I love the flirtpole when 'played' right. Rules do make all the difference in helping a dog to learn self-regulation and controlling themselves during high arousal. Great video and LOVE your pooch!!
I use a long handled stock whip from any farm store. A fuzzy toy tied on end. I run my Aussie in a park and never cease to gather a few onlookers to watch the flying leaps and long runs . I'm a falconer and this is exactly like lure flying a falcon. They love it too.
How cool! Before I ever knew about flirt poles, I would use equine lunge whips. My dog loved it without a toy, but I think flirt poles are safer for dogs.
Love this!! I just started using a flirt pole with my puppy - being careful not to change direction quickly because he's still growing and I don't want to hurt his joints. I can see how this will be an excellent training tool.
That's wonderful! So glad to help :) If your dog is ball-crazy, here's another one of my favorite ways to tucker them out- ua-cam.com/video/_BocjIgGV5M/v-deo.html
careful with too much exersize for actual puppies. 8 week pups can handle at most 10 mins of hard play a day and then add 5 mins for every month after that.
Good girl ! She's so cute and good. I see at the end of video it said to use tiny treats, the size of a pea. Not only do I give treats that size, sometimes I do use individual peas for my dog. To him it is a very "high value treat" ; but my friends dogs , who are used to high calorie junk food, don't agree. LOL
Is there a reason you don't want it to turn into tug? I've used this in my training but use the "tug" as the reward for a while until we can do shorter bursts. Love discussing theory with fun training techniques!! Definitely not questioning your technique just pondering it! :)
This is the first video I clicked on to look for training tips on the flirt pole. And the dogs name is Nina which is what I named my dog!! Seems like fate! She makes is look so easy as her dog is already well trained on it but I’m guessing it will be a little trickier with a puppy just learning!
What tricks in the series of training did you use? Such as, how did you originally train your dog to back up, what was the command for this? Did you drag her into the position, did you just back up, did you use a second person?
Hello! Nina knew sit, down, and wait. The backing up was her choice and not requested. On that note, we would never endorse dragging a dog (or otherwise forcing a behavior,) because that isn't nice and just inhibits them from making a decision on their own. There are multiple ways to teach this such as luring, shaping, and capturing. (I have a video on these methods, too. ua-cam.com/video/RAdkDCC0Zv4/v-deo.html)
@@attapuptraining okay I'm planning to make one next month when I have money to get a lunge whip. We are working on drop now and its getting there. He will drop it reliably at a medium arousal level so no where near what we need for a flirt pole yet I just know he finds tugging way more rewarding than chasing.
@@ambrosep801 you may want to be careful with a lunge whip. The advantage to flirt poles is the bungee cord. Lunge whips don't have that extra give for a game of tug. Does that make sense?
@@attapuptraining yes it does! I'll reconsider I just worry about buying the wrong one and it breaking from my 73 pound guy lol. Just found your channel do you plan on making more content in the future? I like your trick tutorials.
@@ambrosep801 I do plan on getting more on UA-cam. I have some on Instagram, as well as an Amazon affiliate page with my recommended flirt pole. The link in my IG bio will have the Amazon list. You'll want the exercise category. instagram.com/attapuptraining You can also go to attapuptraining.com/favoritethings for all of my affiliate links and even somr product discounts.
I LOVE the Squishy Face flirt pole, that's the kind I have in the video- www.amazon.com/Squishy-Face-Studio-Exercise-Squeaker/dp/B00HFFXEWE/ I would get the small size for Bostons. You can also make your own pretty easily if you're the DIY type- notesfromadogwalker.com/2012/04/24/flirt-pole/
You can end with a trade for the tug toy and massive treat compensation for keeping it. I like to toss a bunch of treats for the dog to find while I put it away.
Hey, hey! They were handmade. The frames were made out of pvc pipe with the curtains being made out of fabric, thread, and velcro. If you make them, keep in mind dogs can stick their heads through.
