Spring Pole problem....

[Fuhrer]

I built my dog a spring pole today and he shows no interest what are some tips about getting interested, b/c he just gets lazy, he'll play with it in my hand, but when it is hanging he doesnt want anything to do with it. So please help and put an end to my frustration...

[NORTH]

Try using a flirtpole, getting him all wound up with that. then once he's worked up take whatever your using for bait off the flirtpole and attach it to the springpole. It helps to tie the dog up while your switching them and let him watch you, then when you let him off he should want to GO...Hope this helps

[whiteyransom]

don't know from experience, but have been told to start low before raising too far above the head. i got a freind makin me one and that's what he suggested.

[misterdogman]

Try hanging a small woodland creature from the spring pole...works every time...Nah just kidding just get him excited for a certain favorite toy and then put it on a flirt pole and then put it on the spring pole...progressively...it may take him awhile to get it but it will soon become his favorite thing, or he may never enjoy it, some dont.

[chainsoff]

I built my dog a spring pole today and he shows no interest what are some tips about getting interested, b/c he just gets lazy, he'll play with it in my hand, but when it is hanging he doesnt want anything to do with it. So please help and put an end to my frustration...How old is the dog you're trying to work? What are you using on the pole? I had that problem too. What I did was take a length of hose, and tie it through the hole in the hide, standing about 10 ft or so. away, and toss it to them. They'd grab it and go to work, so we'd play tug for a while, and get em all crazy that way. Then I put it on the pole, and they hit it everytime.

[Fuhrer]

He's a year old, and I have a stuffed animal, he gets excited when it is in my hand, but as soon as I hang it up he looks at me like I am stupid.
Anysuggestions, what about treats as bait?
And when I try to play tug-o-war he doesnt latch on it he just chews on it.

[Texasbulldogs]

Not all dogs have the desire to work a spring pole. If he doesn't give it all in "tug-a-war" odds are he won't do the spring pole. Follow the suggerstion above and keep working with him. If he doesn't show interest in it, find something else that he enjoys.

[chainsoff]

Not all dogs have the desire to work a spring pole. If he doesn't give it all in "tug-a-war" odds are he won't do the spring pole. Follow the suggerstion above and keep working with him. If he doesn't show interest in it, find something else that he enjoys.I've got one male that won't work a pole for nothing. I've trie everything. He's goe nuts over the hide, just doesn't work the pole. It's not for all dogs, like Tex said.

[El Mexicano]

my dog wouldnt even look a tthe dang thing and one day i just started biting on the thing to see if she would join in and she did,lol,im serious

[Ms Oizo]

what's a spring pole or a flirtpole???

[Fuhrer]

Good news, I got him interested, it took a spongebob slipper and lowering it, but hey it worked. Now if anyone has any tips to as of a more durable bait would be, the slippers rip, so that is the only reason he lets go. So any helpful suggestions (other than small woodland creatures)

[NORTH]

Try a hide or a piece of burlap...

[whiteyransom]

i thought small woodland creatures was an excellant suggestion. large one are just to much to handle!!lmao but really, hide/leather should work!

[Fuhrer]

Where could I find these types of baits at?

[NORTH]

Go to any local feed store and you should be able to fin burlap sacks, then just cut them down to strips..http://www.game-dog.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif

[SIR]

Has anyone had an issue of a dog loosing a tooth or teeth for that matter while working on a sprinpole? I've not had this issue but my dogs are about to have a springpole and that scary thought just crossed my mind. Thanks.

[Crash97]

Has anyone had an issue of a dog loosing a tooth or teeth for that matter while working on a sprinpole? I've not had this issue but my dogs are about to have a springpole and that scary thought just crossed my mind. Thanks.As long as the dog is mature enough to have its teeth fully seated, it shouldn't be an issue. The dog should be capable of having all four feet on the ground while tugging.

[SIR]

As long as the dog is mature enough to have its teeth fully seated, it shouldn't be an issue. The dog should be capable of having all four feet on the ground while tugging.
Thanks. Two of the three should have no issue, I will wait a while on the youngest.

[Rockstar]

I've had a few under the age of two get a little overzealous on the springpole and lose teeth. I don't let the young ones get so worked up any more.

I should add that I've had far more dogs who didn't display an interest in the springpole than those that did.

[Saiyagin]

my dog wouldnt even look a tthe dang thing and one day i just started biting on the thing to see if she would join in and she did,lol,im serious
Yes dogs also learn form watching and observing. I teach my young pups by letting them watch a older dog play with the spring or flirt pole or a towel etc..once they see how much fun the older dog is having they cant wait to try it for themselves. I have some 7 week old pups the start screaming when they see a older pup play tug o war with a towel. As for a human being the example well you gotta start somewhere if you dont have any older dogs to teach them. lol

[SFK]

Very good points RLK. Letting them watch definately helps, I also do a lot of praising when the dogs are working it hard, then the ones watching get really pissed. When it's their turn they try to outdo the dog before them.
As far as baits are concerned, the best bait I've ever used on a springpole is a piece of firehose. Last forever, does'nt dry up like hide, plus the layers & rubber lining allow the dogs to work their bites a little more effectively.

[SDPinoy]

i use a tug type rope for the bitting surface.. anyone know somethin better they can bite on...

[SouthernDixie]

I have a problem. My female was 8 weeks old when she tried to get the rope bone hanging from the pole where we got her (monkey see, monkey do). Now she's 9 months and I can't get her off of it. Do you have another dog who likes the pole? Like I mentioned, monkey see, monkey do! lol

[SouthernDixie]

Or you could add something to hang high (unreachably high) to entice a bit... we have a cow skull hanging at the top of ours. Don't know if that's what she likes, but it looks neat lol.