Flirtpole, Springpole, etc - Just for Pit Bulls?

[Bahamutt99]

This is the only all-breed forum I'm on. Every other one pertains to APBTs. And I was just thinking about some of the things that we consider normal while owning this breed. It's the same stuff that the misinformed authorities consider dog fighting paraphernalia. Treadmills, flirtpoles, springpoles, breaking sticks, and so on.

I know owners of other breeds use dog treadmills, although it seems that most non-bulldog people train their dogs to walk on e-mills, wheras APBT folk might invest in a slatmill or carpet mill.

I know non-bulldog owners use the heavy rope leads and wide collars.

My question is about the other things.

Firstly, do any non-APBT owners keep a breaking stick on hand in case their dog gets in a fight? They are the most useful to owners of "gripping" breeds that grab and shake when they fight. They're used by grabbing the dog's collar or scruff with one hand while you use the stick on the side of their mouth to work their grip loose with the other.

Do any non-APBT owners use a springpole or flirtpole for their dogs' exercise and entertainment? Or are we the only people who get a use out of such things?

Breaking stick:

Springpole:

Flirtpole:

Gravity Dogs on the Flirtpole (LV says they're undergoing maintenance, so it may not work at the moment.)

Thanks for indulging my curiosity.

 

[Laurelin]

We've used a treadmill before, but I'm not sure what kind... I also got curious about the whole idea of a flirtpole so Imade a 'mini version' and tried it with Beau. He had a blast! Summer has no interest in toys so none of that nowadays.

Not exactly the same thing, though.

 

[PWCorgi]

At this point I don't see the need to have a breaking stick in my house. I have two corgis who co-habitate quite amicably. The only fight I've ever had is 16 pound Izzy (corgi) vs. 12ish pound Mollie (poodle mix). Izzy latched onto Mollie and held, but choking her off (if you can even call it that) wasn't difficult. If I was to add a larger dog to the mix I would definitely be investing in a breaking stick.

I've been toying with the idea of a flirtpole for Frodo, but first I need to get him to start tugging outside, he believes that tugging is only good inside where he can break stuff

 

[Sweet72947]

I made a flirt pole and I used it at FOHA sometimes with non-pit bulls.

 

[bubbatd]

I personally don't like any of them !!! I always let my dogs play among themselves as so tug of wars etc . I feel too many people use things like spring poles too early in a pup's development .... both mentally and physically . Don't fault me !!! I've always had layed back Goldens !!

 

[PWCorgi]

I personally don't like any of them !!! I always let my dogs play among themselves as so tug of wars etc

What's wrong with letting a dog have a little fun playing with a toy on a rope? It's not really all that dfferent from playing ball.

And what about dogs who don't care to play with other dogs or can't?

 

[Kayla]

I've been considering a flirt pole- Duke loves playing tug, but flirt poles take tug/chase to a whole new level.

 

[Laurelin]

I personally don't like any of them !!! I always let my dogs play among themselves as so tug of wars etc . I feel too many people use things like spring poles too early in a pup's development .... both mentally and physically . Don't fault me !!! I've always had layed back Goldens !!

Mine love to play together, but Beau has a really high toy drive and is ALWAYS ready to play. It's not much different than fetch or tug.

 

[MericoX]

I have a flirtpole. My schnauzers love it! I need to get like a mouse pelt or something for it... something more "preylike" than a bright pink monkey. lol

I personally don't like any of them !!! I always let my dogs play among themselves as so tug of wars etc . I feel too many people use things like spring poles too early in a pup's development .... both mentally and physically . Don't fault me !!! I've always had layed back Goldens !!

I dont see why puppies couldnt use it? IMO it would help build drive for a pup that will be a performance dog. Hell my friend with a 16-20 week old Miniature Schnauzer pup she got from the shelter uses one. (Mind you she knows her stuff and doesnt overwork the pup).

 

[Brattina88]

I think I kind of see grammy's point. With young puppies, they would benefit from the time spent with an owner or another dog vs a pole. BUT I think as long as they're still interacting/learning with human interaction a flirt pole is a good idea. Especially if the pup is high energy !

