The Lazy Way To Exercise Your Doberman

ways to exercise your dog with a flirt pole dog toy

Exercise For Dobermans is Super Important!

We know that dogs who don’t get enough exercise, get into trouble. I suspect that a lot of behavior problems come from bored dogs not getting the exercise they need. Dobermans are a high-energy dog breed. And if they don’t get enough exercise, bad things can happen, like boredom barking or destructive chewing.  Or GASP! They get fat!  A fat Doberman looks awful.  This is an athletic breed and should look it. 

So does your dog need more exercise? My Dobermans sure do and I’m guessing your dogs do too. On average Dobermans need at least an hour every day. But sometimes life gets busy and we don’t have time for a long dog walk. Or it’s too cold outside, or too hot, or maybe you’re not feeling well enough to go out. Or your dog walker isn’t available. There are many valid reasons why you might not be able to take your dog out for a walk. 

On another note, and some people might not agree with me, but I think walks are overrated for some reactive dogs. If a dog is too fearful or aggressive in public, a walk will only further stress the dog and the owner. Or if you live in an area with stray dogs or a high crime neighborhood, staying in your backyard might be a better idea.

Dog owners need options other than dog walks for exercising their pets. This is where the dog flirt pole can help and be a great alternative to dog walks.

Many people aren’t aware of flirt poles for dogs and that’s unfortunate because they’re so helpful and fun.  Flirt Poles are basically a giant cat toy for dogs. You can use them to play in your backyard or if you have the room exercise your dog indoors with the flirt pole.  My dogs never really cared much for fetch games, but they love the flirt pole. You can also use flirt poles to tire your dog before you go on a walk to practice loose leash walking. Get that excess energy out before a training session.

How to make a flirt pole for dogs

You can easily and cheaply make A DIY pole or you can buy one here, Squishy Face Flirt Pole Dog Exercise Toy  To make a flirt pole yourself, you just need a 4-foot pole (I used plumbing PVC piping), an 8-foot rope (preferably bungee cord), and a de-stuffed, soft toy on the end. You can also wrap some duct tape around the end so it’s easier for you to grip.  The pole in the photo above was made quickly and cheaply and does the job. 

Your dog should know basic manners like sit/stay/down and take it/drop, before playing with a flirt pole.  Some dogs with high prey drive will get very excited with a flirt pole, so go slow at first to see how your dog reacts to this new toy.  If he’s getting too excited, practice a down/stay command to settle him a bit before another flirt pole round. How long should you use a flirt pole? Depending on how athletic your dog is, he might be wiped out after 5 minutes or a longer 20-minute exercise workout. 

These poles should burn up some serious energy in your dog. Give it a try if you’re looking for something new and fun for your dog. Lastly, avoid or be very careful using the flirt pole to exercise growing puppies, dogs with joint problems, or aggressive dogs. Also, try to avoid letting 2 dogs play at the same time. You don’t want them fighting or becoming possessive over the flirt toy. 

Here’s a great video showing how much fun exercising your dog can be.

Have you used a flirt pole before? What do you think of them?

 

Training Video: Flirt Pole Basics from BADRAP.org on Vimeo.

4 thoughts on “The Lazy Way To Exercise Your Doberman”

  1. I can assure you some dogs do develop neurotic tendencies from using lasers, or any other light as a toy, exercise aid, etc. Before my Dobe I had a Bullmastiff that I played with using a laser. The rest of his life he would chase glints off of electronics, headlights sweeping across the wall as cars passed, FLASHLIGHTS (it’s not bad enough your power is out, now you have a “helper”), and any other light source, even after I stopped using it. I haven’t done/read any studies, I don’t know if all dogs are as prone to this reaction, I just thought I would share my experience. For me it seemed a great way to exercise him in between walks. When he started chasing light across the room and running into the wall, not so much.

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  2. Just another suggestion on the exercise thing my female loves a laser light an just can’t seem to get enough of it, on other hand my male doesn’t give it a second look so like everything else their all different.

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    • Thanks for the comment Jamie. I would be careful with the lasers. I’ve heard some dogs get neurotic behavioural issues because of them.

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