I searched and checked all the forums and Ed's articles out, so if I missed some obvious info on this, just point it out to me. How does one go about teaching a dog to pull a sled or a cart--the dog already does well with basic obediance and walking on a leash. Are there any videos, articles or other resources on this that are as reliable as Ed's site?

Also, has anyone every owned a Staffordshire bull terrier? What are they like?

Are you planning to get a Staffordshire Bull Terrier? Is this the dog you are planning to use to pull a cart or sled? Are you an experienced dog owner? Have you had terriers, expecially any of the bullie breeds before?

While any large or medium sized dog could probably be taught to pull a sled or cart, your best option would be to choose a breed that's bred to do that job such as, for example, a Husky, Malamute, Chinook, Swiss Mountain dog or Bernese Mountain dog.

Becca: I have owned many APBT's which are basically the same as Staffies. And they do take a special kind of owner. They aren't for everyone. Breeding here is everything, and buying just any dog that is a bull breed isn't a good idea.

I'd think long and hard about the breed, do as much research as you can and then also consider your lifestyle.

After several bad dogs, my husband and I got lucky on ours. He's been a great dog, but I won't get another one when he passes on...the stigma is hard to overcome.

The pulling would be for my current dog, who is a mix-breed rescue. Anyone's guess is as good as mine when it comes to what he is, but I thought learning to pull a small cart (or sled in the winter) would help him feel like he's working and give him some challenge. I'd like to check it out, at least, but the internet is a big place and I've learned that they aren't all reliable. I trust the info here.

About the staffie, my husband and I are putting a little bit of money every paycheck into a puppy fund for the future (not until after the current dog passes away, but we want to be able to afford a good breeder when the time comes.) We've been researching different breeds. I don't want anything that's over 40 lbs max because I want to be able to lift him if neccessary. My husband loves the bullie breeds, so we were checking them out. Most information just says that they're very family friendly, good with kids, but don't like other dogs. Again, I trust the info here more than on most sites.

Its pretty easy. Buy a sled dog harness(optimal) from a sled dog site-sized accordingly. Worst case, a solid leather tracking harness will work for light loads, but sled harness is much preferred.
Gradually introduce-suit up, take for a walk or 2, get em comfortable with it on . Then try a light load-log etc on a leash, easy pull in the yard, make it fun. Reward etc. Then proceed from there. Could be a wagon, then maybe roller blades, and when winter comes a sled or skis with you on them. Dog must be under control and understand Whoa. You can teach right or left(Gee/Haw) and most use Hike for go.
Ive done it w/many Shepherds,GSPs and now a Draht. Lots of fun and good exercise.
Far as staffies or Am.Staffs. Great dogs. Better with experienced handler, not for faint of heart. Most are dog/cat aggressive and protective. Very smart. I like em but wouldnt advise unless you have a handle on a dog like this, at all times. I also really like Kerry Blues also. No shed. Terrier through and through. Very game dogs about 30-35 pounds. Most are dog aggressive as well and excellent watch dogs for home or car. I didnt say manstoppers (due to size) but watchdogs. Never a dull moment with a terrier in the house, regardless of size! Your life will never be the same if you get one.

Before you start, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take him to the vet for a complete physical, making sure all joints are in order and there's no potentially harmful medical condition lurking, but that goes with any intensive program.

Another good physical activity that gives a dog a job would be backpacking. Good luck, keep it all fun. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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My husband loves the bullie breeds, so we were checking them out. Most information just says that they're very family friendly, good with kids, but don't like other dogs. Again, I trust the info here more than on most sites.

these breeds are *less* likely than many others to be easy-going, and you have to stay on top of it with them and be a good leader. they will take charge if you don't establish that everyone in the house is higher on the pecking order than him, right from the beginning.

i prefer the bully breeds myself, but owning one can be quite an education! they are not for "soft" owners, weak personalities, or inexperienced dog owners. and they do need a job to do, and lots of regular exercise.

i've backpacked with my dogs for more than 25 years. i have never done it with a dog as small as 40 lbs. and really wonder how practical that would be. the dog should be big enough to carry his own food, pad, first aid kit, and other dog supplies. i would want a dog that is at least 100 lbs.

unless of course you can handle carrying most of his stuff yourself.

I should clarify that when I suggested backpacking, I meant allowing the dog to carry weight in proportion to its own weight/size/abilities. Of course it couldn't carry a serious load, but it could still carry enough to feel and be useful, perhaps some water and a bowl for a couple-hour hike or even carry toys and other objects to the park for games and obedience work.

Bill, thanks for the information on pulling. Where do you buy the harnesses? I think I'll pass on Kerries--they take more grooming than I'd like.

Alice, thank you for the input on Staffies. We've have lots of time to decide on a breed, but I want to know as much as possible before makinng the decision. I don't go on long backpacking trips--just day hikes in the summer--but I walk a 2-4 mile circuit almost daily with my dog and thought pulling or possible packing something might be good for him. It's something we can do year-round here in the Rockies.

packing for exercise and conditioning is certainly something you can do with a 40 lb. dog.

i live in the rockies, too. it's a great place to build endurance, for both dogs and people! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

i'm going to start training my mastiff with a sled harness pretty soon, so i'll be watching this thread for more pointers. i want to get him trained well enough that we can do some skijoring this coming winter.

my breeder has a link to lots of carting and weight pulling resources on her website. i haven't looked at it in a long time, but i bet there are some good resources there: http://www.workingmastiffs.com

if you look at the link "extended family and friends" you'll see a picture of ben as a pup hiking in the mountains. he didn't wear a pack on that trip. we waited until he was over two years old.