Hi I do this to my 8 week old Jack Russell puppy but the problem is she keeps nipping at my ankles and clothing very hard at 8 weeks and her teeth are Razor Sharp how do I stop that from happening I don't have this exact toy but I do use cat toys because she's tiny but she's always seems to attack my ankles as well when we get to into this game any ideas on how to stop her from nipping me and the bites are quite hard.and draw blood
HI Atta Pupi, thanks the video. I like to ensure I dont encourage pray drive to avoid my dog attacking other small animals and running screaming children, should I avoid using flirt pole?
I have a 10 week old beagle and i tried the flirt pole with her and she would NOT want to let go of rope toy at the end. Even when i waved a hot dog in front of her nose, you could tell she was really into "her prey"... After i was done playing, she saw my toddler running around a little and when he fell, she basically attacked him - I'm sure playfully, no damage done other than a fright on his behalf, but when i picked her up, she growled quite a bit... Is this normal behavior? What can i do? I really just want a way to tire her out...
my puppy pitbull wants to tug with it. I notice you mention to not let her tug. Is this not good and does incourage aggression if they tug? Thanks for the video!
+dominionn09 Thanks for watching! Aren't flirt poles fun? Tugging doesn't encourage aggression, that's an unfortunate myth. It's a perfectly natural doggy thing to do, especially for puppies who get excited about a fun toy! Playing tug is actually a great way to teach your dog impulse control and how to play nicely with their teeth, even when they're amped up. Here's a video I made about tug- ua-cam.com/video/Map6YOTKPK0/v-deo.html You could try practicing "drop it" with the flirt pole: Keep a stash of yummy treats nearby. When your pup catches the toy, let him enjoy it a bit. Then say "drop it" in a cheerful tone and wait a second. If he doesn't drop it, offer him a yummy treat to trade for the toy. When he's eating it, pick the flirt toy back up. (Just like in the tug video.) If the flirt pole is just too exciting to drop, then work on "drop it" with another toy he likes but doesn't get super work-up about. Once he's catching on that "drop it" makes good stuff happen, it will be easier for him to drop the flirt toy. Asking him to sit for each round of flirt pole play might help too. Before you start moving the flirt toy, ask for a sit. As soon as he does, mark it (I say "Yesss!" like you see in the video), and immediately release the flirt toy. By keeping the game consistent and predictable, he'll catch on eventually that spitting out the toy and sitting is the fastest way to get to play again! Hope that helps! Have fun! :)
Atta Pup! What if my dog goes for the rope once he figures out that the toy is attached to it? I have a cattle dog... let's just say they aren't ranked top 10 smartest breeds. These damn herding dogs are so smart. Thx for the feedback
Hi, Alex! What a household! While, you could probably make it work in some houses, I would just allow them to play separately. A few different issues could arise trying to play flirt pole with all of them simultaneously. Primarily, safety comes to mind. I wouldn't want them to collide and get hurt. I also wouldn't want a resource guarding issue to start. So, one outside at a time. For a more advanced household, you could have your significant other work on training behaviors with three of them, such as "wait" or "place" while one dog is playing. That way everyone gets attention, but it's only one dog running around at a time. Besides, it's a good bonding time with you and your dog. Each one deserves individual attention.
Hi Suresh! With practice, she figured out that the way to get the toy to move again is to spit it out. She also figured out that I often ask for a "sit" before I give her anything, so she offered that. She backs up because she's excited and her butt's too wiggly to sit down right away! LOL With beginner dogs, I'll play a bit with the flirt pole until they catch it. Ideally, I'll let them chomp it a bit and carefully watch for them to let go of it on their own for even a split second. As soon as they do, I mark with that "Yess!" and then start moving the toy again. If that doesn't happen, I'll use "drop it" and encourage them to drop the toy with a treat. Pay them with the treat for spitting it out, then move the toy again. Eventually, they'll figure out the pattern-- You catch it, you spit it out, you get to play again. I should probably make a new video with a dog who hasn't played flirt pole quite as much ;) You're not the first person with this question! I hope that helps!
