The springpole is a canine conditioning tool that has been used for over 100 years to strengthen dogs.

Anytime a dog bites and tugs on something from below we call it working the springpole, whether there is an actual spring or not.

 

Why is it called Springpole?

The name comes from early examples having a similarity to the Springpole Lath commonly used in the past to turn wood.

 

 

The springpole is the most misunderstood dog toy in history. 

Biting and tugging satisfies a deep wolf instinct that is present in all dogs.

Bull breeds have an especially strong urge that has been selected for over generations.

This type of exercise is good for both their physical and mental health.

 

What is Hangtime?

Hangtime is when a dog working the springpole has all 4 paws off the ground swinging freely.

Not all dogs will be able to hang or even enjoy hanging if they can.

Do not get frustrated or angry at your dog if they can't or won't do it.

Hangtime is good for strengthening jaw and neck muscles, but they actually get more from the jump than the hang.

Hangtime is excellent breed fufilment for the terrier and bull breeds.

Hangtime can be dangerous and more likely to cause injury than other workouts.

Dogs will do what you ask them to do so make sure they don't get hurt doing it.

 

What is the most effective way to use a Springpole?

The most effective springpole workout for dogs is with their paws on the ground.

Biting and pulling down works almost all of the muscles in their body.

Similar to humans lifting weights, the more they do the stronger they get.

 

2 or 4 paws on the ground?

The best strategy is to do both.  They work slightly different muscle groups so best to cover all bases.

It is definitely easier to start dogs on the springpole with their back 2 paws firmly on the ground and front paws in the air.

It is a very natural instinct for a dog to rise, bite and pull.

If you start them off too low they might be tempted to just chew the bite target.

Adjusting the height and location of the springpole will keep the workout fun and more effective.

 

Will the Springpole make my dog aggressive?

Working the springpole does not promote aggression! 

Real scientific studies show this.  VIEW HERE

Studies show dogs view tug of war as a team effort, not a competition, instinct tells them to work together to bring down prey.

Certain breeds and dogs have been selected for very strong dog aggression, they cannot work together on the springpole safely. 

Some dogs can go from working together, to attacking each other very quickly.

 

Always supervise and monitor your dogs when using a springpole.   

 

We think you can start puppies right away.

As soon as they have the ability to bite and tug you should encourage it and make it part of play.

Avoid jumping at first, keep their back paws firmly on the ground.

 

What about growth plates?

Like all mammals puppies have growth plates, and they won't close until 8-12 months old, but that doesn't mean short training session will cause any harm.

Puppies just like children are able to jump and play hard without fear of damaging growth plates.

Just don't over do it, keep sessions short and fun.

 

Should you let your dog win?

Yes in general letting them win is good positive reinforcement but you have to gauge when it's time to give the reward based on your dogs personality.

Never winning can be really bad for some dogs motivation and could explain why they don't like working the springpole.

If you do give them possession of the toy at the end make sure to take it away quick and put it somewhere they cant get it.

 

Always leave them wanting more, this will set them up for a lifetime love of the springpole!

 

The most frequent question we get is why do we use metal rings? Why not use rope or strap instead? 

The truth is we use metal rings because they simply last longer than anything else.  

They last longer than anything else for a couple different reasons.

First, stainless steel rings are the most durable option available, they can withstand rain, salt and abrasion essentially forever.

Second, they prevent your dog from biting and destroying the vulnerable connection points on the springpole setup. 

Most dogs have a tendency to try and bite up as high as they can on their springpole.  Whatever they are biting on they will try to get higher and higher, this seems to be an instinct not learned behavior.  

Dogs generally have enough common sense not to bite hard metal and avoid injuring themselves.  So using a metal connection point will help prevent the dog from biting at the vulnerable point and keep their focus on the bite target itself.   The metal is intentionally left uncoated so it is shiny which is easier to see and avoid.

Dogs seem to have a natural instinct to attack and bite the weak point on their targets. Through trial and error the ring system we currently use is the most durable and longest lasting.

Our springpole products are geared towards the experienced user, both human and canine, that plan on using them daily for years to come.

The ring system does have a drawback and that is the potential accidental injury to your dogs mouth and teeth.   These instances are rare and can be mitigated by supervising your dog and correcting unwanted behavior like biting near the metal.

Again our products are designed for experienced springpole users to get the most out of their investment and this risk must be taken into consideration before purchasing our products.