Carting at the 2007 NAWBA Championships

This was the first trial under the new NAWBA Carting Regulations.

Because you have to have the NAWBA Novice Carting title before entering Advanced there could not be any Advanced entries this year.  The trial included a maneuvering course and a one mile freight haul over variable terrain.

The trial had 2 entries:

Ann Schallert and Int Ch Blanton's Isidor CA, RA, TDI, CGC, TT

earned First Place and NAWBA 2007 Carting Champion

Lynn Hobby and Amber Mist Bacchus earned Second Place

Bacchus is Lynn's service dog who pulled her wheelchair when needed in the past.

I think the number of entries in carting will increase as people realize carting is a serious competitive event consistent with the heritage and one of the original functions of the Bouvier.

FCI Judge Jean-Charles Masson, who has competed in ring since age 14,  said some Bouviers do carting in France and it is a pleasing way to show the stability of the dog.  He said the stability you need for carting, especially around a lot of people, i.e. going to the market, etc., is the same stability you need for bite work.

Julie Cramer, who is a carting judge for ABdFC and the American Working Collie Assoc. and teaches carting regularly,  gave an excellent workshop with lecture and hands on work with the dogs.  She stressed the importance of conditioning the dog.

Six Bouviers and three other breeds attended.