.png)
Introducing... THE FLIRT POLE!
This is a great way to physically and mentally challenge your dogs, without leaving home.
The flirt pole is a fantastic way to channel the natural prey drive many dog breeds have in a fun, structured way. This is a game that mimics how dogs would engage with prey naturally (minus a few steps of course, like dissection and consumption): Chase, catch and then hold.
You drag the toy on the ground in a circle, they chase and catch, with rules.
What are the rules?
Your dog must drop it when you say to drop it (this is a great way to exercise the drop it command!)
Your dog must wait until you release them
If you’re playing with a puppy or adolescent dog (especially large breed puppies), there is to be zero jumping because this can damage their soft joints
No tugging!
Stay within 5 minute sessions for young puppies, increasing the time by 5 minutes every week to two weeks
Let them catch the toy often!
Fundamentals for using the flirt pole:
Release command, focus, wait, leave it, drop it and you can incorporate down/sit stays once you and your dog get the hang of it!
It’s very important for your dog to understand these fundamentals for this to be a healthy, structured exercise and to get ahead in your obedience!
The flirt pole is a fun way to exercise your dog's impulse control. Start in very small steps for your dog to gain full understanding.
Example) Hold the toy steady, ask your dog to wait, leave it or whichever cue you prefer then WAIT for their engagement. When they hold their position for even a split second, reward with their release cue; now they can have some fun!
Repeat this all throughout playing with the flirt pole while slowly increasing time and difficulty.
Tip: If your dog fails, it means you’re going too fast. Take a step back to where your dog was successful and build from there.
The flirt pole is especially useful with bull breeds, terrier breeds and herding breeds. Bull breeds have a natural drive to catch and hold game, terriers have a natural drive to engage with prey while herding breeds have a natural drive to chase and drive livestock.
How to make a Flirt Pole:
1. For a medium to large size dog, buy a 4-6 foot long 3/4″ PVC pipe, 10-15 feet of rope, and a dog toy.
2. Thread the rope through the pipe and tie a knot at either end of the pipe, to keep rope from sliding in and out.
3. Tie a toy to the end of the rope.
4. Optional: buy fun colored electrical tape (finally an excuse to buy lime green tape!) and wrap the PVC pipe so it’s all fancy schmancy pants.
I will say, it is absolutely worth it to buy a high quality flirt pole instead of making your own. My favorite website to buy flirt poles from is https://www.dogsportgear.ca/
You can even visit their store in Langley, Vancouver!
Pictured below is my dog Jasper thoroughly enjoying his Redline K9 Collapsible Flirt Pole with the Redline K9 Robit Toy.
Both products can be found here:
https://www.dogsportgear.ca/The-RedLine-K9-Robit-Toy_p_3947.html
Comments