Here's a training video on using the flirt pole to train/exercise your dog. Dogs learn best when lessons are fun, and this is a great way to turn basic obedience practice into big excitement. We've used these in shelter situations, especially with dogs that can't play with other dogs and it's been a favorite tool for tiring them out while reinforcing new commands. To keep this valuable as a learning tool, the game must stop anytime a dog grabs the toy without permission. Great for healthy dogs, but be aware that the fast turns and jumping could aggravate faulty joints, so use wisely. Enjoy!
Flirt Pole Hand Out
Great video, thanks for sharing! Can you share any tips for teaching 'leave it' and 'drop'? My girl knows the sit/down/stay stuff, but could use some work on those commands that involve surrendering her toy! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Tamara. There are a few different ways to teach both, so give us a few days and we'll get a video out.
ReplyDeleteFor right now, google 'teaching dog leave it' or 'teaching dog out,' and you might find something that works best for you and your dog.
That's super. My Savannah kitten loves the cat-version. She has taken all the feathers off and now drags the wand around the apartment (its about 6 inches longer than she is, quite funny). The shelter where I volunteer has waived adoption fees for Pitbulls for the summer (America's Dog) and one of my favorites finally went home! I got to help with the introductions and answer lots of questions.
ReplyDeleteFantastic video, great learning tool. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna! I'm going to work on that with her for sure. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, I like the video very much, I need help with my staffie, she is deaf but can hear only some sound. I have tried to train her with hands singles but we have not manage stay and or leave it yet. Can you help me.
ReplyDeleteAlso my american bull dog/pit mix is blind in one eye, she listens very well, both girls are 2yrs old.
Hi Lugi. We love working with deaf dogs. The all-white dog in the beginning of the video is our deafie - his name is Honky Tonk.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to know how to advise you without meeting your dog, but you might want to shop around for a trainer who can show you their favorite tips. You'll most likely want to use a lot of body language in addition to the signs; for example, lean into (and somewhat over) your dog when he tries to pop up from a stay, then lots of happy clapping or thumbs up or whatever you use when he stays for a nano-second longer than he usually does. Deaf dogs need you to be very big on gestures and smiles. You might also want to look around the Net for info on training deaf dogs. Try deafdogs.org as a start. Best to you all.
I wish I would have viewed this video before I ordered a Chase It. Although, I did order it from Hello Bully, so at least some of my $ went to them :) I never even thought of using it with commands (DUH, thump on the head) we just use it when we need to relase quick bursts of enrgy before a walk or when it's too cold in the winter to be outside too long, or just for some fun. Now, If Lewis breaks his chase it, I know how to make a new one...THANKS again guys :)
ReplyDeleteYou can also purchase a lunge whip at any horse supply store and just tie a squeaky toy to the end. Its a few dollars more expensive but you get a more comfortable handle.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few different ways to teach both, so give us a few days and we'll get a video out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for post...
Thanks for this! By far, the simplest and easiest to replicate flirt pole construction tips I've seen yet.
ReplyDeleteIt might sound weird, but I enjoyed watching El's cameo on this because it is fascinating to me to see how much differently a non-terrier moves around and reacts to a flirt pole. The body language is so totally different. Breed tendencies toward prey drive I'd guess? Anyway, I thought it was interesting!
This Video was awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you guys have some tip about the dropping that would tremendously help me! for some reason some dogs have a problem with it and i am still trying to find the way to train them
I just started using the flirt pole with my dog and we are having fun. I'm wondering if this is something that can be used every day, more than once a day or if it should be kept for special occasions, or used infrequently. I don't want to spoil the fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
We are having lots of fun with the flirt pole. I'm wondering if I should only use it infrequently, or if I can use it every day, more than once. I don't want to spoil the fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
I would have like to see how you stop the game when the dog 'fails' and grabs without waiting. Do you drop the pole and walk away? Or say 'drop it' and wait? Or grab the toy back and start over? It's nice to see the perfect trained dogs but I'd also like to see how to get there with a beginner!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting these training videos, I love your attitude and methods.
Thanks for posting this! This type of training is exactly what my highly prey-driven doggie needs
ReplyDelete. She knows the prerequisite commands you give, except the drop. Guess i need to teach her the drop, first. I'll get started!
Love your training videos. I've learned so much and it's helped me and our newest immeasurably. The Q&A is also very helpful. My issue with flirt poles is a lack of adequate space/grass. Also our guy is leash-reactive so parks are out. We play ball but often he wants us to chase or fight for the ball, it's been a task to train to fetch (especially w/o treat motivation- which distracts him from playing). But we're getting there. Don't suppose there's a North Bay BadRap Pit Ed? :)
ReplyDelete