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, whether it’s a good choice for your dog, and how you can get all the fun of flirt pole play -  in a safer, easier, and more interactive way -  using our bestselling Tug-E-Nuff chaser toys.

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.

Sounds fun, right? It can be - if used safely. But there are a few things to consider first…

Is a flirt pole good for dogs?

Yes - with some caveats. Like any toy or training tool, it depends on how it’s used and your individual dog’s needs.

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 it’s not all fun and games if you’re not careful…

⚠️ The cons:

• Injury risk. The rigid pole and string combo can encourage sharp twists and turns, which can be hard on your dog’s joints - especially with overly enthusiastic play.
  

• Can be clunky and hard to control. That long stick might look cool, but it can be awkward to use - especially in small spaces.
  

• Overarousal is a risk. Chasing can wind dogs up quickly. Without clear rules, some dogs can tip over into frustration or overexcitement.
  
  

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:

• 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
  

❌ 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

Learn how to teach start and stop cues with our Toy Switch game in the video below. 

Can you use a flirt pole with a puppy?

Short answer: kind of - but we recommend a better way.

Because a puppy’s joints are still developing, you need to be extra cautious with flirt pole play. All that twisting, turning and jumping isn’t ideal and comes with risks.

That’s why we recommend using one of our puppy-safe chaser toys instead. They’re soft on growing teeth, have long bungee handles to keep hands safely away, and give you far more control over how the toy moves.

Keep play low to the ground and sessions short. The chase game is still super fun for your puppy - but now it’s safe and developmentally appropriate, too.

Does using a flirt pole encourage prey drive?

Nope. It channels it - which is exactly what dogs need.

Prey drive is a natural instinct for many dogs (especially terriers, collies, spaniels and sighthounds). The answer isn’t to try and shut it down but to provide a safe, structured outlet for it.

Using a flirt pole or a chaser toy helps your dog satisfy their chasing urges in a fun, healthy, and controlled way. You’re not creating prey drive - you’re giving your dog a way to express it that doesn’t involve chasing wildlife or lunging at cyclists.

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. 

Chaser Toy vs Flirt Pole: Which Should You Choose?

You might’ve noticed: we’re big fans of prey-like play, but we don't think flirt poles are the only way enjoy it! 

Here’s why we think our Chaser Toys are a great alternative:

With our Chaser Toys, you get all the chase, all the tug, and all the bonding - without the drawbacks.

DIY Flirt Pole? Try This Instead…

Thinking of making your own flirt pole? Here’s an idea…

Just grab one of our Tug-E-Nuff chaser toys. That’s your ‘lure’ -  and it’s already built for strength, safety, and ultimate tug appeal. You don’t need a pole or string. The extra-long bungee handle does it all, giving you reach, control, and epic tug sessions in one.

If you’d really like to try a flirt pole, simply grab one of our epic chaser toys and attach to a lunge pole. Follow our safety rules for play above and give it a try, if you don’t like it, you can detach the toy and use it on it’s own! 

👉 Browse our Chaser Toys now

In summary: To flirt or not to flirt?

Flirt poles can be a great way to engage your dog’s natural instincts - but they come with risks. If you want all the benefits of prey-like play without the downsides, our Chaser Toys are a brilliant alternative.

They’re easier to use, safer for your dog’s body, and better for your bond.

Whether you’ve got a high-prey-drive herder, a tug-mad terrier or just a dog who loves a good game of chase - we’ve got the toy for you.

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)