Anyone who has ever shopped for a German shepherd knows that they are notoriously difficult to please. Though they may enjoy chasing a ball or playing fetch, their true passion lies in herding.
That’s why so many owners find themselves on the hunt for the perfect flock of toys — but it’s not always an easy task. The most common challenge is finding toys that are durable enough to withstand the powerful jaws of a German shepherd.
Another common issue is finding toys that are the right size; German shepherds are large dogs, and many toys are simply too small to provide an adequate level of stimulation.
Finally, German shepherds are intelligent dogs, and they quickly become bored with toys that are not mentally stimulating.
That’s where our review comes in. We’ve done the legwork for you, testing out dozens of different flirt poles to find the best of the best.
Our Picks for The Best Flirt Poles for German Shepherds
- Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 – our first choice
- Dewonch Store Interactive Flirt Pole – runner up
- Jalousie Dog Flirt Pole Set
- ASOCEA Pet Flirt Pole
- Meieke Flirt Pole Toy
The Best Flirt Pole for German Shepherds Reviews
1. Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 ( Our First Choice)
Our German Shepherds are always playful and full of energy, and the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 is the perfect way to help them burn off some steam.
It comes with a durable polyester webbing Lure, and it’s just the right size for our furry friends. The V2 also has a comfortable grip and a safe, easy-to-use design.
And if you’re worried about your dog getting whiplash from playing with this toy, don’t be. The V2 has been designed with a bungee cord that prevents the Lure from whipping back and forth.
The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 also comes in two styles: squeaker and non-squeaker. Depending on your dog’s preferences, you can choose the option that best suits their needs.
Thanks to the durable construction and the quality materials, we know that this flirt pole will stand up to even the most energetic German Shepherds.
While the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 received positive reviews from most owners, some complained that the pole was too heavy. Others noted that the Lure did not move as smoothly as they would have liked.
Despite these complaints, the vast majority of owners were pleased with the toy and felt that it was well-constructed and durable.
Pros:
- Durable construction.
- Comfortable grip.
- Prevents whipping motion.
- Suitable for German Shepherds of all sizes.
- 2 Attractive color options.
Cons:
- Some owners felt that the pole was too heavy.
2. Dewonch Store Interactive Flirt Pole (Runner-Up)
The Dewonch Store Interactive Flirt Pole Toy is a close runner-up to the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2.
The Dewonch Store Interactive Flirt Pole Toy is made of 304 stainless steel, making it one of the sturdiest flirt poles on the market. It can bear the weight of even the most aggressive dogs, and its strong construction means it will last for years
Not only the pole but also the nylon chord is able to bear 15 tons of pulling force. To make it even more durable, all the seams are reinforced, ensuring that the toy will hold up to vigorous play.
Last but not least, you’ll find the included handmade fleece tether toy irresistible, as will your dog.
This tough little toy is soft on your dog’s teeth and gums but can stand up to some serious chewing. And whenever you want to clean the tether, you can simply throw it in the washing machine since it’s machine-washable.
While the Dewonch Store Interactive Flirt Pole Toy was a top-quality toy, some owners complained that the pole came unscrewed every few minutes. This can be a bit inconvenient, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Pros:
- Made of 304 stainless steel.
- Seams are reinforced.
- Comes with a machine-washable tether toy.
Cons:
- The pole came unscrewed every few minutes.
3. Jalousie Dog Flirt Pole Set
The Jalousie Dog Flirt Pole Set is a great way to get your pup started in the wonderful world of flirt pole. This set comes with everything you need to get started.
This pole is made of stainless steel and can be adjusted from 15″ to 36″ for easy storage.
The included lures are made of felt and fleece, which are soft on your dog’s teeth and gums. The lures are also durable, so you don’t have to worry about them falling apart after a few uses.
In addition to the lures, the set also includes three squeaky toys and one replacement string, making this set a great value. Many owners also mentioned the superb customer service, as the company is quick to respond to any questions or concerns.
While the majority of owners found the Jalousie Dog Flirt Pole Set to be a fun way to play with their dogs, there were a few who noted that it wasn’t sturdy enough to stand up to a powerful dog.
One reviewer said that their dog was able to break the pole within minutes, while another said that the squeaker was ripped out of the toy after two uses.
Pros:
- Adjustable pole.
- Great starter set.
- Great customer service.
Cons:
- Not sturdy enough for powerful dogs.
4. ASOCEA Pet Flirt Pole
Coming in at number four is the ASOCEA Pet Flirt Pole. It is the perfect toy for pet parents on the go. Its collapsible design makes it to be used to play with your pet anywhere, anytime.
Just extend the pole to its full length, attach the toys, and let your pet have a blast chasing and playing. When you’re done, simply collapse the pole and store it away until next time.
