Flirt poles allow for erratic, prey-like movement of the lure or toy at the end that’s fantastically fun for pets to chase. Though they’re often used for cats, these tremendous toys aren’t just for our feline friends—there are flirt poles big and sturdy enough for dogs of all sizes, too.

How to Use a Flirt Pole

Dog flirt poles are an ideal option for playing with your pup in a way that is natural to their instincts. Many owners are unsure of how to properly play with their dog, and learning how to make toys engaging and fun often includes learning how to move toys in a prey-like way. Flirt poles make it easy to simulate prey: just use the pole to drag the lure slowly on the ground, then jerk it around to simulate prey running. This combination of slow then fast movement will tap into your dog’s chasing instinct and entice your pup to stalk and pounce on the lure. Flirt poles can also be incorporated into training and used as a reward.

Kirsten Belinsky, CCPDT-KA, CSC, says to be aware of how you’re moving the flirt pole when you play with your dog. “Keep it low, don’t let your dog jump straight up in the air” she recommends. “It can be dangerous for dogs to jump vertically after a toy.” Belinsky explains that dogs, especially high-drive ones, can become fixated on toys and lose some of their self-preservation during intense play. They can hurt themselves if they jump vertically and land wrong. “The goal is to remember that you want to mimic prey with the flirt pole, and prey moves on the ground,” Belinsky says.

Flirt poles are excellent for dogs who have a lot of prey drive, energetic dogs, and dogs who could use help with impulse control. Dogs who have a lot of prey drive may need an appropriate way to channel their desire to chase small animals, and not every family has access to chasing-based sports like FastCAT. Belinsky often recommends flirt poles to dogs who struggle with high prey drive. “Dogs with high drive and high prey drive need an outlet,” she says. “So you have to give them an outlet before they find one themselves.”

A flirt pole gives dogs a safe, controlled, and easy way to practice that instinctual behavior without the danger that comes with actually chasing prey. Moving the lure or toy on the end of the flirt pole like prey encourages dogs to act out parts of the predatory sequence: Eye (staring at the lure), orient (moving towards the lure), stalk, chase, and grab/bite.

If your dog has a lot of energy but doesn’t like fetch or is too young to go for long runs or hikes, flirt poles can also help tire them out with little effort on your end. “Flirt poles are good for people who aren’t as mobile or don’t want to run as much with their dog,” Belinsky says. “Dog play is often physically demanding on the owner, but flirt poles are great because you don’t have to move very much.”

While enticing your dog with other toys may involve you kneeling or bending over to drag them on the floor, flirt poles feature long poles with long strings that reach the ground even if the handler is standing up. You can then swing the flirt pole back and forth or in big circles to get your dog to chase it, and most of this you can do while stationary. You can even play with your dog with a flirt pole while sitting on the couch.

Best Flirt Poles for Dogs

Best Budget Flirt Pole:

Outward Hound Tail Teaser ($18)

This is the dog flirt pole I bought for my Rough Collie when she was a puppy. It’s not the sturdiest flirt pole, but the lures on the end are fuzzy, cute, and really look like little rabbits or hamsters scurrying across the floor. My puppy took to biting the cord and nearly ripped it off the pole when she was young, so definitely supervise your dog when using this flirt pole. It’s good to teach dogs the rules of the game, and to target the lure instead of the string while playing. A good “drop it” command would be helpful for pups who like to tug on the rope instead of the toy on the end.

Best Flirt Pole for Large Dogs:

Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 ($29)

While many flirt poles look like they’d snap in half at the mere mention of a large dog, the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole is seriously hefty. The regular sized flirt pole has a 36-inch pole and a 52-inch cord, which is ideal for getting your dog to run longer distances (the long pole and cord means you can move the lure further away from you without moving yourself). You can choose from polyester lures with or without squeakers in them, and it’s easy to swap them out. The pole on the Squishy Face Studio flirt poles is made of a PVC-like material, and the lures are enticing without being easily shreddable. The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 is hands-down the best flirt pole for large dogs.

Most Portable Flirt Pole:

Pupford Extendable Flirt Pole for Dogs Over 20 Lbs ($26)

Whether you travel frequently or just want to be able to take your dog’s flirt pole with you to the park, the Pupford Extendable Flirt Pole is a good option to take on-the-go. The big dog size of this flirt pole is just 22 inches long when collapsed but extends up to 44 inches for play time. Fully extended with the attached string and toy, this flirt pole tops out at 94 inches, which is a great length to get your dog to run and get some good exercise while playing.

Best Flirt Pole for Small Dogs:

Pupford Extendable Flirt Pole for Dogs Under 20 Lbs ($21)

Similar to the brand’s larger version, the Pupford Extendable Flirt Pole for Dogs Under 20 pounds is a collapsible flirt pole that’s easy to take with you, wherever you go. This small-dog friendly model is a bit less sturdy than the big dog one and is smaller overall. The pole extends from 10 inches to 23 inches, and this model comes with a rope toy, a plush toy, and an extra rope. When collapsed, this toy easily fits in a backpack or tote bag to take with you on all your doggy adventures.