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7 Best Spring Poles for Dogs

Written by Laura
Laura is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Friday 11 June 2021
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
Spring Poles for Dogs
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Spring poles are a wonderful way of keeping dogs in shape. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is best for you. To help you out, we’ve devised a buying guide of the best spring poles for dogs currently on the market.

So what are spring poles and how exactly are they beneficial to our dogs? Let’s explore all of this as well as how to make your own and answer the most frequently asked questions about dog spring poles.

What Is a Spring Pole?

Spring poles are tug ropes attached to heavy-duty springs that secure to something outdoors. They are the ultimate tug game for dogs! You can buy beams to fix them to, or just use a tree branch that is sturdy enough to support your dog.

They are a brilliant physical workout as well as excellent stress relievers. They’re the ideal tool for building muscle and provide hours of outdoor fun. Dogs love the tugging and swinging actions that the poles provide.

They can also be good for improving a dog’s impulse control. By training them to let go of the tug rope on command, it can improve a dog’s overall impulse control. Including elsewhere in their lives, such as chasing small animals when out on walks.

Why Do Dogs Love Playing Tug?

The reason that dogs love to play tug-of-war is old and instinctual; it mimics catching prey, just like their ancestors used to do in the wild.

Games that exercise a dogs’ natural instincts are always the most fun for them. Such as fetch, hide and seek, and chase. It adds an element of mental stimulation that satisfies them beyond just the physical workout.

Best Breeds For Spring Poles

All dogs love a game of tug and spring poles can be beneficial to any and all breeds of dog. However, some dogs are naturally more inclined to enjoy spring poles because of their strong build and predatory nature.

Spring poles are ideal for breeds such as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, and Bullmastiffs.

What Dogs Shouldn’t Use Spring Poles

We would like to advise owners that regular spring poles shouldn’t be used by dogs under 12 months of age. This is due to the damage that intense tug-of-war could do to a puppy’s teeth and developing body. That said, there are poles that use gentler springs which are specifically designed for puppies to use safely.

We also advise against elderly & arthritic dogs using regular spring poles; they should use spring poles designed for smaller or weaker dogs, no matter their size. They should never use it unsupervised or for long periods of time due to the increased risk of injury.

What To Look For in Spring Poles

Important things to look for when buying a spring pole for your dog include:

  • Durability – A spring pole must be made from high-quality, weatherproof, durable materials such as stainless steel to ensure your dog’s safety and avoid breakages that could lead to falls.
  • Weight threshold – The springs & pole must be able to support your dog’s weight and strength in order to prevent breakage & injury.
  • Good reviews – Look out for positive reviews from buyers, preferably by owners of similar breeds!

The 7 Best Dog Spring Poles

Let’s take a look at the best spring poles for dogs currently available to buy online & in pet stores.

1. DIBBATU Spring Pole Dog Rope Toys

This spring pole by DIBBATU utilizes premium rustproof stainless steel and holds up to 300 lbs in weight. It is the most bought spring pole on Amazon with hundreds of ratings giving this product 5 stars! The product is a fair price and lightweight at 0.57 lbs. It comes with an easy-to-install kit, a 16 ft long rope for securing & hanging, and a thick 23-inch blue bite rope.

The spring action is that of a shock absorber rather than bounce for extra safety and reviews praise the toy’s sturdiness. DIBBATU promises 100% satisfaction with their product.

2. Lovinouse Store Spring Pole Dog Rope Toy

Lovinouse store’s spring pole toy is affordable, utilizes high-quality rustproof stainless steel, and holds up to 300 lbs. The 23.6-inch bite rope is blue, thick, and attaches to a spring that is more about the pull than the bounce. The safety rope is 13.1 ft long, and the product all together weighs 1.5 lbs.

It comes with a spring, a hook, a safety rope, and a biting rope. Buyers praise the product’s value for money.

3. Bully Max Muscle Building Exercise Toy

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Unlike traditional spring poles, this pole by Bully Max – the leader in spring pole toys – uses ultra-durable bungee springs as opposed to porch springs. Bully Max promises the springs are safe to bite and won’t wear out over time. It’s designed with puppies and smaller dogs in mind, supporting no more than 40 lbs.

