Draft Work: Carting with Your Newfoundland

Several breeds of dogs have been specifically bred to assist people with their daily work, the Newfoundland being one of them, however any dog can be trained to pull carts, wagons, sleds or travois.

Still today draft dogs are referred to as "the poor man's horse." They haul milk and produce from farms to market, make deliveries in towns, or even provide basic transportation by pulling dog sleds or small surreys. A single, fully trained draft dog in the larger breeds can pull loads as great as 2000 pounds for short distances and well over 1000 pounds on a daily basis. When properly trained and handled, a draft dog loves his work.

In addition to performing in demonstrations and parades, many draft dogs in North America today assist their handlers in their daily life. Some are certified therapy/assistant; some regularly "bring home the groceries"; some assist in hauling their own supplies around like their crates and food; some even work in search and rescue, hauling supplies into areas that are difficult to reach; and many dogs love giving rides to the neighbourhood children.

 In North America Draft Dog has become a popular canine training discipline with classes, workshops and tests being held all over.