The flirtpole is a great way to exercise and excellent way of tiring out your dog, that has a reasonable amount of prey drive or playfulness. Moving the pole back/forth and changing directions with the lure close to the floor is great fun for the dog. It builds co-ordination, speed and alertness and eye/mouth coordination.
Make sure you let your dog get the lure as if they never get it, the dog will quickly get bored and won't want to play anymore. A flirt is a long pole with a lure attached to one end, it needs to be flexible which can be a piece of electrical conduit (some have found using a horse whip just as good) the lure can be a raggy, toy or anything the dog will chase.
It can be done at any age even puppies, extra care should be taken with young dog they should not be encouraged to jump although they do.. its not always possible to stop such a young dog jumping so try and keep them at floor level and limit the time. This is only to be done on grass, not concrete or any hard surfaces as this can cause injury and damage to the dogs joints.
Materials needed to make a Flirtpole:
A long piece of electrical conduit, cut off 8 inches and keep to one side.
Nylon rope, small enough to fit inside the pole.
1 bike grip.
A plastic bag, light fluffy toy to use a the lure
Tread the rope through your conduit. Slide the handle on, tie a knot in the at the handle end. Burn the nylon rope so the ends to not come un-done.
Tie a knot at the other end.
Tread the remaining piece of conduit upto the knot, tie another knot.
Now cut a hole in your preferred item to attach to the end
Now tie your lure to the end of the rope.
The 8 inch long piece of conduit adds weight to the pole to help with better navagation of the end of your lure. You can use the pole to run the lure on the ground like a rabbit, the dogs will love it.
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Website Maintained by K. Thornton
kirsty@american-bulldog.co.uk