What you need

Flirt pole (pole with a rope and lure) — shop-bought

How to do it

Play on a surface with good grip, such as grass or carpet.
Drag the lure along the ground in front of your dog so they chase it. Keep it low, so your dog chases instead of jumping.
Change direction with smooth, fluid movements, not sharp yanks.
Let your dog catch the lure often. To end a catch, go still until they let go, then praise them and start the chase again.
Stop after a few minutes, while your dog is still keen, and put the pole away.

⚠️ Safety

Supervision: Stay with your pet the whole time.

AKC warns against repeated jumping and long, vigorous exercise for puppies whose bones are still maturing (up to 18 to 24 months in giant breeds), so keep sessions short and the lure low for young dogs. Ask your vet first if your dog is older or has joint problems. Never pry the lure out of your dog's mouth: wait for them to let go. Store the pole out of reach.

👀 What to watch for

Heavy panting, slowing down or limping mean it's time to stop. A dog who won't let go of the lure needs more "drop it" practice with a tug toy first.

Sources

Last checked November 3, 2026. These activities are for healthy pets — if yours has a health or behavior condition, ask your vet which games suit them.

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