I think dogs are a different proposition because they are so willing, and not liable to ‘spook’ – you take your lead from the animal, and if the dog loves what it’s doing, you carry on. I’m sure if the dog had ‘spooked’ at the haybale, nobody would have carried on with it 😀 IMO, dogs are the ultimate draft animals because of their flexibility, portability and genuine love of work!
I used to harness my GSD, tie the harness to my waist and then a dog headcollar to my hand and ride my bike this way – he pulled us along via my waist and I was astonished he could pull the amount he did, at such speed, and for so long! (I weighed three times what he did, but he could pull us at a gallop for 8 miles before slowing to a trot) He absolutely adored the exercise and I got around quickly, easily and cheaply! It was so good I’m dying to do it again, and do meat deliveries this way – got my eye on a rescue husky X GSD…