Flirt Pole for impulse control & focus - competition obedience

In this video training tip I am using a flirt pole toy to help build impulse control and focus with my young golden retriever. I have done this type work with a regular toy first, as the flirt pole toys are very high value and I would not start out with the flirt pole. Once my dog can do a sit, down, etc. and can "out" on a regular hand held tug, then I will move to the flirt pole. Dogs love the flirt pole as it simulates prey with it's movement and the fact that you are not holding onto it. I like the long line on the flirt as I can get the toy away from me, with this ability I can have the toy moving around me while I am doing fronts, finishes, signals, and I can have it follow me on heeling. When my dog ignores the distraction of the flirt, they will be rewarded with the flirt and we engage in play. This video starts with Sparks performing simple tasks with the flirt, by doing this I am building impulse control, which you must have before you attempt to try more difficult tasks such as signals and heeling. By using the flirt, I am teaching my dog a high level of impulse control and I am also teaching focus on me. I am not going to release my dog to the flirt unless they give me eye contact first. If my dog is fixated on the flirt, he is not going to get it until he acknowledges me first. This is a great way to build a relationship with you and your dog and it keeps your training FUN!

[@rj350z]

Thank you for your tips and advice. You have clearly put in the work to train that beautiful dog and have inspired me to be more mindful of training my own dog and not giving up on her. I have a flirt pole coming and hope to incorporate it into our training and playtime sessions soon!

[@janinekeyser]

Thank you for a great video! So I got a flirt pole for my almost 14 month old German shepherd. We have 3 mature cats that I am reeeeeally struggling to get him acquainted with. Do you think training with a flirt pole will make this above primary goal worse or better? I'm just worried I will increase his already absolutely out of control obsession with the cats. I got him at 12 weeks and he was already just too big and overpowering for them to ever get used to or even close to him. :-(