Flirt Poles on Friday

In a previous blog post I mentioned that I really like to use a flirt pole to burn off my dogs energy. It can be an awesome tool for keeping your dog fit!

When I first got Phoenix she was very hyper and didn't have an off switch. She was also extremely anxious and the slightest thing would set her off. Like a cat walking by or what not. She would pace our apartment endlessly looking for cats. When I realized she was reactive and didn't like big dogs, going to the dog park (most of the time) was out and we had to become very creative in meeting her exercise needs since I'm not physically able to run with her.  We ended up making a flirt pole and we also taught her to play fetch with a chuck it. 

 

Another great benefit from having her chase the flirt pole was having an outlet for her prey drive. Having a "legal" object to chase made it easier for her to learn not to chase my small furry cat. 

Stalking her toy.

Flirt pole play should definitely have rules and it's great for training impulse control. I taught Phoenix that she wasn't allowed to touch the toy until I said "GET IT!" and that she must give the toy back when I say "OUT".  

She's waiting politely for me to tell her she can have it.

Making a flirt pole is pretty easy. There are tons of ways you can do it. We had a short one for in the house attached to an old fishing pole and I also went and bought a horse whip and tied a toy on the end of it for using outside.

My husband and Phoenix.

One of the best things about the flirt pole was building a relationship between Phoenix and my husband. It took Phoenix 6 months to let him pet her and to be truly okay and comfortable with it. Having a toy to play with that they both enjoyed helped a ton. 

Playing a bit of tug before "outing" her. 

You can see how fit she really is. 

 

I absolutely love my flirt pole and I highly recommend them to everyone.