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- #11
First of all, I have a huge background in horses. The main issue with the dog is getting the dog to move out with the person/equipment behind him.
I did not have a helper, but I started with a very well trained (multiple High In Trial obedience) dog who is confident and responsive to me. My dogs all learn early that "let's go" means move ahead when they are on leash or in heel position. This b.itch took to the cart like a duck to water, very naturally.
In your situation, you would probably want to hook the dog, and lead him for a while. I had spent time teaching Milton what WHOA means, as from my background in horses, this is an important component as far as staying out of the hospital.
With the dogs, I find it is not nearly as important with the horses. It is more difficult to teach the dogs to get going, and to keep in a straight line.
Once you get the dog moving about with you on lead, stopping, turning, starting, etc, then you want to begin to allow him to move out ahead of you as you are walking with him. I have spent quite a bit of time long lining the dogs from behind, and moving to the head to help them only if they get "stuck". If you have someone who can help you, they can stand out a ways in front of the dog, and call them while you longline from behind.
My dogs will still startle occasionally if the cart makes an unusual noise from hitting a bump, etc. While the bells are nice and jingly, they also teach the dog to tolerate noise from behind while pulling.
Good luck!
I did not have a helper, but I started with a very well trained (multiple High In Trial obedience) dog who is confident and responsive to me. My dogs all learn early that "let's go" means move ahead when they are on leash or in heel position. This b.itch took to the cart like a duck to water, very naturally.
In your situation, you would probably want to hook the dog, and lead him for a while. I had spent time teaching Milton what WHOA means, as from my background in horses, this is an important component as far as staying out of the hospital.
Once you get the dog moving about with you on lead, stopping, turning, starting, etc, then you want to begin to allow him to move out ahead of you as you are walking with him. I have spent quite a bit of time long lining the dogs from behind, and moving to the head to help them only if they get "stuck". If you have someone who can help you, they can stand out a ways in front of the dog, and call them while you longline from behind.
My dogs will still startle occasionally if the cart makes an unusual noise from hitting a bump, etc. While the bells are nice and jingly, they also teach the dog to tolerate noise from behind while pulling.
Good luck!
