How to Build a Flirt Pole

Flirt poles, which are cheap and easy to build, create great exercise and fun for both you and your dog. The idea behind a flirt pole is to get your pet to chase the toy on the end, even to jump up to grab it. This project makes a flirt pole for a large dog of 100 to 125 pounds. You can easily adjust the dimensions of the materials used for whatever is appropriate for your best friend.

Things You'll Need

• 1-inch PVC pipe, 3 to 4 ft. long
• Drill
• 1/8-inch-thick nylon cord, 8 to 10 ft. long
• Piece of leather, rawhide or burlap (4 inches by 8 inches), or an old leather glove

Instructions

1. Drill a hole in one end of the PVC pipe about ½ inch from the end. Make the hole through one side of the pipe only, not all the way through the second side.

2. Flip over the PVC pipe and drill a hole at the opposite end, through the opposite side from the initial hole.

3. Poke one end of the nylon cord up through one of the holes and inside the pipe, and tie a knot at the other end of the cord. Make the knot big enough so that it can't pass through the hole into the pipe.

4. Thread the cord through the pipe all the way down to the other hole. Poke the cord through that hole, pulling the end of the cord back outside the tube. Tug on the end of the cord to tighten it.

5. Tie a toy securely to the loose end of the cord. Use a piece of leather, rawhide or burlap, or even an old leather glove.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your dog and your flirt pole to a spot with a little space where you can play. Pick a clear spot devoid of objects either one of you could trip or land upon. Hold the flirt pole like a fishing rod, and use it to swing the toy. Lead your dog into furiously flying circles, spins and changes in direction. Snap the toy up into the air so the dog can try to jump up and catch it. Make sure your best friend gets turns at winning the game. Let the dog catch the toy and use praise. Grab the knot and pull some of the cord back through the pipe if you would like to shorten it during some of the play time.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish