The kind of enclosed turnspit, seen above, required a very small dog to run inside the wheel and turn a chain drive going to the fireplace. The chain drive, in turn, turned the meat on the fire and sometimes ran a bellows as well.
Most of the small turnspit dogs were mutts of various types (terriers, small spaniels).
One type of turnspit dog that was "prettied up" for the show ring, however, was the Glen of Imaal terrier. The low carriage of this dog helped it fit inside the wheel.
Larger dog-powered turn mills were possible, but were uncommon. The contraption, above, was one of two different styles created to power a small sewing machine shop in 1888.
More common than wheels or turnspits in which the dogs ran inside a round wheel, were larger canine treadmills or slat mills in which the dog ran on top.
These dog mills were fairly common canine-power sources which could be used in a kitchen to run a butter churn or centrifugal milk separator, or moved outside to the barn in order to run a corn sheller or bean sorter.
Farms that did not have suitably large dogs could substitute a goat or sheep to do the same job.
Of course, slat mills are still around today, albeit now they are simply used to keep large dogs in condition and not to power farms, kitchens, or small machine shops.
Though a slat mill or rug mill (a slat mill that has a carpet-band for traction) can be used to keep a running or bird dog in shape when out of season, most slat and rug mills today are sold to Pit Bull owners (many some of whom are dog fighters). Click here to see several modern offerings, and note the "rape rack" of the type that was used by Michael Vick and his "Bad Newz Kennels."
.
8 comments:
Just think of the power you could get with two of the sheep/dog-powered units hooked in tandem. Put a sheep on the front one and a dog on the 2nd when you need that extra burst of power.
Some of the sport/performance dog people use treadmills to build up their dogs' endurance. Even the conformation people sometimes will use them, especially if the speed can be set so the dog trots at the rate for optimum reach and drive in the ring.
I don't think that it's fair to say that "many" people use treadmills to condition fighting pit bulls. While "many" is a vague term, and dogfighters definitely do regularly use mills, I think that phrasing is paying short shift to those of us who just use mills to take the edge off our dogs' intense energy levels.
I grew up with jacks (and will one day have them in my life again), but currently I'm a grad student (in animal science) with a wonderful rescued pittie who happens to chew his rear end raw if he doesn't get enough exercise. Having recently moved from a very warm, quiet place to take on a very busy life in a very cold place, I hold my treadmill quite dear. I'm sure many people feel similarly.
Fair enough Nat -- I accept that, and edited the text. The cost of these things -- $400 to $2,000 or more --and the floor space they require, means that most casual dog owners are not likely to own them, however. Ditto for the rape rack being sold on the same page at this web site.
Patrick
I think there are better systems of Treadmills and steroids! A healthy and balanced diet is based on meat and vegetables and training on mud and sand or soil heavy. The muscles will be different, but much more flexible and offer greater performance! To improve the bite a nice tennis ball or a patella ox . Diet varies depending on the temperature! more protein (fats) in winter, plus summer vittamine.
System of diet and training for hunting wild boar, for heavywheight!
Mirko
Because I followed your advice and looked for a working Dandie Dinmont (and found no record of one), I'm beginning to think that this breed is also a "prettied up" turnspit. Its temperament is nothing like a terrier.
Very good family dogs.
Probably should be in the nonsporting group or the hound group.
"rape rack"? dogs are people now just like according to "discovery" channel that claims Dolphins "rape"? It is called a breeding stand. It is used for breeding aggressive females. Perhaps I missed the sarcasm. I notice it many times while reading your blog. BAN DHMO!!!
A rape rack is exactly the right term. It's used when the female does not want to mate or cannot mate because she or the male are so wrecked physically. Ask your wife (if you have one) whether she would call it a rape rack if she was "an aggressive female" that did not want to mate. For the record, no one should be mating aggressive females. We need those in the world of dogs like we need a hole in the head and more pretenders.
Post a Comment