First steps :)

So I know I only started this blog yesterday, but I also began my cart, so here’s the first update: my parents work at a ‘shed’, making screens so there are always bits of wood, wheels and plenty of things to make a cart with. I found a strong piece of wood, about 2 cm thick, and decided to use this as the ‘base’. I then found a box of large trolley wheels and took three. I drilled twelve holes in the plank: four at the front and eight at the back. I then put a bolt, through each hole of the wheel (there were four per wheel) and tightened the nut on the other side. I then tested it to make sure the wheels kept it steady and it worked! There was however a downside because the plank of wood is only 820mm by 310mm, which therefore made it wobbly. On the upside, I got two O-ring thingys  with screws on the end, and screwed them in at the front, one either side. When I’m finished, these will be where the traces connect to the cart. If you don’t know anything about carts, then here’s a quick fill-in: There are several parts to a cart, but the main ones are:

Traces: The dog pulls from these

Shafts: These are the sticks on either side of the dog, and when attached they act as brakes

Wheels: Self explanatory 

The part you sit in or put stuff in: Self explanatory 

So today or tomorrow I will attach a footrest- stopper thingy, mainly for looks rather than purpose, but hopefully the shafts will come off this and attach to Otto’s harness. I will try to get a picture of the schnauzer sled (as my dad and I call it), and show where the wheels and stuff go. I also need to attach a seat.

Measurements:

Base: 310mm x 820mm

Footrest: 310mm x 155mm

Hi there!

Chances are, if you are reading this than you are looking for answers. Over the coming days and weeks, I will be blogging my dog’s progress (Otto) in the world of dog carting, mushing, pulling, whatever you want to call it. Dogs have  had many uses over the years. They guard us and livestock, hunt criminals, provide enjoyment and entertainment… and pull carts.

Dogs have had many uses in carting. They pulled people in the snow (mushing), and people ‘in the olden days’ used to keep dogs to pull carts because they were much cheaper to keep than horses. Today, there is not so much a need for dogs to pull carts as there is want. It’s enjoyable and cute seeing little Pomeranians bring their mummies their toys in the back of a tiny, green cart. It’s just as cute seeing a fluffy german shepherd give rides to the kids in local park.

Almost any dog can pull carts, and many dogs find it enjoyable and different. However, if your dog has arthritis, back problems or hip/elbow dysplasia, it’s probably not the best idea. Even if your dog is in tip-top shape, there is a limit to how much they can pull (two to three times their own weight).

Ok, about the subject of the blog, Otto. He is a 6-year-old standard schnauzer, slightly skittish and taller than average. He is salt and pepper (grey with white legs, chest and beard). He has a calm demeanour, and loves cuddles. He isn’t one of those hyper, toy-oriented dogs, although when he is stirred up he loves to play tug-of-war and fetch with our other dog, Scarlett, who is a black and silver (black with white legs, chest and beard) mini schnauzer.

In this blog I will be showing how I made my cart, how I trained Otto and how I made my harness. Before I figured out how to make a cart and harness, I went through so many websites with people going on about how to make a cart, and then I find out that I can’t get something (such bike wheels). Here, I will try to provide step-by-step pictures with instructions so you can make your own CHEAP cart and harness.