 

[bubbatd]

Sigh .... I just don't like stirring up aggressiveness or high jumps on young hips . Hey , I've only had Goldens . You all know your own breeds .

 

[PWCorgi]

I think I kind of see grammy's point. With young puppies, they would benefit from the time spent with an owner or another dog vs a pole. BUT I think as long as they're still interacting/learning with human interaction a flirt pole is a good idea. Especially if the pup is high energy !

I agree that it has to be more delicate with puppies, no swinging them around like rag dolls or anything like, but it's a great way to build drive from an early age if done safely.

I don't think she was just talking about puppies though.
What you don't seem to get Grammy is that not all dogs are golden retrievers (thank goodness) and what may work for your "laid back goldens," is not going to work for most high-energy, drivey breeds. Though honestly I think that true goldens do tend to be higher energy and have drive, they're supposed to be a sporting breed, not a couch potato.

 

[bubbatd]

Definitely agree !! That's why I love Goldens !! They go the way you want them to go !

 

[Laurelin]

Sigh .... I just don't like stirring up aggressiveness or high jumps on young hips . Hey , I've only had Goldens . You all know your own breeds .

I don't see it as aggressiveness at all. It's a game to mine (heck, the thing on the end of the string is a bright blue beanie baby!). We use games like tug to bring out drive and serve as a 'reward'. Toys work better than anything for a reward for Beau.

I think my golden mix would've probably enjoyed it. He loved toys.

 

[noludoru]

Firstly, do any non-APBT owners keep a breaking stick on hand in case their dog gets in a fight? They are the most useful to owners of "gripping" breeds that grab and shake when they fight. They're used by grabbing the dog's collar or scruff with one hand while you use the stick on the side of their mouth to work their grip loose with the other.

Do any non-APBT owners use a springpole or flirtpole for their dogs' exercise and entertainment? Or are we the only people who get a use out of such things?

Breaking stick - no.

Flirtpole - yes. Middie LOVES it.

 

[Dekka]

Sigh .... I just don't like stirring up aggressiveness or high jumps on young hips . Hey , I've only had Goldens . You all know your own breeds .

Playing with a flirt pole or playing tug with other dogs whats the difference when it comes to aggression. Well playing tug with other dogs is likely to cause more of an issue (lol possibly needed a breakstick depending on your household)

I still battle the old myth that playing tug with dogs (a flirt pole/spring pole is an extension of tug) increases aggression. If so then just about every agility dog and flyball dog are monsters waiting to aggress!!!! Tugging is the #1 preferred reward in training.

For a pup I think playing gently with a flirt pole is a great idea. You don't HAVE to have them jump in the air. We use something similar with the whippets. You swing it around and they chase it.. great fun. AND they are playing with the human and a toy. Its a great opportunity to train self control, build drive and build your relationship with the pup. IMO much better than playing ball as once you have thrown the ball you are out of the game till the pup comes back. (hence why thrown toys tend to be less 'building' a reward than tug)

So yes I use something like a flirt pole (But we dont' call it that lol) basically a longe whip with something on the end, or the shorter toy I got from Crash Test Toys that has real sheepskin on the end.

I should look into break sticks. My guys do latch on and need to be choked off if they are fighting. Though they are small enough that choking isnt' that hard.

 

[Renee750il]

I can see Kharma liking a flirt pole . . . she'd probably break most spring poles, lmao!

 

[bubbatd]

I really am not familiar with flirt poles ! Probably no different than me using a flash light with Ollie !!

 

[Dekka]

Better than a flashlite. Much less chance of OCD behaviours. (I personally recommend to all my clients to never use a flashlite or laser to play with their dogs... Its just not a risk I would take... probably safe with a non fieldy golden though)

 

[elegy]

there have been a number of people mention much fun with flirt pole type toys with many breeds on the control unleashed yahoo group. they call it something else though, but i can't remember what. oh! chase and pull. you can buy them on clean run. http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?f...5&ParentCat=273&CFID=2540385&CFTOKEN=35515551