Proper use of a flirt pole???

[Anthony8858]

I made my own version of a flirt pole. It was nothing more than a toy, attached to a rope on a long rod.

I'm going to order a properly made one, because Kira goes berserk over it. She has so much drive, that she'll chase that thing, until her tongue is on the floor.

So THAT brings me to a few questions: (anyone surprised?) LOL

1) What is the purpose of a flirt pole? Is it create drive? If so, I don't think Kira needs that, at this point.

2) Are there any specific exercises that I should be doing with a first pole?

3) Am I being a pain in the ass?

[RocketDog]

LOL on #3.

I don't think so, I watch your questions too since they're so close in age. I use one with Rocket, he loves it also. I don't know any "proper" methods, I just use it to teach release and how to jump and have fun. I'll be interested in the responses. Some lady stopped her car and got out when I was on a busy street and in a fenced in grassy area (that is going to be a power station someday--there is a 4 lane busy road right next to it) and asked me if I did training because she has a GSD puppy too. O.o I said, "Erm, no. I'm just playing".

[4TheDawgies]

I use it with puppies to encourage and develop prey drive at a young age.
It is then transfered to a bite wedge, bite pillow, then onto a sleeve.

I will still occassionally play with the flirt pole with adults because they like it so well.

I just fling it around wildly at this point try my best to keep it away. You try keeping a flirt pole away from even on adult dog off leash...

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by RocketDog

LOL on #3.

I don't think so, I watch your questions too since they're so close in age. I use one with Rocket, he loves it also. I don't know any "proper" methods, I just use it to teach release and how to jump and have fun. I'll be interested in the responses. Some lady stopped her car and got out when I was on a busy street and in a fenced in grassy area (that is going to be a power station someday--there is a 4 lane busy road right next to it) and asked me if I did training because she has a GSD puppy too. O.o I said, "Erm, no. I'm just playing".

LOL... You should make some business cards

Teaching the release is something I haven't done yet. That's a good idea. I may have reservations about her jumping. Other may want to chime in on this one.
Rocket is young as is Kira, and to the best of my understanding, jumping up and down, may not be a good idea yet.

I'll wait for other opinions on that one too.

Originally Posted by 4TheDawgies

I use it with puppies to encourage and develop prey drive at a young age.
It is then transfered to a bite wedge, bite pillow, then onto a sleeve.

I will still occassionally play with the flirt pole with adults because they like it so well.

I just fling it around wildly at this point try my best to keep it away. You try keeping a flirt pole away from even on adult dog off leash...

OK, so you're encouraging the use of a flirt pole, even though the drive is already there? Is this something I can count on using long term?

[RocketDog]

Well, not high jumping. Just a foot or two. He loves loves loves that. And only on grass.

[jocoyn]

I just borrowed a buggy whip from a teammate - chep and works well to tie the light toy on.

Right now Beau just dropped all his puppy canines so I am not tugging too hard. Not sure if I did right or not but I used to build on his prey drive by him chasing and eventually catching the toy then some light tug

I started out from day one everytime he brought the ball back paired it with dropping the ball. He does pretty good with that now.

[4TheDawgies]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

LOL... You should make some business cards

Teaching the release is something I haven't done yet. That's a good idea. I may have reservations about her jumping. Other may want to chime in on this one.
Rocket is young as is Kira, and to the best of my understanding, jumping up and down, may not be a good idea yet.

I'll wait for other opinions on that one too.



OK, so you're encouraging the use of a flirt pole, even though the drive is already there? Is this something I can count on using long term?

You can increase the amount of drive a dog has for something by frustrating them for it and teasing them. Each snap and miss they get a little more frustrated. Your dog may have drive for it, but you also may be able to increase that drive. Its your dog, do with it what you want.

I don't see why you can't use this long term if you want to. Its a game, its fun, if you and your dog enjoy it why not?

pitbull people use flirt poles to exercise their dogs. They often turn it into a stationary hanging toy on a rope called a "spring pole". Great for building muscles and stimulating and exercising your dog.

[Miss Molly May]

Molly loves her flirt pole she goes bananas for it! I find it is great to do Obedience training while we are having fun. I make her sit and stay while I swing it back and forth until I say okay then the game is on! I also found it great for teaching the "out" command

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by Miss Molly May

Molly loves her flirt pole she goes bananas for it! I find it is great to do Obedience training while we are having fun. I make her sit and stay while I swing it back and forth until I say okay then the game is on! I also found it great for teaching the "out" command

What is the "out" command?

[Emoore]

Originally Posted by Anthony8858

What is the "out" command?

Like drop it.