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You are here: Home / Dog Articles / Why Not Build a Dog Cart?
plans to build a dog cart
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Why Not Build a Dog Cart?

Last updated on December 27, 2018 By Puppy Leaks 16 Comments

How to build a dog cart

The Benefits of Building a Dog Cart

Teaching your dog to pull a cart can be both fun and practical. It’s certainly going to give your dog a nice workout but it’s also giving him a job to do. It’s a dog sport that’s also referred to as urban mushing – which is any sport that involves dogs pulling such as sledding and carting.

Imagine how fun it would be to have your dog pulling you around the neighborhood, and now imagine the look on your neighbors faces. You could even have him haul groceries, firewood or a basket full of kittens if you so desire. Here’s the benefits of dog carting, and some DIY dog cart plans you can use to get started.

Dog Carting Isn’t Just For Big Dogs

Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Huskies, and many other breeds have been pulling carts for centuries, but small dogs can get in on the action as well. The general rule is that any dog that weighs about 30 pounds or more can pull a cart — as long as you get a cart that is the right size.

Any dog that likes to pull can certainly have fun doing so. Generally dogs can pull 2-3 times their body weight. If you’re going to be going uphill or on some rough terrain reduce the load as needed.

Each dog is different so finding the right balance for your dog will take a bit of patience. If your dog has any mobility issues or back problems I recommend sticking to lower impact exercises.

How to Teach Your Dog to Pull a Cart

Although some breeds like Huskies might know how to pull naturally it’s important to teach them how to properly pull a cart. Dogs need to get comfortable with turning and it can be somewhat intimidating starting out.

Most of the commands used when carting are simple obedience commands with a few specific ones added in. For more information check out these articles on how to train your dog to pull a cart & urban mushing: a solution for high energy dogs.

Purchasing or Making Your Dog Cart

After choosing which sort of cart, wagon or scooter you’re going to build you need to invest in the proper pulling harness. I suggest Ultra Paws because they’re well padded and they’re easily adjustable; these harnesses also work great for hiking and sledding with your dog. (not to mention they’re perfect for teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash)

Carting can be a fun way to exercise with your dog. It’s mentally stimulating and physically demanding for him. Some dogs are naturals at it while others may want nothing to do with it.

7 DIY Dog Cart Plans

Looking to build a dog cart? Here’s 7 DIY dog cart plans to choose from:

  •  PVC Dog Cart
  • Another PVC Dog Cart
  • Tandem Dog Cart Plans
  • Box Style Cart Plans
  • Cart From An Old Stroller
  • Folding Bike Trailer Cart
  • Cart Box or Wagon

Here’s a Great Step by Step Video

How Fun Is This?

photo credit: Tundra Ice

 

Recommended Reading:

10 Fun Games to Play With Your Dog
15 Free Dog House Plans
10 Easy to Make DIY Dog Toys
The Beginners Guide to Lure Coursing for Dogs
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Comments

  1. Emma says

    August 2, 2014 at 11:43 am

    For certain dogs I think it is a great idea. We just need a proper harness so we don’t injure ourselves. Pulling sleds in the winter is fun too.

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      August 2, 2014 at 5:39 pm

      Yeah certain dogs could really have a great time with it. A properly fitting harness is a must, you are correct.

      Reply
  2. Kate Obrien says

    August 2, 2014 at 12:46 pm

    Very cool. I can see how large, strong dogs like the rottie will benefit from this – and love it. I bet Jack could do it…well maybe when he was younger. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for joining the Hop.

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      August 2, 2014 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks for having me in the hop. I think a lot of bigger breeds would really love it, I was surprised to find out how deeply ingrained cart pulling was in their history.

      Reply
  3. nailahbone says

    August 2, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    I have totally wanted to do this with Niles. I used to dream of making her accompany me to the Farmers Marker with her cart and then have her haul the goods back home!

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      August 3, 2014 at 3:24 pm

      Yeah me too, I haven’t built it yet but I’ve been looking around for used strollers/wagons …

      Reply
  4. M. K. Clinton says

    August 2, 2014 at 10:34 pm

    I don’t think Bentley my Basset would be very good at it. Being short and a free-thinker (stubborn) he would just stand like a tortured statue! LOL!!

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      August 3, 2014 at 3:23 pm

      Yeah I don’t think I can see a Basset doing it but he has many other talents and ways to keep himself occupied 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jan K, Wag N Woof Pets says

    August 4, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    I always thought that since my girls pull when on leash, that they would be good at pulling other things. But I never thought of it as a form of exercise for them like this….pretty cool!

    Reply
  6. Jess says

    February 18, 2016 at 2:16 pm

    I have a Bernese mtn dog, I tried making my own cart, however it didn’t end up right. Could anyone tell me where I can buy a cart for him to pull?

    Reply
    • Jen Gabbard says

      February 23, 2016 at 1:11 am

      I haven’t personally purchased from these sites but they’re pretty popular as far as carts go:

      http://k9carting.com/
      http://www.caninecarriages.com/
      http://www.customdogcarts.com

      Reply
      • Laurie McDonough says

        September 13, 2017 at 12:52 pm

        I recommend Wilczek Woodworks and Dog Work’s carts.

        Reply
  7. Laurie McDonough says

    September 13, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    “Carting” is actually the overall term for pulling any type of equipment. Draft carting is pulling a 4-wheel wagon, 2-wheel cart or even a travois. Driving is pulling a sulky. Mushing and joring are terms used for a dog pulling a person on a sled, skis, bike, scooter or even a person running. One important difference is that the harnesses used for these activities are not the same. The harness you show in this article would be the proper one for mushing and joring – the dog pulls with one line attached to the person or vehicle and isn’t pulling heavy weight constantly (the line is often slack). The harness used for draft carting is usually a Siwash harness which is made to have two traces and two shafts attached to it. Sulkies have another type of harness made to fit a single shaft that rises above the dog’s back (dorsal shaft) although some sulkies have two shafts. I’m just adding this comment so that people can learn more about the equipment and for safety reasons – the harness shown would be unsafe for carts, wagons or sulkies. There are several excellent Facebook groups devoted to dog carting which I would highly recommend joining!

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      March 5, 2019 at 6:43 pm

      could you send me the information on those facebook sites. I want to get a sulky do to not being able to run and I would like to get the right equipment. I have 2 eightylbs dogs quie t tall (they are Snoodles) Giant Schnauzer and large standard Poodle.) with ton of energy. I have been researching but not finding what is needed, Best regards Andrea Morse

      Reply
  8. AF says

    March 5, 2019 at 6:02 pm

    Where did the girl on video called dog takesowner for ride, get her sulky and I really liked the rains and harness

    Reply
  9. Sonia Hoponick says

    January 10, 2021 at 11:36 pm

    i cant find a cart for my little dog i realy need one can you tell me were i can buy a little cart for my little dog

    Reply

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