Ever Used a Flirt Pole? (4iC)

When we met with the behaviorist, she spotted the high prey drive in Sassy right away and used a flirt pole with her. She loved it!! I couldn't figure out where to get the things I needed to make one, but I found a sort of cheapy version thru Dogwise. It's called the Chase and Pull Toy and has a fluffy piece on the end with a squeaker in it. I can wear Sassy out very quickly with it

Oh they are such wonderful tools arnt they? Good for exercise! Keep in mind that in some counties they are illegal because they are typically used by pit bulls and are thought of as a tool to teacha  dog to latch on (stupid I know). Also I've seen my uncle's dog freeze on one from ahnging so long. I guess his muscles locked up on him (I'm not insinuating a stereotype lock jaw) he just got stuck on it so be careful to take it down when your not around.

I'm just talking about the kind I hold onto like a fishing pole, not one that they could play with on their own. I found a site that told how to make one using pvc pipe and rope. I just made a dinky little one for our session today, but I'll be making a longer one soon.

We've used one of these before with a burlap sack on the end instead of a ball for our Schutzhund training.  Rafe never needed it (he was pretty much ready for a regular sleeve his first time out!), but I've seen them work with both a younger and an older GSD.  It works great!  I'd love to have one just to exercise Rafe.  lol!

Crusher loves his.  I just made it out of an old broom handle and a rope with a rag on the end.  I liked how it really worked to tire him out, but I also loved the practice we got with Drop It.  Onyx isn't sure she's allowed to play with the flirt pole.  She'll chase it as long as I don't lift it off the ground.  Silly girl. 

Workingdoglover

I'd love to have one just to exercise Rafe. 

Here's a site that tells how to make one. I'm going to do that.  

 For the lurkers, especially if you own a bully breed, please take AuroraLove's warning seriously.  The presence of a flirt pole was used as evidence of possession of fighting equipment in this case:

http://www.animallaw.info/cases/causal2006wl825184.htm

If you are intent on having one, you don't have to drive yourself nuts making one. 

http://www.obriensk9supply.com/store/index.php?target=products&product_id=1673

Be careful, these can cause injury if you don't acclimate the dog properly - using it for jumping is not a good idea for dogs that are too young or not fit enough. 

Well, I didn't think this would be a controversial subject, but the presence of a flirt pole was just ONE piece of evidence in that case. There were also injured dogs and 22 dogs total, plus steroids and a bunch of other stuff. I think that probably added to the conviction more strongly than a rope tied to a tree branch. If you're fighting dogs, yes, be aware that a flirt pole can be used in the evidence.

spiritdogs

If you are intent on having one, you don't have to drive yourself nuts making one. 

I enjoy making things for my dogs. I do it all the time. Besides, that toy would not fit my needs. I want a 6 foot pole, not just a handle. And I'd much rather make it.

spiritdogs

Be careful, these can cause injury if you don't acclimate the dog properly - using it for jumping is not a good idea for dogs that are too young or not fit enough. 

This is a very good point. I'm not jumping my dogs very much at all. Just small jumps for a very short period of time. I'm mostly running them. Playing for about 10 minutes. On ground that I have tilled, so it's very soft. And walking them out afterward. My dogs are not in training for sport. It's just for fun.

Never used one of those but I do use something like this:

http://www.ruffruffpetstuff.com/browseproducts/Asst.-Nylon-Cord-Cat-Pole-Toys.HTML

Kord is nuts about it and I can wear him out faster on this than anything else. We even play in the house where I have him and all 3 cats chasing it.

http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=K9X109&AffiliateID=45638&Method=3

This is the one I have. It's nothing fancy but it's been worth every penny.

I've used them for my cats, but we call it a Cat Dancer.

They are used a lot on young German Shepherds.  It develops their prey drive and their bites.

I use something far more rudimentary for Kenya - I find a fallen branch and drag it around the yard.  She attacks the sticks. 

This is an 8 week old Dutch Shepherd clinging to that thing (her legs were off the ground) while the trainer yells and pretends to hit her.  She never once flinched or let go.  They use them to test the temperaments of dogs they want for work and sport.

Yep, have used them for years.  We used them for the beginning of race training (jrt racing).

Awww...the puppy is so cute!  lol!  I was thinking of making one out of the whips they carry in farm supply shops.  Just buy one of the longer poles with the string at the end (like the lunge line whips), and then tie a rag or ball on the end.  Once I get somewhere that I can actaully play with Rafe off leash, I'll probably go ahead and make one...although I suppose I could play with him on the 30ft training leash I have...lol!

FourIsCompany

Well, I didn't think this would be a controversial subject, but the presence of a flirt pole was just ONE piece of evidence in that case. There were also injured dogs and 22 dogs total, plus steroids and a bunch of other stuff. I think that probably added to the conviction more strongly than a rope tied to a tree branch. If you're fighting dogs, yes, be aware that a flirt pole can be used in the evidence.

spiritdogs

If you are intent on having one, you don't have to drive yourself nuts making one. 

 

I enjoy making things for my dogs. I do it all the time. Besides, that toy would not fit my needs. I want a 6 foot pole, not just a handle. And I'd much rather make it.

spiritdogs

Be careful, these can cause injury if you don't acclimate the dog properly - using it for jumping is not a good idea for dogs that are too young or not fit enough. 

 

This is a very good point. I'm not jumping my dogs very much at all. Just small jumps for a very short period of time. I'm mostly running them. Playing for about 10 minutes. On ground that I have tilled, so it's very soft. And walking them out afterward. My dogs are not in training for sport. It's just for fun.

I know it was just one piece of evidence, but not everyone lives in a tolerant jurisdiction and has GSD's.  Pittie owners in some areas do need to be concerned about such things, sadly, just as they need to be careful about owning other training equipment that is also used by dogfighters.

I'm glad that you like to make things for your dogs, and I'm sure others do, too.  I just posted the link for people who aren't as handy as you are, or would prefer ready made for whatever reason (arthritic hands, maybe).  I didn't really expect my post to be controversial either;-)