Flirt Poles - Are They Monsters Or Motivators*

What is a Flirt Pole? 
A flirt pole, also called a "flirt stick", is a piece of exercise equipment for dogs that entices a dog to chase a fast moving lure. This equipment is often used to physically condition a dog and improve his or her skills for better performance in certain competitions such as lure-coursing or Schutzhund. 

Are flirt poles right for your dog? This video takes an in-depth look at flirt pole usage and discusses the pros and cons of using this apparatus. Included is an assessment outline to assist trainers and owners in determining if their dog is a good candidate for flirt pole play as well as creative ideas about training with flirt poles. It will help increase your understanding of the mental vs. physical emotions in dogs. Angie believes strongly in enrichment and has included many examples of enrichment videos throughout. 

Assessment considerations, behaviors and discussions include: 
• Prey Drive/Motor Patterns 
• Impulse Control 
• Compulsive Disorder 
• Lifestyle 
• Diet and its Effect on Behavior Safety Concerns 

Angie Neal has over 27 years of experience as a trainer and behavioral consultant. Her long career began as an apprentice under Joan Guertin, founder of Common Sense Dog Training in Sacramento California. After her apprenticeship she opened her own business, Manners by McGuire, and was certified as an instructor for Guide Dogs for the blind in San Rafael California. After returning to Common Sense Dog Training (which later became 4 Paws University) she spent 7 more years teaching puppy classes, advanced obedience, and doing private client sessions for dogs with behavioral problems. Angie was the first trainer in Sacramento to become a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), making her one of a select group of trainers certified in California, joining the ranks of elite dog trainers Ian Dunbar, DVM and Jean Donaldson. 
In 2006 Angie moved back to her native Colorado Springs. With her experience in operant and classical conditioning, agility, fly ball, tricks, clicker training, and canine nutrition, she was immediately hired as the Director of Training at Lucky Dog Resorts. At Lucky Dog Angie began teaching basic obedience, puppy classes, family dog agility, and doing private consultations. She developed a canine “levels” obedience course, which allows dogs to work their obedience program at their own pace of learning, and provides more flexibility for her client’s schedules. Angie also began “Lucky Dog University” which offers an apprenticeship program for those desiring a career in dog training. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Lucky Dog Rescue, and oversees the entire training program for the dogs rescued by that organization. In 2011 and 2012 Angie was voted “Best Dog Trainer in Colorado Springs” by the Colorado Springs Gazette. Angie is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).