harness question

[nice newfie]

There is a place in Sackville New Brunswick that makes Harnesses and stuff for horses.I'm hoping to get them to have a harness for James.But I might need a pattern for them to go by, so if you have any ideas let me know. And At what age would you start him actually pulling a cart empty just to get him use to it?Karen

 

[newfloverqc]

Karen,

I bought Judi Adler's book, Newfoundland Puppy Early Care, Early Training. In her book she talks about carting, water work, agility and tracking.

I'm pretty sure she mentionned that you should not put your puppy into a harness until much older (18 months) because their bones and muscles are yet not devlopped enough. Sort of the same idea as to why children under 12 should not lift weights.

I'll check the exact age she recommends and get back to ya.

Steve

 

[aga_ing]

I've seen a unique design for a newfie harness made in St-John's NFld. It's based on the harness that was used on 'The Rock' back when dogs still had to earn a living... I'm planning to get one for my boy and if you're interested i'll send you a link to some pics and the address of the maker (snail-mail only). My boy is 10 months now and this winter I'll start him in a regular nylon webb harness just to see how he handles the idea of pulling something and if it works out I'll order the real leather thing (as it costs a few $$ i'd rather wait and make sure that we'll actually use it).

 

[newfloverqc]

Hey Laurie,

Just when I thought you'd disappeared from the board, you re-appear !

2 weeks until my pup is born. 11 weeks til I can take her home !!

 

[aga_ing]

Yep, Still here though I don't post much anymore. I'm very happy for you, 11 weeks will pass in a flash. If you're ever in the neighborhood (we live in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu) you're always wellcome to drop by and meet Ludvig von Drool and his humans

 

[nice newfie]

Laurie,Don't tellme that. We have to drive throu Quebec.Don't tempt me!!!!!!ha ha.Where would I find that web harness.Might as well try the same thing and see if he'll do it.Another question How do you start training them with the harness.Karen

 

[aga_ing]

I've seen the web harness at J.E. Mondou and several other large pet supply stores. As to draft training, Judi Adler's book contains enough information to get you started (yep, I've bought that book too and I like it). I presume there are also other books on the subject, ontario has quite a few people doing draft (with great pyrs and bernese mostly) so maybe there is a club near you that could help. And if you are driving by, you're always wellcome to visit our jungle and meet the gorilla-in-residence (Ludo)