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Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Discussions / Re: Mouse's new cart
« on: October 20, 2005, 05:57:29 am »
LOL! That picture is hilarious! The cart was made by Michael Starn of Old Dominion BuggyWorks in Bealeton, VA. He made it for Mouse's 3rd Birthday.
Weight pull and drafting are similiar in the fact that there is a harness involved. They are two very different sports. With any sport, injury may occur. But there is little evidence that proper weight pulling has any negative effects. In fact, it strengthens muscles that help hold the hips together. Of course, weight pulling a really young dog could put unneed stress on a growing body. I wouldn't weight pull a large dogs until at least 18-24 months old depending on physical condition.
Drafting on the other hand puts very little stress on the body. A properly balanced 2 wheel cart only has 1 lb of downward pressure on the shafts.
Weight pull and drafting are similiar in the fact that there is a harness involved. They are two very different sports. With any sport, injury may occur. But there is little evidence that proper weight pulling has any negative effects. In fact, it strengthens muscles that help hold the hips together. Of course, weight pulling a really young dog could put unneed stress on a growing body. I wouldn't weight pull a large dogs until at least 18-24 months old depending on physical condition.
Drafting on the other hand puts very little stress on the body. A properly balanced 2 wheel cart only has 1 lb of downward pressure on the shafts.