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.
