The Carting Group is open to all carters interested in working carts and is supported by the Southern Bernese Mountain Dog Club, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of GB, the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Scotland and the Central Bernese Mountain Dog Club. The Group awards Carting Certificates to carters and their dogs acheiving 90% of the available marks at three working cart course competitions in each of the three levels, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Progression from beginners to Intermediate and then to advanced is dependent on gaining the appropriate certificate. At the end of each year, dogs and handlers that are in the advanced class only, are awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to those who have gained the most points in three of the events organised by the clubs. As of last year, dogs and handlers now need to pass three courses in each of the three levels before they can progress. General Notes to competitors 1) The dog must not put it's feet onto or over the edge of the obstacles nor must the wheels hit or go over the side of the obstacle. Each transgression will be penalised 1 mark and two wheels or the whole of the dog outside the obstacle will result in more marks lost. 2) If the Dog and cart misses an obstacle completely then all marks allocated for that obstacle will be lost. 3) The handler may walk either side of the dog. 4) A halti type collar must not be used and food rewards must not be used except in beginners level. 5) On the halt or load the dog and cart must not move. 6) The lead should not be TIGHT during the halt. 7) The dog should move smoothly around the course on a LOOSE lead obeying voice commands or brief tugs on the lead to guide the dog. 8) Marks lost for ease of control will probably make all the difference between winning or coming second or third and decides whether your dog acheives 90% or not. This therefore is the most important part of all the exercises. Above all enjoy working around the course with your dog. Work as a team and you can achieve a good score at the end of the day |
Advice to Competitors |
The Bernese Mountain Dog Working Cart Group of GB |
