where to buy carts/plans for building one

[hemingway]

We've decided to look into some light carting work with Hemingway, as he has quite the "worker" mentality. My husband is interested in building the cart (while I'd rather buy one) Anyone know of any helpful sources for getting this ball rolling? Thanks, and hope everyone is well.

ps. some of you will remember that Hemingway has some joint issues, so I want to add that we are not planning on having him pull loads. Just an empty cart and drafting exercises in the yard.

 

[Jeannie]

I have plans to build a cart. PM me your address and I'll send them to you. You wil have a cart that looks like the ones with the sideboards on this page

http://www.newfland.com/carts.htm

 

[janices]

I like Wilczek carts. I have the mid-size cart.
http://www.wilczekwoodworks.com/
If just looking for lightweight training cart for light draft work I have a collapsible crate cart which do like.
http://draftcartsfordogs.com/Work.html

 

[Bojie]

Dogworks.com is where I purchased my cart. I have Wilczeck harness that I love.
I can't remember how old Hem is. You will get some conflicting reports but especially with his joints recommended time to start pulling is 18mo preferably 2yrs. I didn't start my guys until they turned 2. Even with the lightest carts, it is easy for them to be spooked, flip them and tear a CCL or worse. If you really want to get him started and don't want to do it for competition. Patty & Mike Taylor "pecanpiepatty" on here make and ship PVC carts that are lightweight and FANTASTIC. I have one for Riggs to start him on.

 

[Bojie]

PS: While making one seems like an easy cost effective solution, I can not stress enough how important balancing your cart is so that the weight of the cart is not stressing the dog in the wrong places. No matter how lightweight. I always make sure my carts are balanced properly for my guys without freight in it. There is somewhat of a science of shaft length and height and proper harnessing. It is best to learn from an experienced draft person first, and then again to fit your dog

 

[janices]

Patty & Mike Taylor "pecanpiepatty" on here make and ship PVC carts that are lightweight and FANTASTIC. I have one for Riggs to start him on.

To see the PVC carts link here:
http://www.dogdraftcarts.com/

 

[hemingway]

Thanks everyone! We are not planning on doing anything competitively. Just something new to stimulate his mind in the yard. He is just over 2 years old now, so the timing is right. We're not going to make something just to do it...I really want to make sure it's done properly and with his safety in mind. These links are great. Thanks again!

 

[plafleursr]

Cart plans

Have plans for cart that is in my avatar. E-mail me at plafleursr@comcast.net will send them

 

[Mjwalters17]

I too would like to do cart work with Bear. I know he has to be fully grown, 2 years of age before we start. However every spring our area has local trash pickup and my father (who is a carpenter) is also intent on trying to build a cart. He intends to keep an eye out for parts. I am going to both email Newf Wiz and PM Jeannie to hopefully get some plans for him to check out.

 

[plafleursr]

You can also modify a regular wagon, so he could pull it.