| A flirt pole is a great tool for both training and | | | | concrete because concrete could potentially be bad |
| exercising a pit bull or any breed of dog. A flirt pole | | | | on your dogs feet. |
| consists of a pole a rope and bait. The best aspect | | | | Once you have the dogs attention start moving the |
| of using a flirt pole is that it can be used with any | | | | bait around, most dogs will instinctively start to chase |
| age or level of dog. Also because it doesn't require a | | | | the bait. If your dog doesn't immediately start to play |
| large open area it can be used in a small area. | | | | with the bait you may need to get down and play |
| A flirt pole is easy to build. You can start by buying a | | | | with it yourself to increase your dogs desire to want |
| lunge whip from the local farm supply or horse tack | | | | the bait. |
| shop. At the end of the lunge whip simply attach an | | | | Once your dog is actively pursuing the bait start |
| old rag or burlap cloth as a bait item for the dog. If | | | | moving it around in circles, occasionally allow the dog |
| you think the rag doesn't create enough weight feel | | | | to grab the bait. If you don't let this happen the dog |
| free to add a tennis ball by poking two holes in it and | | | | may loose interest in the bait, it's important to let the |
| threading the line through. | | | | dog win sometimes in order to encourage its prey |
| Even though a lunge whip is the easiest way to get | | | | drive. This is a great time to practice your release |
| started, there are many other ways to build a flirt | | | | command. Once the dog has hold of the bait you can |
| pole. Currently, I am using an old fiberglass tent pole | | | | pull, I find that the older the dog gets the less pulling |
| with a cotton rope. I have used PVC pipe, Bamboo, | | | | I do. Once he has it I normally issue a release |
| an even a tree branch in the past. Take a look at | | | | command and start over. |
| what you have lying around the garage or house and | | | | Initially it's important to keep the bait on the ground, |
| I am sure you will find something that can be used. | | | | once your dog is old enough and athletic enough you |
| Never use any metal when attaching the bait too the | | | | can start to whip the bait into the air. Naturally your |
| line. Metal can be damaging to dogs teeth. Also, I | | | | dog is going to jump. This is a great way to exercise |
| generally use cotton rope I would suggest not using | | | | your dog. Be careful at first not to over exercise |
| any material for line that you wouldn't be comfortable | | | | your dog, when starting out keep sessions under five |
| with your dog chewing on. | | | | minutes and add as your dogs conditioning increases. |
| With the flirt pole in hand it is time to take you and | | | | The flirt pole provides an inexpensive way to both |
| the dog outside. Find a spot preferably over dirt and | | | | exercise and train your dog. You will notice that use |
| grass and hold the pole in one had while laying the | | | | of the flirt pole will increase your dogs agility and |
| bait in front of the dog. Avoid using the flirt pole on | | | | coordination. |