Hi Marie, Flirt poles are great exercise for rowdy dogs! As I explain in the video, it's a perfect way to teach a dog impulse control by asking them to get riled up and them calm down. People use flirt poles to exercise a dog who's not getting enough of a workout in their daily lives, to help their dogs lose weight or get into shape, and to give them a safe and appropriate outlet for a dog's desire to chase things so they don't take it out on the cats in the house. I often call it a "magic wand" and highly recommend them to nearly all of my clients. People have been playing with toys or tying a rag to a lunge whip to let their dog chase for ages. People with small dogs use the cat version of a flirt pole! Do you think people playing with their cats are also hypocrites? Terrible people do a lot of things. Dog fighters use leashes, should I throw mine away? Dog fighters probably brush their teeth, do I need to stop doing that too? If I decided to never use anything that a terrible person has ever used before, I'd have nothing left and a very bored, antsy, unhappy dog.
I love the flirtpole when 'played' right. Rules do make all the difference in helping a dog to learn self-regulation and controlling themselves during high arousal. Great video and LOVE your pooch!!
I just saw this! Thanks for your kind words!
I use a long handled stock whip from any farm store. A fuzzy toy tied on end. I run my Aussie in a park and never cease to gather a few onlookers to watch the flying leaps and long runs .
I'm a falconer and this is exactly like lure flying a falcon. They love it too.
How cool! Before I ever knew about flirt poles, I would use equine lunge whips. My dog loved it without a toy, but I think flirt poles are safer for dogs.
Love this!! I just started using a flirt pole with my puppy - being careful not to change direction quickly because he's still growing and I don't want to hurt his joints. I can see how this will be an excellent training tool.
You successfully taught me how to exhaust my puppy where fetch and tug have failed! :) Thanks!
That's wonderful! So glad to help :) If your dog is ball-crazy, here's another one of my favorite ways to tucker them out- ua-cam.com/video/_BocjIgGV5M/v-deo.html
careful with too much exersize for actual puppies. 8 week pups can handle at most 10 mins of hard play a day and then add 5 mins for every month after that.
I love this video. My dog loves playing with a flirt pole
What a beautiful dog.
Stacie Jackson Thank you! I think so too, but I'm a little biased ;)
Good girl ! She's so cute and good. I see at the end of video it said to use tiny treats, the size of a pea. Not only do I give treats that size, sometimes I do use individual peas for my dog. To him it is a very "high value treat" ; but my friends dogs , who are used to high calorie junk food, don't agree. LOL
This toy is the ultimate weapon!
Is there a reason you don't want it to turn into tug? I've used this in my training but use the "tug" as the reward for a while until we can do shorter bursts. Love discussing theory with fun training techniques!! Definitely not questioning your technique just pondering it! :)
Thanks for the informative video and the idea to use a cat toy. 😀
This also sounds like it would work for dogs who quickly loose interest in toys unless you are holding them, like our puppy.
Yes and yes!!
This is the first video I clicked on to look for training tips on the flirt pole. And the dogs name is Nina which is what I named my dog!! Seems like fate! She makes is look so easy as her dog is already well trained on it but I’m guessing it will be a little trickier with a puppy just learning!
I just saw this! I'm glad you liked the video! How are you and Nina doing now?
Not the usual question but what is the flooring you have made of?
I'm not sure, I'm sorry! This was filmed in a training facility I used to teach in. I'll send the owner an email and see if I can get you the info.
I'm not sure, I'm sorry! This was filmed in a training facility I used to teach in. I'll send the owner an email and see if I can get you the info.
Mine is far too good at catching it...I made one myself. Mine does not get that tired with this. It is a great toy though.
Same here mate. My border collie x heeler can jump 6ft without a run up. Good toy as you said though I need to be way quicker than she is... 😂
What tricks in the series of training did you use? Such as, how did you originally train your dog to back up, what was the command for this? Did you drag her into the position, did you just back up, did you use a second person?
Hello! Nina knew sit, down, and wait. The backing up was her choice and not requested. On that note, we would never endorse dragging a dog (or otherwise forcing a behavior,) because that isn't nice and just inhibits them from making a decision on their own. There are multiple ways to teach this such as luring, shaping, and capturing. (I have a video on these methods, too. ua-cam.com/video/RAdkDCC0Zv4/v-deo.html)
Hey! Why do you say to subtract what my dog receives in treats from their meal? Also, how did you get your dog to take steps back before sitting?
