What’s a Flirt Pole? Imagine being able to exercise your dog while sitting on your couch. You might think, “That sounds great!” If your dog or puppy has a lot of energy but isn’t a fan of fetching, or if they are too young for long runs or hikes, flirt poles can help tire them out with minimal effort on your part. They are also ideal for individuals with limited mobility, those living in small spaces, or anyone who prefers to relax while playing with their pet.

So, what exactly is a flirt pole? Essentially, it’s an oversized cat toy. It consists of a plastic pole that ranges from 3 to 5 feet long, with a long rope threaded through the handle, typically extending 6 to 8 feet. At the end of the rope, there are pieces of fleece or a stuffed toy attached. Unlike traditional toys that require throwing, bending, or kneeling, using a flirt pole is simple: you just swing it back and forth or in large circles to encourage your dog to chase it.

You can purchase a flirt pole online from various retailers, or you can make your own if you’re feeling creative. To create a DIY flirt pole, buy a piece of ½-inch PVC pipe cut to your desired length and a 12-foot-long rope to thread through the pole. Tie knots at both ends of the rope through the PVC pipe and secure some old pieces of fleece or another durable material (the lure) to one end of the rope. Use the pole to drag the lure slowly along the ground and then jerk it around to mimic the movements of a prey animal. This combination of slow and fast motions taps into your dog’s natural chasing instinct, encouraging them to stalk and pounce on the lure.

However, it’s important to be cautious about how you use the flirt pole while playing. Keep it low to the ground and avoid encouraging your dog to jump straight up, as this can be dangerous, especially for high-energy dogs. Some dogs may become overly fixated on the toy and lose control while trying to reach it. It’s best to move the pole side to side (east and west) rather than up and down (north and south). Flirt poles are inexpensive and excellent way to exercise dogs of all ages; just remember to keep it fun for both you and your dog!