Treadmill
- "Treadmills a lifesaver for busy dog owners", written by Cesar Milan.
- Treadmills sold by the Fit Fur Life Company for use in rehabilitating injured animals.
The link to the video below shows a treadmill being used at one of our nation's most prestigious dog shows hosted by The Westminster Kennel Club:
Spring Pole / Hanging Device
Likely to be the most misunderstood piece of exercise equipment, the springpole, at its essence is a tug-toy. As seen in the pictures below, these devices are used by many types of dogs - not just pit bulls - and are especially helpful to dog owners that are disabled or elderly, many of which may struggle to walk or jog with their dogs.
(Above) A pit bull playing on an outdoor spring pole. (Below) A retriever engaged in the same behavior on an indoor hanging device.
As the pictures above and below demonstrate, the springpole can be adjusted for use by extremely athletic and less athletic dogs alike.
The dog's desire to chase, bite, and grip makes the spring pole an effective exercise tool, and in turn, these are the same behaviors used when playing Frisbee with a dog.
Flirtpoles
& the use of hides
The flirtpole is essentially a tug-toy or hide at the end of a pole or stick that is used to coax a dog into giving chase, and is an excellent means of vigorous exercise for dogs of all breeds.
Dogs of all breeds are capable and willing to engage in serious (albeit accidental) dog fights.
Many dog owners have parting/break sticks in order to break-up serious incidents, and without these items the tussle may last longer than it should, while potentially causing greater harm to the animals.
To be sure, parting sticks are not unique to pit bull ownership.
Nutritional Supplements
Canine supplements range from joint and bone vitamins to skin and coat issues, and everything in between; many of which are food additives and are "performance enhancing."
While very useful to maintain a dog's health, these items are often prohibited by "animal fighting paraphernalia" ordinances.
In addition to the many local, small businesses that carry supplements, the national chains - PetCo. and PetsMart - carry these items as well.
Why are these common and useful items prohibited in some communities?
Indeed, these types of laws are enacted with the best of intentions, however, the unintended consequences that can stem from vague and short-sighted legislation is horrific.
As a result of this type of legislation, many law abiding citizens are forced to live in fear of losing their beloved pets, and some may be forced to absorb the huge costs associated with legal battles in which they fight to clear their names in court - and hopefully being reunited with their cherished pet(s).
A reasonable alternative to these laws is to specify which members of society are not allowed to own these items (IE. convicted dog fighters, convicted animal abusers, etc.)
Often times, the best alternative is to enforce existing (and hopefully rational/reasonable) dog fighting and animal cruelty laws.
Excellent piece. Having been to Westminster and watched the dogs happily hop on to the treadmills in the basement of the Pennsylvania Hotel, I think we should put that one to rest.
ReplyDeleteAs for 'flirt poles', I didn't know what they were until I read your post. My Brussels Griffons like to play our favourite game, Ratting, whereby I have a soft toy attached to a string so they can chase it while I run around and try to thwart them. They love it! I've considered using a fishing rod in the summer to 'reel them in' but worry about the nylon filament causing an injury.
Gee, I'd better be careful or I might get a visit from convicted felon JP Goodwin.
I just watched an episode of Animal Cops/Philadelphia where 12 pit bulls were seized (they were on horrifically huge chains but actually seemed reasonable healthy and all were friendly to the cop). The show was all about "ooooooo fighting dogs and paraphernalia seized!!!!). And what did they show as "paraphernalia"? A bag of protein extract clearly labeled from Upco. That's it. Not even a treadmill, or a breakstick or those scary "veterinary supplies".
ReplyDeleteCaveat: for a flirt pole, you can also use lunge whips, which are pretty inexpensive at ranch supply stores, and attach your "rat" to the end. I think that would be more durable than a fishing rod, and doesn't have the filament concern.
Hey, good idea. There's a horsey place just down the road from me. Thanks, Emily.
ReplyDeleteI never watch Hsus TV - er, I mean Animal Planet. Too sensationalist. Too much BS.
Yeah, Emily is right, the lunge whip works great! Under $20 (USD) and usually good for a few years. Jessup has a good page on using the lunge whip as a flirtpole:
ReplyDeletewww.workingpitbull.com/springpole.htm
As for Animal Planet/Animal Cops, I've only watched a few episodes - and none of them from start to finish - but I continue to hear their shows are a wealth of misinformation. Sigh.
And Selma, if Ol' JP shows-up at your door, the dogs might just think it's another game of chase the Rat!(sorry, folks, I couldn't resist!)
Ha ha ha! Yes, he'd be in for a surprise if he met my Wiener dog. They are too used to dealing with those overly friendly 'pit bulls'.
ReplyDeleteGeorge: Hey, Doc, I've had this unsightly growth on my a** for a week now. What is it?
Doctor: I'm afraid it's a Wiener dog, George. It's too dangerous to try to remove it. You'll just have to wait until it lets go of its own accord.
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