Cat Teaser/Flirt Pole

[Alec]

Every once in a while we get out our cat teaser to help satisfy his prey needs. When we do though, the dog loves to start "dancing" around trying to step on it and bite it. So I start thinking that this may be another good toy to use similar to the tug as long as the dog ultimately get the prey at the end. Has anyone else used these for their dogs, and can anyone think of any drawbacks to using it?

[neilsattin]

I think this was discussed in another thread - but the biggest potential drawback is "can your dog claim it at the end"?

Instead of something with a pole, I frequently tie a tug toy at the end of a thin rope or leash - so it's something that adds to the game, but which I can let go of at the end without worry. Often I have to do this when a dog can't tolerate tugging in close quarters.

[James]

Flirt poles/sticks are awesome to get your dog interested in a toy. The winning/loosing is not as much of an issue when you are using the flirt pole. When they catch it, let the line go limp, then flip the toy out of the dogs mouth between bites to restart the chase (does take some timing). I would definitely make something for your dog instead of using a cat one.. the most common set up is using a horse lunge whip for your pole, but you can use just about anything.. I posted a link to a really good article on using them in another thread re: flirt poles.

They give you a lot more control then just having a toy on a leash or rope and allow you to perform maneuvers that you would not be able to perform just using those items. If you have your toy tied onto the end of a 10' pole and you spin in place your dog will be running a 20' diameter circle around you chasing the toy, lots of exercise for them while you just spin. By moving the pole in circles while standing in place you can do figure eight patterns, you can also lift the pole to bring the toy off the ground to get some amazing jumps. With a leash or a rope only, you are limited to dragging it behind you (lots of exercise on your part) or only being able to get it out an arms length if you are spinning. If you haven't tried one give it a whirl, it is as easy to make as a stick a piece of rope/string and a toy you will be amazed at how much your dog likes playing with it. Or if you need more motivation check out some youtube videos of people using them search: "Flirt Pole" should get you about 400+ hits.

[James]

PS.. it was a reply to a thread in the solving problem behaviors with NDT section.

Here they are again:

http://www.thedogathlete.com/playing-with-prey-drive/
and
http://www.elcajonschutzhundclub.com...arch%20Dog.pdf

[neilsattin]

Clarification: Using the flirt pole is a great way to build drive for tug/toy play.

The "winning" overall is an important part of the way that I encourage people to play tug, which is why I suggest two toys (two flirt poles, even). It's important because overall it is what reinforces the cycle of tension/release, tension/release that builds a dog's attraction to their owner at higher and higher levels of drive.

That's part of the emotional workout you can get with tug that should be considered compatible with, but distinct from, a physical workout. The emotional workout comes from building your dog's heart muscle - i.e. building greater and greater trust interacting directly with you at higher and higher energy levels, which releases more and more stress (aka "emotional workout").