Would it be okay to allow the dog to tug if they can drop it on command?
Absolutely! You have a lot more options with that skill.
@@attapuptraining okay I'm planning to make one next month when I have money to get a lunge whip. We are working on drop now and its getting there. He will drop it reliably at a medium arousal level so no where near what we need for a flirt pole yet I just know he finds tugging way more rewarding than chasing.
@@ambrosep801 you may want to be careful with a lunge whip. The advantage to flirt poles is the bungee cord. Lunge whips don't have that extra give for a game of tug. Does that make sense?
@@attapuptraining yes it does! I'll reconsider I just worry about buying the wrong one and it breaking from my 73 pound guy lol. Just found your channel do you plan on making more content in the future? I like your trick tutorials.
@@ambrosep801 I do plan on getting more on UA-cam. I have some on Instagram, as well as an Amazon affiliate page with my recommended flirt pole. The link in my IG bio will have the Amazon list. You'll want the exercise category. instagram.com/attapuptraining
You can also go to attapuptraining.com/favoritethings for all of my affiliate links and even somr product discounts.
Any brands of flirt pole you personally recommend? I have two Boston terriers.
I LOVE the Squishy Face flirt pole, that's the kind I have in the video- www.amazon.com/Squishy-Face-Studio-Exercise-Squeaker/dp/B00HFFXEWE/ I would get the small size for Bostons.
You can also make your own pretty easily if you're the DIY type- notesfromadogwalker.com/2012/04/24/flirt-pole/
Hello I was wondering if I could use a bit of this video in a sketch I am making about Flirt Poles? Thanks
Which part would you like to use?
I have sent you a directed message on your facebook page with a clip of the sketch which I hope will explain better. Thanks
How do you end the play session?
You can end with a trade for the tug toy and massive treat compensation for keeping it. I like to toss a bunch of treats for the dog to find while I put it away.
Terrific video--thank you! Question--the greenish blinds right behind you--where did you get them? They're just what I'm looking for for dog classes!
Hey, hey! They were handmade. The frames were made out of pvc pipe with the curtains being made out of fabric, thread, and velcro. If you make them, keep in mind dogs can stick their heads through.
Hi I do this to my 8 week old Jack Russell puppy but the problem is she keeps nipping at my ankles and clothing very hard at 8 weeks and her teeth are Razor Sharp how do I stop that from happening I don't have this exact toy but I do use cat toys because she's tiny but she's always seems to attack my ankles as well when we get to into this game any ideas on how to stop her from nipping me and the bites are quite hard.and draw blood
yoynand your dog / a good match / Thanks !!
mistype ... YOU AND your dog of course !
HI Atta Pupi, thanks the video. I like to ensure I dont encourage pray drive to avoid my dog attacking other small animals and running screaming children, should I avoid using flirt pole?
I dont see the difference on using the flirt pole compared to chasing a tossed toy that rolls on the ground.
@@hc7553 exactly lol wtf is this guy talking about
Will this make my German Shepard calm around cats if I can direct her prey energy on this flirt pole?
yes!! this tool is a great way to control your dogs drive
I have a 10 week old beagle and i tried the flirt pole with her and she would NOT want to let go of rope toy at the end. Even when i waved a hot dog in front of her nose, you could tell she was really into "her prey"... After i was done playing, she saw my toddler running around a little and when he fell, she basically attacked him - I'm sure playfully, no damage done other than a fright on his behalf, but when i picked her up, she growled quite a bit... Is this normal behavior? What can i do? I really just want a way to tire her out...
my puppy pitbull wants to tug with it. I notice you mention to not let her tug. Is this not good and does incourage aggression if they tug? Thanks for the video!
+dominionn09 Thanks for watching! Aren't flirt poles fun?
