Flirt Pole / "Woof stick"

This morning we were watching the news and they showed a clip at the SPCA about using a "woofstick" as a great way to exercise your dog. We thought it would be a good idea to give you some more information and background information on this. The "Woofstick" is more commonly known as a flirt pole and was originally used to build prey drive to chase and bite for puppies that would later be trained to bite for sport

work (Schutzhund, French Ring, Mondio Ring). So knowing what its supposed to be used for do you want to do this for your dog? Do you want to increase your dogs prey drive? Probably Not!
You CAN use the flirt pole to exercise your dog but you need to add in some training and impulse control so that you have control of the game and so that it wont teach bad habits.
Make sure the dog has a solid foundation in obedience before playing.
Just like all games you want to start with the dog having a strong interest and desire to play.
Once the dog is into the game then add some rules.

Have the dog hold a sit or down while you move the pole around and then release them to the toy.
For more advanced dogs have them Sit or Down mid run after the toy or call them too you.
You dont want to increase their drive for a moving object if they cant still come when they call.
This is a great game to play with them that adds more rules to a high arousal game.





I got a video of Amber this morning her 1st time with a flirt pole.
She was interested but not completely engaged so we didn't add in the obedience.
See vid here: http://youtu.be/CpoInZKL5l8