Wolfe works on his new skills pulling Mom on the cart

For those folks thinking this may be doggie abuse, this is a three-wheeled cart so Wolfe is not actually bearing any of its weight. He pulls it by pushing his massive chest into the harness at the same time pulling leads that hook from his harness to the carriage itself. This is a smart dog who loves it when he has a job to do, and loves being my partner in all things fun.

It took many weeks of taking baby steps in training to get Wolfe acclimated to the harness, then to being hitched to the cart, then to pulling the cart, then to pulling it around the neighborhood (first with me walking beside and then me walking behind). Finally, on one trip when he was trotting along very nicely, I hopped on and he actually kept going. I was hysterical with glee.

He has learned how to stop or slow on command, but now I need to work with him to start out with me in the seat (he doesn't move unless I say "find home") and also to move from walk to trot or run. Also, I have to figure out how to teach him to turn left or turn right.

This is tons of fun. I hope we will someday be a feature in our local community parades.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• dog
• +pulling
• +cart
• +canine
• +German
• Shepherd

[iamnobodiesslave]

WONDERFULL teach him the command of HUP or WALK ON like you would a horse or LETS GO or HIKE dog comands

[Vizslas2]

On closer review, it looks like you treated him when he came OUT of the fear of the traces bumping him. Even better!

[Vizslas2]

I love it! Great job with the treats, too (be careful not to treat after a fear display!). You could use a "right" "left" or a "gee" "haw" or whatever is said. This is really great exercise for him! I wonder if they come in Vizsla size! I am so proud of you both!