Training Tip
As explained in our "Dog Names" page, make sure you keep commands to your dog one or two syllables at the maximum (see "Dog Names" page for a detailed explanation). Also, ALWAYS couple a vocal command with some sort of hand signal. Contrary to popular belief, dogs do not speak English. They need a short command they can understand and a hand signal to help them figure out what we want as their handlers.

Once your dog has latched on to something, a stuffed toy, a ball, the flirt pole lure, say calmly but assertively, "GIVE" and point up, keeping the tip of your pointer finger about cheek high and relatively close to your face. This will be your one syllable command and hand signal. Say "GIVE" once and only once, but again assertively, but with no anxiety, panic, or anger...calmly but assertively. Do not keep repeating "give, Give, GIve, GIVe, GIVE, GIVE!!!" This will only teach your dog that it doesn't always have to listen to you and that your first "give" to your fifth "GIVE" it can ignore...and in the future, can just ignore commands it doesn't want to follow. In the beginning while you're teaching your dog the "GIVE" command, give it 2-3 seconds after your assertive but calm vocal command with pointed up hand signal, then tap it with the length of your "hand signal" pointer finger, on top of your dog's snout. For small dogs do it lightly, for medium dogs use medium effort, for large dogs and powerful breeds use moderate effort. If your dog does not release what is in its mouth, repeat the "GIVE" command with its concurrent hand signal again (but remember don't say give, give, give, give...one "GIVE" only). If it doesn't release, tap it again on the top of the snout with the length of your pointer finger. Keep on increasing effort of the tap until your dog will release just as another tap is on its way down. In time your dog will associate the word "GIVE" and a pointing finger with a soon to be tap coming down on top of their snout. When it begins to learn this command it will release what is in its mouth when it looks at your pointer finger, then it will soon learn to give you what is in its mouth just by hearing the word "GIVE." You will no longer even need the hand signal, unless it's too excited, then the pointing finger will remind it there's a consequence for disobeying you. Give your dog a "GIVE," wait a 2-3 seconds while staring down your dog, another "GIVE" but increase the assertiveness, wait and stare down, "GIVE" the most assertiveness without reaching an anger tone, then bring up the hand signal. Your dog will release what is in its mouth! People will think you have a well-trained dog that follows your commands with hand signals. Your dog will understand the one syllable vocal command, see the hand signal, and remember that it'll come down on its snout if it doesn't give what's in its mouth! Tadah! That's how you train the "GIVE" command!

COMMON BASIC INSTRUCTIONS on how to use the dog Flirt Pole.
When you pull, or your dog pulls...Pull in a straight line--straight rope and straight pole in a straight line. Do not give it a hard pull up or especially a jerk up. If the lure is latched onto by your dog do not try to lift your dog. If you do lift the flirt pole or jerk the flirt pole up, make sure your dog is not attached to it. When your dog is attached to the lure make sure you only pull in a relatively straight line. Finally, put the flirt pole away when not in use, otherwise your dog will chew on the handle.

1. Dogs under one year should avoid excessive jumping
2. Pulling should be done in a straight line
3. Do not try to lift your dog with this Flirt Pole
4. Put away when not in use

If you do not follow these instructions 100% of the time, Laws of Physics will take over or your dog will take over and your Dog Flirt Pole can get ruined.