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cannot remember the name of a dog exercise tool

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  SpicyBulldog 
#1 ·
i have a very small yard and a very hyper, 10 month old pit bull pup. i remember seeing this one contraption for keeping dogs fit but i forget what its called and its a shame cuz i think i could easily make a makeshift one!

its a cable type thing that only allows the dog to run in a circle, and most of the time there are also caged small animals like raccoons and cats in front of the dog so the dog has something to chase (although im DEFENITELY not using animals for mine, ill just use old toys..!) its a common tool used by APBT communities because it keeps the dog lean with a small amount of space. i cant for the life of me remember what theyre called! any help, please?
 
#2 ·
You may be thinking of a "jenny"? It's not a small device though, and if I were going to select one piece of equipment to exercise my dog, that wouldn't be it because it is not really a versatile item- the dog can only ever run in the same circle, in one direction or the other, which is not ideal. I can't imagine that it would be cheap to buy or build one with the current cost of materials (metal frame), and there's no guarantee that your dog will use it as intended (running full out, hence why they use "live prey" to encourage the dog to chase- a toy won't replicate that level of desire for most dogs). Depending on the laws where you live, it may or may not be considered "dog fighting paraphenelia", as well.

If you want a device that will work your dog while you are passive or doing other things, you could get a treadmill or build a springpole (or both), just keep in mind that, again, they may be considered "fighting paraphenelia". If you are able to be active, your dog would probably benefit more from a flirtpole, walking/running, and playing fetch if she likes that. Those types of activity allow for a more flexible and complete workout than just running on a treadmill, and can be varied to keep her interested and accommodate her level of fitness at any given time. Also, the police or animal control are less likely to show up at your door, and your neighbors will be less concerned :). You can use a flirtpole in a small space, and you can easily circle the dog like they would run with a jenny, however, you can also have them run straight, and tug with them, which makes it versatile and fun, since they actually get to catch the "prey".

I've just started bringing my dog back into shape for spring after a year of him just being in "ok" shape, and we have been walking, playing fetch (throwing the ball uphill in our yard, so he sprints up and just jogs back down with the toy), biking (trotting pace mostly, with occasional running or sprinting, distance varies right now between 1-5 miles on the days we do it), and he's been tugging on a springpole here and there while I putt around the yard doing stuff (he is not a "fighting breed", so no one cares). Also, he's been digging massive holes at the beach, but once it gets warmer, will be swimming and wading as well (water is currently ~ 40 degrees). It really is best to vary the exercise, just like for people :)

Keep in mind that your girl is young still, and you don't want to overexercise her. At this age, I would avoid long distance or high impact running like biking on pavement, and if you use a flirtpole, probably don't encourage her to jump a lot or high, and avoid sharp, abrupt turns. Walking and tug or springpole play should be fine, and fetch too, as long as you don't overdo it.
 
#3 ·
As @busannie said, their called jenny's. And as touched on really the only people who use them (as far as I know) are people who fight dogs, hence why they would put a live animal in there in the first place.

If you want something like that, you'll want to look into a flirt pole. There very easy to diy (there are tones of tutorials online) or just as easy to buy one.
Other then that I pretty much second every thing else @bussanie said.
 
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