Flirt poles for dogs - to flirt or not to flirt?!

If your dog goes wild for chasing, jumping, or tugging, you might’ve heard about flirt poles - or maybe you’re looking for a way to channel your dog’s prey drive safely, without risking the local wildlife!  

In this guide, we’re diving into what a flirt pole actually is, how to use it safely, and why our Whip It Flirt Pole is a top way to burn energy, build impulse control, and satisfy your dog’s natural instincts easily. 

What is a flirt pole for dogs?

A flirt pole is basically a giant cat toy for dogs. It’s made up of a long, rigid stick (usually plastic or fibreglass), a string or rope, and a toy or lure on the end. 

You move the toy around the ground in big, sweeping motions while your dog chases it - engaging their natural prey drive and giving them a satisfying way to let off steam.

Is a flirt pole good for dogs?

Yes - with some caveats. Like any toy or training tool, it’s important to learn how to use it safely so you get all of the fun and none of the downsides!

Let’s start with the good stuff.

✅ The pros:

• It’s mentally and physically enriching. Simulating prey (without the actual prey!) is a brilliant way to meet your dog’s instinctual needs - especially for high-energy or high prey drive breeds.
  

• It burns energy fast. Great for short, effective play sessions when you can’t manage a big walk - whether you’re unwell, short on time or have a reactive dog who needs a break from the outside world.
  

• It’s interactive and team-building. This isn’t your dog entertaining themselves - it’s a two-player game that builds your bond and boosts your relationship.
  

• You stay in control. Unlike fetch, you don’t have to throw a ball and hope your dog brings it back. The toy never leaves your hand - so your dog can still chase, tug, and ‘win’ without the chaos (or slobbery retrieval).
  

• Great for older kids. A flirt pole can be a great way for children (aged 8+) to play with the family dog safely, giving them distance from teeth and more control than a tug toy.

• It can build impulse control. With the right structure and cues (like asking for a sit before releasing your dog to chase), flirt pole or chaser toy games become brilliant training tools for self-control and focus.

But used incorrectly, a flirt pole can cause problems…

⚠️ The cons:

• Injury risk. The pole and string combo can encourage sharp twists and turns, which can be hard on your dog’s joints - it’s important to play low and slow so your dog stays in control of their movement.
  

• Can be clunky and hard to control. Choose a flirt pole with an ergonomic handle and bungee cord like our Whip It - and practice your flick and swoop skills in a spacious environment at first (so you don’t accidently break anything!)
  

• Overarousal is a risk. High energy chasing and jumping without control can tip over into frustration or overexcitement. Teach start and stop cues and keep play steady to help your dog stay in control of their body and brain. 

Try our Freeze and Flirt game to teach your dog to control their impulses.

When you freeze, your dog should too. And when you ‘flirt’, the game comes back to life. It’ll boost your dog’s self control, their recall, and your connection. 

How to play safely with a flirt pole (Do’s and Don’ts)

If you are using a flirt pole, it’s important to stick to safe play guidelines:

✅ DO:

• Warm up first - get your dog’s joints and muscles ready for play

• Move the toy in big, wide circles (one direction only - not zigzagging)
  

• Keep the toy low to the ground (no jumping!)
  

• Let your dog catch it -  and have a good tug or rag

• Scatter feed or transition to a scent game to help your dog calm down after play
  
  

❌ DON’T:

• Yank, jerk, or snatch the toy away sharply
  

• Wave the toy high in the air - you don’t want your dog leaping, twisting, and landing awkwardly
  

• Play without structure - always have clear start and end cues

• Stop the game suddenly without transitioning to calm

• Play on hard or slippery surfaces

Prey drive expert Tracey McLennan says avoiding prey is very difficult and extinguishing a dog’s prey drive is likely impossible. So she recommends working with it, not against it. Learn more about prey drive in dogs and what to do about it here. 

Tug-E-Nuff Whip It vs Other Flirt Poles: Which Should You Choose?

Not all flirt poles are created equal. Some are hard to manoeuvre and some are too flimsy to stand up to rambunctious play. 

Here’s why we think our Whip It Flirt Pole is the best flirt pole to play with:

In summary: To flirt or not to flirt?

Flirt poles are a great way to engage your dog’s natural instincts and burn energy when used appropriately. Our Tug-E-Nuff Whip It delivers easy physical and mental stimulation that’s insanely fun. 

It might look like a giant cat toy, but it’s the ultimate chaser toy for dogs. With a sturdy lightweight pole, a durable bungee cord,  and an exciting lure, it’s made for your dog to chase, catch, and grab - again and again.

So, whether you’ve got a high-drive herder, a catch obsessed gamer, or a dog who goes wild for a game of chase - our Whip It Flirt Pole won’t disappoint. 

Read Next:

Why your dog has a high prey drive (& what to do about it)

3 ways to play with a chaser toy

Ready... Steady... Chase Me! 5 Tips For Training Your High Prey Drive Dog 

How to teach your dog impulse control (with games)