Carting with a 55 lb goldendoodle?

[Mae]

I can’t find any information on if goldendoodles would be appropriate to train as carting dogs. We have a 21 month old goldendoodle (F1b if that matters). He loves to pull on the leash so I thought it would be fun once he’s old enough (2 years old?) to train him to pull a light wagon. Once I even strapped one leash to my 5 year olds 12” bike and held the dog with another leash. He acted like there wasn’t anything behind him. How do you know if your dog is physically built for pulling? And what weight is safe to pull (my 4 and 6 year old would be thrilled to take turns riding while I lead him). I have a little experience with pony carts and charlie is so bomb proof I don’t think we’d have difficulty getting him used to pulling something. But I want to make sure we don’t harm him. Thanks!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I don't see why not... I mean I don't actually have anything to back it up but some breeds are bred for pulling (Bernese Mountain Dogs, huskies/malamutes).

You'd need a well padded harness and as with any form of exercise I'd start slowly.  If you have a vet visit coming up for 2y maybe ask the vet about it then too.

I always say our bernedoodle Riley is like a horse lol.  She is looking like she will top out at 75 lbs or so and she could definitely pull a cart... she is SO strong.  She has pulled a few pieces of furniture across the room she was tethered to without any obvious effort (though they are on felt feet on a wood floor).  

As to whether it's good for them I have no idea, that you'd have to check.  If the load is small I can't see it doing any harm.  Joint damage is probably a possibility if they are pulling heavy stuff.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It also depends on the stress points, i.e. which parts of the body are bearing the weight, and whether or not the harness, attachments, or whatever are allowing the dog to move normally and not impeding his normal movement. Even some of the "no pull" harnesses are known to cause orthopedic problems because of the restriction of normal movement through the chest and shoulders, and that's without any added weight. 
Personally, I would not use a Goldendoodle as a draft dog. They are not bred for draft work like Newfoundlands, St Bernards, Bernese Mtn Dogs, etc. and they do not have the same type of bone mass and physical structure, regardless of how strong they are. In the case of an F1B Goldendoodle, you typically have even less bone mass than in an F1. I would not take the chance. 

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

I mean if you have a harness set up properly and they are pulling something small that is less than their body weight I would think it would be fine for short periods.  I definitely would not use a doodle of any kind to pull heavy stuff though because poodles are just not set up for that...neither are goldens.

You are right though that it's probably not worth the risk just for your amusement:p

If doggie needs a "job" then a backpack with a water bottle or two (for an even load) in it or something is probably a safer choice.

[Mae]

I defintely need to get him a backpack, thanks for the reminder. He's actually a fairly low-energy dog but has stamina coming out his ears. Last week we went on a 4 mile hike that was at 10,000 feet elevation and he was just living his best life running around the kids and up and down the trails. I realized we need to make him carry his own water and poop bags, and maybe even a small bottle for the kids.

[Mae]

I don't know why I didn't think to call our vet. She just saw him two days ago for his well check and rabies shot. So I'll ask her.

[Mae]

From what I read online it says any dog 30 pounds or bigger can pull, you just obviously adjust the weight. I wasn't suggesting super heavy weights. I will definitely get the advice of his vet and make sure any cart we do build will have the weight on the axles instead of his shoulders. I've seen some home builds where they use a bike trailer but that appears to put all the weight on the harness. Ouch!

Eventually we want to go camping to a place that you have to haul your gear in 1.5 miles. (My husband's family went when he was little, its not strenuous but you do have to haul your gear and water) It would be kind of cool if Charlie could carry the blankets or something. He's such a happy pup I think he'd enjoy it.

[Summer's Mom]

This drafting cart vendor says that some dogs can pull 3-4 times their own weight! http://k9carting.com/k9-cart-faqs/

Here's a Facebook group on the topic: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DogCartingBeginners/

I think all dogs enjoy pulling if given a chance, whether or not they're built to win pulling competitions :) It's very rewarding for them, as many of us find out during leash training. 

Newfoundlands, Swiss Mountain Dogs (of all types), and Leonbergers are all used for drafting. Their local club pages could be a good resource for you. 

[Mae]

Thank you! That Facebook group will be invaluable. Funny the things you don’t think to look for. I really think he’ll enjoy the job. 

[Mae]

I just joined it and there are lots of poodles carting! Thank you!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

There was a woman here in San Diego, California named Joy who I think bred Schnoodles with giant Schnauzers.  Her dogs pulled carts.  Perhaps if you google some of that info. photos will pop up; I couldn't find the video and photos of her.

[Mae]

Great, thank you! I watched the most hilarious video of these toy poodles (several of them) pulling a cart together. I think as long as I get a suitable harness, build him up to it slowly, and with the advice of his vet, don’t over burden him, I think he’ll enjoy it. He can almost pull me over and i’m used to controlling 1,500 pound horses. (Horses are easier because you can use your elbow for leverage. Dogs are below my center of gravity!)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Joy may still have photos here on DK.
Her dogs were Giant Schnoodles; Standard Poodles bred to Giant Schnauzers. Giant Schnauzers are in the Working Group, like Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, etc.