Tugging doesn't encourage aggression, that's an unfortunate myth. It's a perfectly natural doggy thing to do, especially for puppies who get excited about a fun toy! Playing tug is actually a great way to teach your dog impulse control and how to play nicely with their teeth, even when they're amped up. Here's a video I made about tug- ua-cam.com/video/Map6YOTKPK0/v-deo.html
You could try practicing "drop it" with the flirt pole: Keep a stash of yummy treats nearby. When your pup catches the toy, let him enjoy it a bit. Then say "drop it" in a cheerful tone and wait a second. If he doesn't drop it, offer him a yummy treat to trade for the toy. When he's eating it, pick the flirt toy back up. (Just like in the tug video.)
If the flirt pole is just too exciting to drop, then work on "drop it" with another toy he likes but doesn't get super work-up about. Once he's catching on that "drop it" makes good stuff happen, it will be easier for him to drop the flirt toy.
Asking him to sit for each round of flirt pole play might help too. Before you start moving the flirt toy, ask for a sit. As soon as he does, mark it (I say "Yesss!" like you see in the video), and immediately release the flirt toy. By keeping the game consistent and predictable, he'll catch on eventually that spitting out the toy and sitting is the fastest way to get to play again!
Hope that helps! Have fun! :)
Atta Pup! What if my dog goes for the rope once he figures out that the toy is attached to it? I have a cattle dog... let's just say they aren't ranked top 10 smartest breeds. These damn herding dogs are so smart. Thx for the feedback
We have 4 dogs. How can we play flirt pole with all of them? Thanks!
Hi, Alex! What a household! While, you could probably make it work in some houses, I would just allow them to play separately.
A few different issues could arise trying to play flirt pole with all of them simultaneously. Primarily, safety comes to mind. I wouldn't want them to collide and get hurt. I also wouldn't want a resource guarding issue to start.
So, one outside at a time. For a more advanced household, you could have your significant other work on training behaviors with three of them, such as "wait" or "place" while one dog is playing. That way everyone gets attention, but it's only one dog running around at a time. Besides, it's a good bonding time with you and your dog. Each one deserves individual attention.
how did u make ur pet to leave it automatically then step back and then sit ? (in that order)
Hi Suresh! With practice, she figured out that the way to get the toy to move again is to spit it out. She also figured out that I often ask for a "sit" before I give her anything, so she offered that. She backs up because she's excited and her butt's too wiggly to sit down right away! LOL
With beginner dogs, I'll play a bit with the flirt pole until they catch it. Ideally, I'll let them chomp it a bit and carefully watch for them to let go of it on their own for even a split second. As soon as they do, I mark with that "Yess!" and then start moving the toy again. If that doesn't happen, I'll use "drop it" and encourage them to drop the toy with a treat. Pay them with the treat for spitting it out, then move the toy again.
Eventually, they'll figure out the pattern-- You catch it, you spit it out, you get to play again. I should probably make a new video with a dog who hasn't played flirt pole quite as much ;) You're not the first person with this question!
I hope that helps!
:D Thank u
I bet ypu hate dog fighters but have no problem using their tools of conditioning. Hypocrite. Everytime you use their creations. Thank them
Hi Marie,
Flirt poles are great exercise for rowdy dogs! As I explain in the video, it's a perfect way to teach a dog impulse control by asking them to get riled up and them calm down. People use flirt poles to exercise a dog who's not getting enough of a workout in their daily lives, to help their dogs lose weight or get into shape, and to give them a safe and appropriate outlet for a dog's desire to chase things so they don't take it out on the cats in the house. I often call it a "magic wand" and highly recommend them to nearly all of my clients.
People have been playing with toys or tying a rag to a lunge whip to let their dog chase for ages. People with small dogs use the cat version of a flirt pole! Do you think people playing with their cats are also hypocrites?
Terrible people do a lot of things. Dog fighters use leashes, should I throw mine away? Dog fighters probably brush their teeth, do I need to stop doing that too? If I decided to never use anything that a terrible person has ever used before, I'd have nothing left and a very bored, antsy, unhappy dog.
Atta Pup! Flirt poles are a tool created by dog fighters. I use them but i know who created them.
@@marielong4092 come off of it you nasty hag, this is why people dont like you and avoid you at family functions.
@@attapuptraining dog fighters OWN DOGS also!!!! lmao
@@grinchgouda5534, unfortunately, you are correct :( I'm thankful for those dedicated to rescuing those poor dogs.