Learning how to make a flirt pole is not only easy, it’s also worth the effort. When you’re done, you’ll have a toy that will provide hours of enjoyment for not only your cat or dog, but for you as well.
When you play with your pet using this toy, you help give them the exercise they need to stay as healthy as possible. And you also strengthen your bonds with your beloved family member.
Here’s a look at what a flirt pole is, how to put one together, and how to use the toy to play with your dog or cat.
What Is A Flirt Pole? This Fun Rope Tug Toy Can Provide Hours Of Play, Exercise, And Mental Stimulation
A flirt pole is a type of toy that, as the name implies, involves the use of a pole. It’s kind of like a fishing pole in the sense that there’s a line, or rope, that extends from the pole. You tie the end around a toy, such as a tennis ball, that acts similar to a lure. You stay stationary while your pet runs around chasing the toy.
Dogs often enjoy any type of play, but cats can be really choosy about the kinds of toys they play with. But just about every kitty loves a flirt pole. You’ll have fun as well, watching them stalking the toy and then pouncing on the lure.
DIY Pets: How To Make A Flirt Pole Toy For Your Dog
You can find flirt poles at your local pet store. But if you want to save money or you just prefer the DIY approach, you can make one at home quickly and easily. First, here’s a look at what you’ll need in order to put one together for your dog. You’ll learn about making one for a cat in the next section.
Gather the following materials:
PVC pipe (the bigger the dog, the thicker the PVC will need to be)- Rope or a bungee cord
- Electrical tape or sports tape – you’ll wrap this around the PVC for a better grip
- Some sort of lure – your dog’s favorite tug toy will be perfect
- Metal washers – these will act as a stopper, securing the rope or cord to the grip end of the pole
Here’s the step-by-step process for putting the flirt pole toy together:
Step 1
Take the PVC pipe and carefully cut it to the desired size to make the pole. If you have a larger dog, such as a German shepherd, you’ll want about a three-and-a-half foot pipe. Get a piece of PVC that’s about 22 millimeters in diameter. That should be thick enough to withstand the force of a large dog’s mouth without breaking.
Someone at the hardware store where you purchase the pipe can cut it for you if you don’t feel comfortable cutting it yourself.
Step 2
Take your rope or bungee cord and measure it out to a length a little more than twice that of the pole. Run the rope through the pole.
Step 3
Put the washers through the rope so they touch the area where you’ll be holding the pole. Then tie a knot at the end of the rope or cord.
Step 4
Wrap the tape around the end of the pipe that you’ll be holding. This will come in handy if you’re outside and your hands start to sweat, because it will keep the pole from coming out of your hand.
Step 5
Tie the cord or rope around the toy. If the cord is too long, all you need to do is cut off a little bit to make it more manageable. That’s it. Now, it’s time to start enjoying playtime with your pooch.1
How To Make A Flirt Pole For Your Cat
The process of making a flirt pole for your cat is somewhat similar to that of making one for your pooch. The materials won’t need to be as heavy, of course, but the principle is basically the same.
Here are the materials you’ll need:
- A wooden dowel
- Felt
- String or a light cord
- Non-toxic glue
- Glue gun
- Scissors
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1
The dowel should be around three feet long and about a ¼ inch thick. That will make it light enough to wave around, yet strong enough to withstand a lot of play.
Step 2
Take your glue gun and adhere the cord to the end of the dowel. Wrap the cord around a couple of times to make it secure.
Step 3
Next, use the scissors to cut some pieces of felt and attach them at different spots on the cord. The felt will attract your cat, getting them to play.
Step 4
You can tie a small toy to the end to make it even more enticing.
Using The Flirt Pole: Tips To Teach Your Pet To Play With Their New Toy
You probably won’t have any problems getting your cat to play with the flirt pole. Your dog will love it as well, but you might need to prepare a little bit before you use the new toy with your pup.
You might find that your dog will want to tug on the end of the pole, or want to play chase. The point is to get your pooch some exercise, not make this a stationary chew toy. If your dog refuses to let go, put the pole on the ground. Don’t touch it until the dog lets go. Once they do that, give some treats and resume play.2
A flirt pole gives your dog a good workout. It might even work as a training tool, helping your pup learn commands such as, “sit,” “stay,” and “release.” It also gives your dog an outlet for their natural prey drive.3
Safety When Using The Flirt Pole: Remember These Tips To Keep Your Puppies And Kittens Safe
If you have a puppy or a kitten, talk to your vet before engaging in any sort of vigorous play. Since their bodies are still growing, you want to avoid any activities that could lead to a long-term injury. Puppies, for example, usually only need short bursts of play. If you play with them too long, that could increase the chances they’ll be hurt.4
When you play with a kitten, don’t play too rough. Not only could it hurt the kitten, it could also teach them that it’s okay to bite or nip when you don’t want them to. The flirt pole is a fun way to let your kitten chase without biting your fingers or hands in the process.5
Hopefully, you’ll learn what so many pet owners have learned. A flirt pole is a fun, safe way to let your pet chase to their heart’s content.
Learn More:
Why Do Cats Scratch? And Why Is A Scratching Post An Essential In Any Cat Home?
Fun Games To Play With Your Dog That Can Also Help With Training
Indoor Dog Activities: Exercise For Your Pet When The Cold Weather Hits
Disclosure: The Ultimate Pet Nutrition team creates these articles as a way to provide you with the latest information on health and nutrition. Unfortunately, we cannot make specific product recommendations for our website visitors, such as “Nutra Thrive Dog” or “Canine Boost” Please consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best products for you.
Sources
1 https://germanshepherdcorner.com/how-to-make-a-flirt-pole-for-dogs/
2 http://barkercise.com/flirt-pole-exercise-for-dogs/
3 http://barkercise.com/flirt-pole-exercise-for-dogs/
4 https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppies-how-much-exercise/
5 https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/teach-your-kitten-how-play-nice
