Flirt Poles: More Than Just a Toy – Give Your Dog’s Natural Instincts an Outlet!

I was listening to an episode of the Lisa & Roo podcast recently, featuring dog trainer Kelly Wolfe from Wolfe Dogs, and something Kelly said really stood out to me:

“They’ve still got all these same traits we breed them for. They just happen to be unemployed in a pet context.”

And I thought that was such a good way of putting it!

We’ve spent generations selectively breeding dogs for particular jobs — herding, hunting, retrieving, tracking and more.

But these days, most of our dogs live as family pets.

They may be technically “unemployed”, but those instincts haven’t disappeared!

Kelly discussed how there can sometimes be a mismatch between the life we think should make our dogs happy and what actually fulfils them.

Dogs want to be dogs! And for many purpose-bred dogs, that means having opportunities to express some of the behaviours they were originally bred for.

Which brings me to something else they discussed in the podcast…

Flirt poles!

What is a flirt pole?

A flirt pole is essentially a long pole with a rope attached and a toy or lure at the end.

Think of it like a giant cat toy, but designed for dogs!

By moving the toy along the ground, you encourage your dog to watch, stalk, chase and catch it.

Sounds simple, right?

But there’s actually quite a bit more going on than just a game of chase.

WATCH US WORK ON SELF CONTROL WITH A FLIRT POLE HERE

Understanding the predation sequence

Dogs have inherited a natural sequence of behaviours from their predatory ancestors, known as the predation sequence.

In its full form, the sequence looks something like this:

Orient → Eye → Stalk → Chase → Grab-bite → Kill-bite → Dissect → Consume

Not every dog displays every part of this sequence, and different breeds have had particular behaviours strengthened or reduced through generations of selective breeding.

For example:

🐾 Border Collies and other herding breeds: That intense stare, crouching, stalking and chasing movement are all behaviours that have been selectively strengthened to help them control livestock.

🐾 Retrievers: Have been bred to pick up and carry things, often with a softer mouth.

🐾 Terriers: Many were originally bred to hunt and dispatch small animals, so chasing, grabbing and shaking can be particularly rewarding.

🐾 Sighthounds: Breeds such as Greyhounds and Whippets have been selected for their ability to spot movement and pursue it at speed.

Of course, every dog is an individual, and not all dogs of the same breed will have identical interests or drives.

But the important thing to understand is that many of the behaviours we see in our dogs today are behaviours humans have deliberately bred them to perform.

And just because they’re now living in our homes instead of working doesn’t mean those instincts have disappeared.

So where do flirt poles come in?

A flirt pole gives your dog an appropriate outlet for some of those natural behaviours.

Instead of chasing the cat, pestering other dogs or becoming fixated on moving objects, we can provide something they’re actually allowed to chase and catch.

It’s important to remember that a flirt pole isn’t a guaranteed solution for unwanted chasing behaviours. However, it can be a valuable part of providing appropriate enrichment and training.

And the best part?

You’re involved in the game!

Rather than your dog entertaining themselves, you’re working together.

You control when the toy moves, when the chase begins and when the game finishes.

This creates some fantastic training opportunities.

Flirt poles aren’t just about chasing!

One of the things I really like about flirt poles is that they can be used to teach dogs how to think and respond to us, even when they’re excited.

Here are some ways you can incorporate training into the game.

1. Teach your dog to wait

Before moving the flirt pole, ask your dog to wait.

Start with the toy completely still, then gradually introduce movement as your dog becomes more successful.

The goal is to teach your dog that waiting calmly is what makes the fun begin!

2. Release them to chase

Once your dog is waiting, give them a release cue such as “Get it!”

Now they can chase!

This helps your dog learn that chasing is something they do when invited, rather than whenever something moves.

3. Let them catch it!

This is an important one.

Don’t constantly keep the toy just out of reach.

Let your dog catch it!

For many dogs, catching and grabbing the toy is an important and rewarding part of the game.

Imagine playing a game where you could never win. It wouldn’t be nearly as much fun!

4. Practise leaving/dropping the toy

Once your dog catches the lure, you can practise a “leave" or "drop” cue.

Reward them for releasing the toy, then restart the game.

This is a great opportunity to build a reliable leave cue around something your dog finds exciting.

5. Practise switching between excitement and calm

Flirt poles can also help dogs practise moving between exciting activity and quieter moments.

Play for a short period, pause, allow your dog to settle, then restart.

Remember, the goal isn’t to wind your dog up as much as possible.

It’s about giving them an enjoyable outlet for their instincts while building communication and control.

Are flirt poles suitable for every dog?

Flirt poles can be fantastic for many dogs, from enthusiastic working breeds to family pets who simply love a good game of chase.

However, how you use them matters.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Keep the lure low to the ground. Avoid encouraging repeated jumping, twisting or leaping.
• Avoid sharp turns and sudden stops. These can place unnecessary stress on joints.
• Keep sessions short. Flirt pole games can be physically demanding, even when they don’t look particularly strenuous.
• Consider your dog’s age and fitness. Puppies, senior dogs and dogs with joint or mobility issues may need a gentler alternative.
• Use suitable surfaces. Avoid slippery floors and uneven ground.
• Always supervise play. Flirt poles aren’t designed to be left with your dog as a chew toy.

If your dog has an existing injury or joint condition, check with your vet before introducing this type of activity.

It’s about more than just physical exercise

One of the points Kelly raised in the podcast was how easily we can misunderstand what our dogs actually need.

Sometimes we focus on providing more walks, more exercise or more opportunities to run.

But physical exhaustion and fulfilment aren’t necessarily the same thing.

For many dogs, having appropriate opportunities to use their natural instincts can be just as important as physical activity.

That doesn’t mean every dog needs to herd sheep, hunt or retrieve ducks!

But we can look for ways to incorporate elements of those natural behaviours into everyday life.

And sometimes, something as simple as a flirt pole can be a great place to start.

Feature Friday: Flirt Poles!

Flirt poles are a simple, interactive way to provide enrichment, encourage natural behaviours and have some fun with your dog.

Whether you’re using one to practise impulse control, build engagement or simply enjoy a game together, they’re a fantastic addition to your dog’s toy collection.

Give your dog something they’re allowed to chase! 🐕

👉 SHOP FLIRT POLES AT SHINE PETS

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Want to learn more?

This blog was inspired by an episode of the Lisa & Roo podcast featuring Kelly Wolfe from Wolfe Dogs:

Give Your Dog A Purpose: Honouring Genetics in a Modern World with Kelly Wolfe

It’s a really interesting conversation about purpose-bred dogs, genetics and the importance of giving dogs appropriate outlets for their natural behaviours.