what the heck is a spring pole?

Question

I saw a question about one earlier. I have something that may be one in my backyard. The Lady who lived here before me had American bulldogs, and did weight pulls with them. There is a heavy spring suspended from two thick ropes tied to trees. it has knotted ropes hanging from it. What is it for, how is it used. I have standard poodles and Borzoi, and they tug on it briefly, but then ignore it 
My Boxer/Bulldog/Pit mix, however tugged on it a little more, but left it when I did

Chetco · Accepted Answer

The little terrier mix in my avatar would love to play with a springpole. She loves to tug the life outta toys.
It is just a toy to occupy dogs, help to tire them out, or condition them for any of many purposes.
My friend, who raises APBT for show, uses a springpole to help them develop the jaw muscles, so that their heads are blockier...and develop their loins/hips, so that they are muscled and lean.  They also help burn off some of that energy.
Yep, what you have is one design of many that are springpoles. 
My friend's springpole is more like a tether-ball set, so his dogs really get to flying around the pole. It is hilarious to watch, and, as the dogs seem to be laughing, it must be great fun to play. 
If I had stronger jaws/teeth, I would love to try it! ..lol

Instructions for making one style are on this site:
http://www.pitbulllovers.com/training-articles/pitbull-training-springpoles.html

I think that just putting it low enough that your dogs can reach it would encourage them liking it. You can just attach a good quality rope toy to the bottom. Just get one with *all cotton* thread, and of the size to fit their mouths. 
My terrier would need a lighter spring, to make it the most fun for her.

Ahh..Here are step-by-step instructions to teach a dog>
http://www.ehow.com/how_2192698_use-spring-pole.html

Buffy · Answer

It's just an exercise thing. A lot of people think, because they are used a lot with pitt bulls, that it is a way to train dogs to be aggressive, but in truth it's supposed to be just a big toy. I have pitts and I love them and truly enjoy playing with them, but to be honest they have BOUNDLESS energy and I just don't, so having a springpole gives them something to play with when I can't move anymore! Pitts and other similar dogs, terriers and such, loooove tug of war, and don't like losing, so when they grab on they won't let go! (BTW: Pitts, or any other breed for that matter DON'T have lock jaw, that's a myth). 

So short story long, a springpole is like one-person tug-o-war.

ADD:

Lioness, cutest video ever!

Lioness · Answer

Yup, sounds like a spring pole.

Check it out - that's one heck of a way to tire out a dog...
http://www.strimoo.com/video/13003756/sadie-playing-on-her-springpole-Vimeo.html

Lots of people associate spring poles with people training dogs to fight, but that really is not necessarily the case.  It would be great for building muscles for weight pull - I'm sure that's why the previous owner used it.

I just found the video, can't take credit for it.  :o)


I would suggest to get them interested in it to lower the toy so they can reach it easily...even drag it with all 4 paws on the ground - then, once they figure it out, you can raise it.  Don't be bummed if they don't go for it, some breeds just aren't built for it or don't really feel driven to play with it.

Trending News

what the heck is a spring pole?

3 Answers