The product uses stainless steel threaded quick links and manual screw locks that the brand promises will last a lifetime. They also offer a lifetime replacement of the chew rope. It comes with two squeakers for added fun and weighs 1.22 lbs. It’s a moderate price and has a high rating on Amazon. Reviews applaud the product as the perfect starter spring pole for younger dogs.

4. YES4QUALITY Durable Spring Pole

This spring pole by YES4QUALITY is designed with large, strong dogs in mind & holds a whopping 600 lbs in weight. But it also comes with a second spring for younger or smaller dogs, or those weakened by old age or illness.

It’s truly built to last, made from premium rustproof stainless steel, and includes a swivel eye tie snap, a quick link, a spring link, a porch spring, and a free 23-inch rope toy.

The product has fantastic reviews that praise the product’s ability to change capacity and overall durability. It is on the expensive side but worth it if you want something that guarantees to support your dog’s weight, and perfect for owners of multiple dogs of different sizes.

5. TRSMIMA Spring Pole

TRSMIMA’s spring pole utilizes premium rustproof stainless steel and comes with two springs with different capacities; one for adults or medium-large dogs and one for puppies or smaller dogs. The adult spring can hold up to 300 lbs, whilst the puppy spring holds up to 200 lbs. The product altogether weighs 2.4 lbs and is affordable.

It comes with one spring pole kit, one 18 ft long safety rope, and includes a large 23 inch long bite rope free of charge. The brand offers a 100% satisfaction or your money-back guarantee.

That said, a few reviews do warn buyers that the small spring is not indestructible, so always supervise your dog when playing with the toy.

6. SoCal Bully Spring Pole

This spring pole by SoCal Bully is inexpensive but does not include a tug rope. The spring is made out of stainless steel with a heavy-duty hook, and has a capacity of 100 lbs, making it ideal for puppies and smaller breeds of dog. Reviews praise the product’s sturdiness.

7. Bull Fit Store Outdoor Hanging Bungee Dog Toy

This hanging bungee toy by Bull Fit is not technically a spring pole, but it does the same job. And it does it well. It is a rope made out of firehose material that can be hung up or tied around a tree branch, holding up to 220 lbs in weight. The height is adjustable and goes up to 9 ft long. It also comes with a heavy-duty yellow tug toy that can be easily replaced.

It is a little on the expensive side but it’s a good option for smaller or weaker dogs and is very easy to set up. Reviews seem to love the product, with many stating that it is their dog’s favorite activity.

How to Install Your Spring Pole

If you’re a first-time buyer of spring poles, let’s quickly explore how to install them into your garden according to Bully Max.

Step by Step Guide

  1. First and foremost, find a safe place to set up the spring pole that is not close to anything your dog could bump into while swinging. You can make or buy a pole made from wood to fix to the ground by digging a small hole, or you can use a sturdy tree branch or even the tree stump. Either must be sturdy enough to hold and support your dog’s weight.
  2. If you’re using a wooden beam, fasten the rope to the beam using a beam hanger. Screw the screws through the holes in the hanger & the beam using a ratchet. If you’re using a tree, tie the rope around the tree until secure.
  3. Connect all of your spring pole parts according to the packaging instructions.
  4. Introduce your dog to the pole by demonstrating how to use it in front of him.
  5. Enjoy!

NOTE: Spring poles shouldn’t be placed too high to avoid injury in the event of a fall. According to Bully Max, puppy ropes should be placed at around their height level and adjusted as they grow.

For beginners and small or older/weaker dogs, the rope should be placed around 4 feet off the ground. For pros or bigger/stronger dogs, the rope should be nearer 6 feet off the ground, but can be more depending on the dog. Use your instincts to tailor the guide to suit your dog’s size and abilities.

How To Make Your Own Spring Pole

Don’t want to buy a spring pole? Follow the steps below to make your own. You will need A rope around 10 ft long, a strong spring, and a chew rope for your dog. This should cost approximately $15-$20 to buy, and the materials can be found at any DIY store.

