Using a Flirt Pole to Manage Prey Drive

I recently had a client whose shepherd was going after rabbits, to the point where she would take off after a rabbit and be gone for hours until finally giving up and returning home. This is an easy fix - I recommended walking her dog on a leash instead of loose. (We live in a rural area, a lot of owners let their dogs roam. Don't even get me started.) However, she had a problem behavior that wasn't as easy to fix - she had recently been going after smaller dogs in addition to rabbits. As I mentioned, there are a lot of loose dogs in the area so this isn't something that's easy to prevent. For this kind of prey drive training, I recommended working with a flirt pole.

A flirt pole is pretty much a giant cat toy. It's a toy on a string on a stick that you can easily wave around and let the dogs chase and 'kill'. Not only is it great for exercise, but it's an excellent tool in training impulse control. Chasing prey is difficult to train out of a dog because it's hardwired in. And while we can't let them actually chase and kill prey, we can give them an alternative in a way that’s fun, controlled, and safe. Think of it like a sport—football, wrestling, or martial arts—where athletes can channel their aggression and drive into a structured game, following set rules designed to protect everyone involved.

Here’s why flirt poles work so well:

• It satisfies the chase – Dogs get to use their instincts in a controlled setting.

• It builds impulse control – Teaching a “wait” before the chase and a “drop it” after the catch helps dogs develop better self-control.

• It’s physically demanding – A few minutes of intense flirt pole play can tire out even the most high-energy dog.

• It strengthens your bond – You’re part of the game, making you more interesting than whatever’s rustling in the bushes.

Rules of the Game

Just like football players follow rules to keep the game fair and safe, you’ll want to set some ground rules for flirt pole play:

1. Start with control – Ask for a “sit” or “wait” before beginning the game. This teaches your dog that you start the fun.

2. Use a release cue – A phrase like “get it!” lets your dog know when it’s time to chase.

3. Practice the “drop it” cue – After a catch, reward your dog for letting go of the toy so the game can continue.

4. Keep sessions short – Flirt pole play is high-intensity. Five to ten minutes is usually plenty.

5. Play in a safe space – A fenced yard or a secure area prevents distractions and escape attempts.

Flirt Pole vs. The Real Thing

We are not practicing or reinforcing prey drive by using play alternatives. Prey drive isn't an addiction where it fuels the dog more. It's more like hunger. If you feed it in the right way, the urge is satisfied. If you try to suppress the instinct altogether, the urge grows stronger, leading to frustration, uncontrollable outbursts, or destructive behavior. Playing with a flirt pole allows dogs to express their natural chasing instincts in a way that’s safe and controlled. Just like a football player can channel aggression into tackling on the field rather than fighting off the field, a prey-driven dog can channel its energy into chasing a moving toy rather than darting after small animals on a walk.

The Takeaway

Prey drive isn’t a problem - it’s a natural instinct that needs to be honored. A flirt pole gives dogs the opportunity to chase, pounce, and “kil” without the risks that come with real-life prey pursuit. Instead of suppressing natural instincts, give them an outlet. Play with your dog, set the rules, and make yourself part of the best game they’ve ever played.