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Flirt Poles for Dogs


Flirt Poles are an excellent way to exercise your dog and dogs waiting for their forever homes in shelters. 

Flirt Poles are like large cat wand toys, for dogs. The idea is, the dog chases the lure back and forth, wearing themselves out trying to catch the lure. It's important first, to teach the dog to "take" and "leave" the lure. That is, the dog needs to wait until it's given a cue to begin to chase the lure. 

The lure can be most anything. In the picture at left, there's a fleece lure that is washable and pretty durable. This is great for shelters, as it's important to frequently wash toys after each use. 

You can make Flirt Poles yourself, or purchase them online. 
This Flirt Pole is made by Squishy Face Studio

How to make a Flirt Pole: (via BADRAP)

Materials:
1. Five or Six foot long PVC pipe
2. 3/4” diameter PVC is best for long poles
3. Approximately 15 feet of rope
4. A stuffed animal or similar toy to tie at the end (or fleece rope toy)

Directions:
Weave rope through pipe and let half dangle from one end. Your flirt should look like a big fishing pole now.Tie a knot at each end to prevent it from slipping. Tie a popular dog toy tightly at the end of the rope.
Instead of regular rope, you can also use a bungie-type cord or rope with some give.


PDF Tutorial from BAD RAP:
http://www.badrap.org/sites/default/files/flirt%20pole%20basics.pdf



Photo credit: BAD RAP


DIY FLIRT POLE: 

Photo/Tutorial credit: Ammo the Dachshund
This is the cutest DIY of a Flirt Pole I've ever seen! 







Squishy Face Studio generously donated a Flirt Pole to Salinas Animal Services where I once volunteered. One dog in particular was very interested in it. Because he was so motivated by this toy, as well as treats, I was able to teach him to “drop.” This was so important for him because he would nip and grab anything he could get his paws on. This included his leash, which he would grab and take off with, and thought it was a game when you tried to get it back, playing tug with it. That skill will definitely follow him for the rest of his life, and help his new owners. The dog in question, Bubba, had been at Salinas Animal Services for more than 2 months, growing up there. He was rescued by Animal Friends Rescue Project in Pacific Grove on July 19th, 2013!

Some may suggest this just sparks a dogs prey drive instinct, in a negative way. Quite the contrary; This redirects a dogs natural prey drive instinct to an appropriate object, rather than another animal. That's why it's important your dog know basic commands such as "drop," or "leave it," or "take it." Your dog is only rewarded when given a command. "Leave it" is an important command every dog owner should teach their dog anyway. It keeps your dog, and other animals, or objects safe. It is also a great command to teach a dog living with other small animals, such as cats. 
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