The Chow Chow in Carting

The Chow Chow's calm temperament makes it an ideal candidate for Carting, particularly when the dog is a bit older. But first, you'll have to complete Obedience!

We started with carting in 2004, as a diversion from basic training, agility and jumping. Since both became breed champions, we felt that we started to stagnate and were ready for a new challenge. Chris proposed carting and we took up the challenge. Their “grandfather” built each one his own cart. Two beautiful harnesses were made up by a professional and off we went for our first training session.

Everyone lifted the eyebrows when these ‘teddy bears’ turned up for carting, but soon the Chows showed the ‘experts’ a thing or two. Paco readily accepted the harness and pulled his cart right from the start. Pasqualé, on the other hand, viewed this funny structure, which followed behind her, with some apprehension (this reminded us again why Paco ‘flew’ through his APT test!) and it took some two hours of love and patience before she pulled like a ‘natural’.

 

Chows do not work too well off-lead because they are aloof and stubborn - firm handling and strict commands are needed. During this exercise I do use tit-bits to guide them through the obstacles. While this is hard work for them, it does a lot for their self-esteem as they are constantly encouraged and praised. Being there right next to them as they work is a double joy and very, very rewarding.

The more serious side of dog carting is, of course, competitioncarting, but it needs to be stressed that while we all work hard to win, just doing the carting course is great fun and a reward in itself. There are 2 carting classes,Novice and Senior. Novice is done on-lead and Senior off-lead. Right now we are still in training for our first Carting Championship Show, but should be able to have the results (and the pictures) soon!
(kindly contributed by Susan Rheeder - Dendale Chow Chows, South Africa)

Would you like to try it? More info on Carting in South Africa: http://staff.petech.ac.za/cartingcorner

We invite folks who have Carting Chow Chows to share their experiences with us - please contact the webmaster!