For DIY tree spring poles attach the long rope to one side of the spring & the chew rope to the other side of it. Tie the long rope around a sturdy tree branch or stump until it’s secure.

For wooden beams, do as above but fasten the long rope to the beam using a beam hanger. Alternatively, you could use a strong plant-basket hanging bracket to fix the spring to, and attach it to an outside wall of your house or a sturdy fence.

Dog Spring Poles: FAQ

What are spring poles good for?

Spring poles provide excellent physical exercise for dogs and are ideal for building muscle. Additionally, they provide hours of fun and relieve stress. They can also be used to improve impulse control when combined with training.

Why do dogs love to play tug-of-war?

Dogs love tug-of-war because it mimics their oldest instincts; hunting prey. They also likely enjoy tug games between themselves and others because of the co-operative nature of it. 

What breeds are spring poles best for?

Spring poles can be beneficial to any breed of dog, but some breeds are naturally more inclined to love them because of their physical strength and predatory nature.

These breeds include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Bullmastiffs, and Rottweilers.

Are there any dogs that shouldn’t use spring poles?

We don’t recommend puppies under 12 months of age using regular spring poles due to the damage that it could do to their developing bones and muscles. However, there are safer poles that are specifically designed to be used by puppies. 

We also recommend that elderly & arthritic dogs do not use spring poles for any significant length of time, and never unsupervised. They should also use spring poles designed for smaller or weaker dogs, no matter their breed or size.

What to look for in a spring pole?

A spring pole must be made from high-quality, weatherproof, durable materials such as stainless steel that can support the weight of your dog to ensure your dog’s safety and prevent breakages that could lead to falls & subsequent injury. Additionally, always look for products that have positive reviews.

What if my dog doesn’t like his spring pole?

If your dog isn’t understanding the spring pole, demonstrate how to use it in front of them by tugging on the tug rope and encouraging them to have a go. Give them a lot of praise when they do.

If this isn’t working, you could try putting their favorite food on the toy end, or bringing the toy down to ground level and playing a regular game of tug, then gradually increasing the height of the rope.

Can a dog get over-aggressive because of a spring pole?

Spring poles and aggression are a widely debated topic with no clear answer. On one hand, it exercises their primal instincts and may therefore heighten drive, but on the other, there is no evidence to suggest that it increases aggression. It is also a great stress reliever, so you could argue that it may help dogs to manage their aggression and lower it. 

If you’re worried about it, train your dog to let go of the tug rope on command using positive reinforcement to increase their impulse control. 

What is the best spring pole?

Bully Max is widely considered to be the leader in spring pole products. We highly recommend that anybody who is looking to buy their first or next spring pole take a look at their products!

How to install a spring pole?

First, find a safe place to set up the spring pole such as a wooden beam or tree, and secure the rope to it. Next, connect all of your spring pole parts according to the packaging instructions, and finally, introduce your dog to it.

How high should a spring pole be?

According to Bully Max, owners should put a puppy’s rope at around their height level and adjust itas needed during growth. For beginners and small or older/weaker dogs, the rope should be placed around 4 feet off the ground. For advanced or bigger/stronger dogs, the rope should be placed nearer 6 feet off the ground, but can be more depending on the dog. Use your instincts to tailor the guide to your dog’s size and abilities. 

Can I make a DIY spring pole?

Owners can make their own spring poles at home using a heavy-duty spring and a rope. However, there is no significant price difference in buying your own materials vs buying a readily made spring pole. So, you may as well save yourself the work and buy your dog a manufactured one!

Are DIY spring poles better?

Store-bought products are the better option because they use the highest quality, research-backed materials and have gone through quality control to ensure your dog’s safety. That said, if owners do their research, a DIY spring pole can do the job just as well.

Those are our top spring poles for dogs. We especially recommend Bully Max products. Spring poles are a great workout and stress reliever, will you be trying out a spring pole for your dog? Or do you have any other recommendations that weren’t on our list? Let us know!

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