Wednesday, January 20, 2016

The Flirt Pole


A long history as being a conditioning tool for dogs, the flirt pole has been referenced in books as far back as the mid 1800's. It also has a long history as a conditioning tool with old time dog fighters nevertheless it has found a new and increased interest with people who love to keep their dogs in great shape. The flirt pole can be fun for any breed of dog which has any ounce of prey drive but especially with dogs of the Terrier and Working groups or any dog that is a mix of either.
The flirt pole is an outstanding tool for tiring out your dog when you don't have a lot of time or space, a small patch of grass or dirt + one flirt pole = one happy and tired dog.
Using a flirt pole as a part of your dogs daily exercise program allows the dog to use up a lot of energy while twisting and turning with quick sprints as well as working on eye and mouth coordination. It is highly important that you use common sense when working your dog with a flirt pole. An out of shape dog, one stuck in a crate or tied to a chain all day needs to be worked with a flirt pole; slowly increasing the amount of time you spend and the speed of chase. This will decrease the probability of your dog developing an injury like a blown knee or torn ligaments.
 Most dogs love to chase period so there is no need to swing the lure at the dog, but away from the dog instead. If your dog has no desire to chase, first try using a different lure, then second you must be truthful with yourself and realize that your dog just may have a low prey drive and no desire to chase.  Never think hitting the dog in a teasing manner or flicking the lure in the dogs face will make them want to chase or bite at it. It will have the opposite outcome and one that you most likely are not ready for.
To reduce wear and tear on your flirt pole you should be using it to keep the lure away from the dog, not as a tug of war toy. If and when the dog catches the lure, go with the dog or drop the pole, and don't pull against the dog turning it into a tug of war game. As far as working puppies, I recommend that you wait to at least the pup is 6 months old. The two most important things I can tell you is first remember to always finish play time with the dog always wanting more and second  don’t overdo it because they won’t be as excited to play with it the next time you pull it out.

Christopher W. Jones

Contact Information:
Email: thenovacainkennels2014@gmail.com