Sporting Saint Folding Spike Tether | 36cm Ground Anchor | Training, Shoot Days & Field Use

Every handler has been in the situation where they need both hands free and there's nothing to tie a dog to. A fence post, a gate, a colleague's arm — none of them ideal. The spike tether solves this cleanly: it goes in the ground in seconds, holds a determined dog securely, and folds down small enough to forget it's in the bag until you need it. At £24.25 it's one of those pieces of kit that pays for itself the first time you use it. The Sporting Saint build quality is solid — this is designed for regular field use, not occasional garden use.

• 36cm metal spike — secure anchoring in soil, grass, and soft ground
• Folding handle — compact for transport, easy to drive in and extract
• Hands-free tether point — secure your dog while you work, set up, or take a break
• Compatible with all training lines, leads, and tethers
• Lightweight and portable — folds down for any kit bag
• Sporting Saint build quality — designed for regular field and shoot day use

• Shoot days where dogs need to be held securely between drives
• Training sessions where a hands-free tether point is needed
• Field trials and working tests — secure your dog while watching other runs
• Any situation where there's nothing suitable to tie a dog to
• Handlers who need both hands free without leaving a dog unsecured

• Wipe clean after use to remove soil and moisture
• Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent rust on the metal spike
• Apply a light oil to the folding hinge periodically to keep it moving freely
• Check the attachment ring for wear or deformation before each use
• Store in a dry kit bag or pouch between uses

Gundog Training Academy Tip

The spike tether is one of the most useful pieces of kit for group training sessions and shoot days — but it's also a training tool in its own right. A dog that accepts being tethered calmly, without barking, whining, or pulling, is a dog that has learned to settle and wait. That steadiness is a foundational gundog skill, and the tether is a practical way to practise it.

Introduce the tether at home first — spike it in the garden, attach your dog, and reward calm behaviour. Build duration gradually before using it in the more stimulating environment of a training group or shoot day. A dog that's never been tethered before and is suddenly expected to sit quietly while other dogs work is being set up to fail.

On shoot days, position the tether so your dog can see you but is far enough from the action to stay calm. A dog that can watch without being overwhelmed is learning steadiness passively — every minute on the tether is a minute of impulse control practice.