor supply into really cute dog drawn vehicles.

[CitizenKate]

actually carting is very populat in most parts of the country...im in god forsaken nebraska and it is not done here but is in most places. there are several makers of very nice dog carts in the us, for far less than those sulkies. i have also seen info on line on how to convert those big wheeled wagons from places like tractor supply into really cute dog drawn vehicles.

Thanks for the info, roo4u! Could you please share who the US makers are?

Muchas Gracias!

Kate

[Crystal]

Hi Kate-

These are some sites that I found online:

www.k9carting.com/carts.html

www.horsecart.com/carts.html

www.sierrakennel.com/carts.html

www.pacifier.com/~carriage/trans-sport.html

www.dogscooter.com

This is sounding like a lot of fun!

Crystal

[CitizenKate]

Thanks, Crystal! You found a couple that I hadn't found before.

Kate

[SimonJester753]

There's a sport for dogs called skijoring, which involves being towed by a dog or dogs while cross country skiing.

There are off-shoots of this sport: bikejoring, canicross, etc. People also use adult scooters for this. Also consider off-road rollerblading with your dogs.

http://www.ultrapaws.com/Skijoring-Sledding-and-Canicross/products/1030/?gclid=CJTd2M29mKACFZNL2god73CMmA

http://www.skates.com/Offroad-skates-s/96.htm

There are also bike attachments that allow your dog to stay at your side, rather than on a long lead off the front of the bike. Here are 3 models:

http://www.futurepets.com/cgi-bin/FULLPRES.exe?PARTNUM=SP63008

http://www.petexpertise.com/exercise-aids-a-tired-dog-is-less-likely-to-dig/bike-tow-leash-dog-bicycle.html

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Bicycle-Dog-Leash/dp/B0006514IG/ref=pd_sim_k_3

[CitizenKate]

Thanks, Simon. Those all-terrain skates are tool cool! I've noticed a lot more manufacturers who make this kind of gear are starting to pop up everywhere.

This was originally posted some time ago. What we ended up doing was getting a scooter from Dogscooter.com, and some racing ("X-back") harnesses from Alpine Outfitters in WA. The dogs really love getting to go all-out!

We also got a dorsal-hitch sulky from a guy in Australia, but we haven't gotten to drive it much, so far. (Need another accessory for my car that will just have to wait for now.) But the scooter is easy to pack up and take anywhere for a drive.

Kate

[pearlygirl555]

You might look into a travois, I believe much of it is made from leather or canvas and if you like making things, it might be fun for you before you ever introduce it to your dogs. Good luck!