Review of Flirt Pole (Flirt Stick)
At first when I heard the name 'Flirt Pole' I was skeptical - not sure if this was a contraption made for training dogs! But let me tell you, was it ever a game changer!
For those dogs who high a high prey drive, this is an excellent tool to exercise them both mentally and physically. The flirt pole is also convenient when going outdoors is not possible, or for an extra play opportunity.
It works in a similar way to a cat chaser toy, where the rope piece hands off a sting, attached to the rod in the photo. You can wave it around and let the rope race across the room, so your pup can chase it. Just be careful with the stick as there have been instances of getting a piece of furniture or plant with the pole waving!
The reason i think this dog toy is effective is that it mimics the motion of a rodent - changes direction quickly, can vary the speed, and has some dangly bits that trigger the dog's hunting instincts. So it invokes thinking - to catch it, but also agility - as the rope is constantly in motion.
For those dogs who high a high prey drive, this is an excellent tool to exercise them both mentally and physically. The flirt pole is also convenient when going outdoors is not possible, or for an extra play opportunity.
It works in a similar way to a cat chaser toy, where the rope piece hands off a sting, attached to the rod in the photo. You can wave it around and let the rope race across the room, so your pup can chase it. Just be careful with the stick as there have been instances of getting a piece of furniture or plant with the pole waving!
The reason i think this dog toy is effective is that it mimics the motion of a rodent - changes direction quickly, can vary the speed, and has some dangly bits that trigger the dog's hunting instincts. So it invokes thinking - to catch it, but also agility - as the rope is constantly in motion.
It's pretty crazy how much fun can be had with this toy, as you can think of games and patterns to create when playing with your dog. It's you vs. your pup, so try to make certain patterns to see if they will catch on, or incorporate movement into it so you are moving and the rope piece is moving too. There is lots of ways to keep it new, just be sure to let your pup win every now and then, and not make it too hard!
Durability: 3 out of 5
Overall the build doesn't seem too bad, and has not broken down in the year we had it. However i anticipate that the rope portion could wear out quickly depending on how much the dog is allowed to chew on it (the manufacturer recommends not allowing the dog to chew on the rope or sting). Also the string attaching the rope to the 'pole' seems like it could break if it was up against some sharp teeth!
Difficulty: 1 out of 5
Just dangle the rope from the stick and let your dog chase it as you move it around!
Interest: 5 out of 5
Our pup is a high prey drive breed, and was always engaged and all over this toy! Just be sure to switch up the patters of movement and make sure they can get it every once in a while, otherwise your pup could lose interest
Environmental: 3 out of 5
The rope is natural while the sting and rod are made of what seems to be synthetic fiber, plastic, and aluminum
Cost: 4 out of 5
There are several variants of this toy made by different companies, so it's possible to shop around for a deal. The one we use cost around 25$
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Definitely a higher intensity activity to tire your dog or give them some fun playtime in between training. Several manufacturers sell ones in various colours, and toys at the end of the rope
Pro Tip: Try to create several games or patterns for your dog. Once they start to catch on, then change up the pattern to see how quickly they can adjust
Durability: 3 out of 5
Overall the build doesn't seem too bad, and has not broken down in the year we had it. However i anticipate that the rope portion could wear out quickly depending on how much the dog is allowed to chew on it (the manufacturer recommends not allowing the dog to chew on the rope or sting). Also the string attaching the rope to the 'pole' seems like it could break if it was up against some sharp teeth!
Difficulty: 1 out of 5
Just dangle the rope from the stick and let your dog chase it as you move it around!
Interest: 5 out of 5
Our pup is a high prey drive breed, and was always engaged and all over this toy! Just be sure to switch up the patters of movement and make sure they can get it every once in a while, otherwise your pup could lose interest
Environmental: 3 out of 5
The rope is natural while the sting and rod are made of what seems to be synthetic fiber, plastic, and aluminum
Cost: 4 out of 5
There are several variants of this toy made by different companies, so it's possible to shop around for a deal. The one we use cost around 25$
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
Definitely a higher intensity activity to tire your dog or give them some fun playtime in between training. Several manufacturers sell ones in various colours, and toys at the end of the rope
Pro Tip: Try to create several games or patterns for your dog. Once they start to catch on, then change up the pattern to see how quickly they can adjust
