Do you want a surefire way to use up your dog’s excess energy without depleting yours?
I have the answer for you: the flirt pole!
It’s my go-to for my energetic dogs, and they are all absolutely bananas about it! It harnesses their prey drive - that sequence that all dogs, no matter what breed, have: to stalk, chase, catch, and kill.
Naturally we don’t want our dogs killing things, so this sequence is often depressed in daily life.
But here’s how you can tap into your dog’s instinctive drive, get him running, teach him impulse control - and have a lot of fun at the same time.
Flirt pole with four dogs
Here I’m playing with four dogs. Note how they all wait their turn on the picnic table, despite bursting with excitement for their go! This isn’t mindless flying about - it’s a way to teach some core principles to your dog, to make life better for both of you.
I’m using a lunge whip to which I’ve attached an old teddy bear leg. But if you don’t want a DIY option, have a look at this purpose-built Flirt Pole for dogs
This is what the makers say about it:
“If you’re looking for a high‑engagement, low‑effort way to help dogs burn energy fast, this is the one. The lightweight pole makes it easy to flick, twist and swoop without tiring your arms, while the reinforced bungee absorbs shock to protect both the dog’s neck and your shoulders.
The lure comes in either squeak or no‑squeak options, both designed with a friction‑free attachment ring so the toy moves naturally without wearing down the pole.
And because the bite zone is blue, one of the colours dogs see best, it helps them stay visually locked on and fully engaged.”
They also point out that it’s “especially helpful for those with high‑energy dogs, limited walking options, or owners who need a low‑effort, high‑impact way to meet their dog’s needs.”
Yes! You can play this game indoors! And I often have. You just need to contain your enthusiasm a little, and ensure your dog is on a carpeted surface, not a shiny one. The last thing you want is your dog slipping and skidding and injuring himself.
You can certainly play it sitting down. And if you just are too overdone to take your dog on a hike for an hour or two, you’ll find ten minutes with the flirt pole will do the trick.
Getting your dog started with the flirt pole
Here’s a video of young Cricket the Whippet being introduced to the delights of the flirt pole. Take care with a puppy, that they don’t overdo it.
Teaching impulse control to your dog
You want to be sure your dogs are all good at taking turns and sharing before you embark on flirt pole games with a gang of them all at once! But it can work very well, as you can see here.
Releasing the prey
Don’t be in too much of a hurry to take the lure back from your dog. He’s worked hard to catch it - let him enjoy his prize for a moment. He may want to trophy it by strutting about carrying it. Or maybe he’s clamped on and simply can’t let go! You can relax the pull on the pole and wait for him to gradually release it.
If he’s completely overwhelmed and cannot let go (!) simply slip your hand in his collar (so he can’t pull back) and wait. It will gradually be released.
Here you can see two dogs who struggled to let go of their prize! The reason they’re mouthing it here instead of pulling is because I stopped pulling and waited. If you pull back (animal still alive) they’ll naturally hang on tight. If you stop pulling (animal dead) they can safely release it.
Let your dog request a game!
There are two ways my dogs can request a game with the flirt pole - one is to stare longingly at the door behind which the flirt pole may be found. And the other is for Yannick - he has a button marked FLIRT POLE. See my recent post Does your dog talk to you?
I wondered at my sanity in giving him this button, but to be fair to the little chap, he doesn’t abuse it (“spam” it) and I always try to comply with his request, or tell him FLIRT POLE LATER, which produces a sigh and collapse onto the nearest bed.
You can get started with your own super-duper state-of-the-art flirt pole in a jiffy, by getting this purpose-made one from Tugenuff.
.. And don’t miss out on the discount offered!