How to make a spring pole - how to build up stamina - Page 1

i was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on how to build stamina on my shepherd. we are doing PSA and i want him to build up his stamina.
I have seen some people have a spring pole - what do you suggest?
is it a good idea to have a spring pole?
does anyone know how to make one or where i can get one?

looking for opinions and suggestions

I once built a home made 'flirt pole' and it was reasonably successful for making my dog run madly round me trying to get it, but frankly I don't think that is the be-all and end-all of building stamina in a dog.

Your dog needs real, consistent, exercise to build its muscles; if you cannot walk or run, far & fast, yourself, every day, then think about taking him with you while you bike (you can get another sort of 'spring pole' for that !) - Do an internet search, one brand is called the "Springer", others are available. I don't recommend building one of those for yourself, unless you are an engineer with a proper workshop, because of the road safety implications if it breaks. Site-search here, as I am sure there has been at least one thred on the merits of various types.

Or swim your dog regularly, if you have access to suitable water.

You also need to consider quality of diet, as stamina is improved by good nutrition too.

Thank you very much I will look into that.

To build stamina in your dog I suggest buying a second hand treadmill and put him on there. I have used this on my dog myself. He was a bit unsure of the idea at first but I leashed him up from a bar on the top of the unit then straddled him and started walking. Now without fail when he goes downstairs he gets up on the belt and starts barking in anticipation. He stays on the unit now unleashed. My machime has some preprogrammed exercises and I have him on one that runs him at different speeds for 30 minutes. This idea is much better than him waiting for me to go running
I also try to swim him 2-3 times a week. I definitely can see his endurance has increased. He can work much longer now in this heat before he is gassed.

Oh wow that is an awesome idea. maybe it is something that i can look into.

Thank you

Teach the dog to wear a harness for pulling if it is mature physically and the muscles and bones are developed. Then teach the dog to pull something light in the harness to get used to pulling something. You can be beside him with a leash . the slowly add more weight . I used to have my GS pull tires walking .... [tie cable around the tire and attatch to the harness. ] You would be surprised how endurance strength and stamina get built ! Just use common sense. Also if you do protection work , thjis is goog for the dog because it will help in developing the entry into the bite attack.