Many customers also love the included chew toys, which come in two different colors. The chew toys themselves seem to hold up well against determined chewers.
To add to the testament of the durability, one owner said that he kept the toy outdoors in all kinds of weather and it still held up great.
The downside was that some owners said the long stick didn’t lock every time or very easily. This can be frustrating when the pole suddenly gets short when you’re in the middle of playing with your dog.
Pros:
- Collapsible design.
- 2 chew toys included.
- Holds up well to weather and chewer.
Cons:
- The long stick didn’t always lock.
5. Meieke Flirt Pole Toy
The last flirt pole on our list is the Meike Flirt Pole Toy. Customers praise the durability of the toy, noting that it’s been able to stand up to all sorts of activities like teasing, chasing, and tug of war.
The pole itself is made of thick, high-quality 304 stainless steel while the detachable rope head is made of thick, comfortable nylon that has been tightly braided. This provides a sturdy grip for your dog while also being gentle on their teeth and gums.
The handle is also comfortable to hold and has a slip-resistant design. This is important because you don’t want the pole to fly out of your hand while you’re playing with your pup.
The downside was some owners noted that this was designed for right-handed people only. This can be a bit of a problem for left-handed people or those who want to be able to switch hands while playing.
Pros:
- Durable pole.
- Gentle on teeth and gums.
- Non-slip rubber grip.
Cons:
- Designed for right-handed people only.
What is a Flirt Pole?
A flirt pole is a seriously versatile piece of exercise equipment for dogs. It can be used indoors or outdoors, in any weather, and by dogs of any size or breed.
All you need is a small space and a few minutes, and your dog will be getting a great workout. Best of all, flirt poles are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
Simply put, a flirt pole is a rod with a toy or lure attached to one end, and a cord attached to the other. The cord is used to sweep the toy back and forth, simulating the movement of prey.
If your dog is anything like mine, with high prey drive, they will go absolutely crazy for this toy. They will jump, spin, lunge, and bark with excitement as they try to catch the toy.
Not only is this an incredible amount of fun for your dog, but it’s also a great way to tire them out.
Why Does Flirt Pole Make a Good German Shepherd Toy?
German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that need an outlet for all that energy. A flirt pole is a great way to give your pup the exercise they need while also bonding with them.
Not only does playing with a flirt pole provide physical benefits, but it also provides mental stimulation. The act of chasing the toy can help to tire out your dog both physically and mentally.
This is important because a tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is less likely to become destructive or bark excessively. So, not only is a flirt pole a great way to have fun with your shepherd, but it’s also a great way to keep them well-behaved.
How to Choose a Flirt Pole for Your German Shepherd
When choosing a flirt pole for your German Shepherd, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Size
If you’re looking for a flirt pole for your dog, size is definitely something to consider. Too small and they won’t be able to get a good grip on it, too large and they might get tangled up in the ropes.
All of the flirt poles on our list offer a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your dog. The Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole, for example, is available in two sizes: junior (24 in) and standard (36 in).
The junior size is perfect for puppies and young dogs while the standard size is better for adult dogs.
Material
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the type of material the pole is made from. The material of the pole, lure, string, and handle all play a role in how durable and how well the flirt pole works and how enjoyable it is for your dog.
The pole should be made of a durable material that can withstand your dog’s excited pulls and tugs. The lure should also be made of a sturdy material so that it doesn’t fall off mid-play.
And the string should be made of a strong material that won’t snap easily. As for the handle, you’ll want to choose a material that’s comfortable for you to grip and won’t slip out of your hand easily.
Ease of Use
The third thing to consider is how easy the flirt pole is to use. You’ll want to find a pole that’s easy to set up and take down so that you can use it anytime, anywhere. After all, you don’t want to spend more time setting up the toy than your dog spends playing with it.
Colors
While colors might not seem like a big deal, you might want to choose a flirt pole that has a colorful lure. This is because dogs are attracted to colors, and a brightly-colored toy will be more likely to capture their attention.
How To Train Your Dog To Chase A Flirt Pole
If you’re new to flirt poles, or if your dog has never played with one before, you might be wondering how to get them started.
The good news is that flirt poles are relatively easy to use and don’t require a lot of training. But there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get started:
1. Introduce your dog to the flirt pole. Let them sniff it and get familiar with it.
The first thing you’ll want to do is let your dog sniff the flirt pole and get familiar with it. This will help them feel more comfortable with the toy and less likely to be scared of it.
2. Once they seem comfortable and start showing interest, start moving the toy around.
Once your dog seems comfortable with the flirt pole, start moving the toy around. This will help them understand that the toy is meant to be played with.
3. Encourage them to chase it and play with it.
The next step is to encourage your dog to chase the toy. You can do this by calling their name or telling them to “get it.” As they start to understand that the toy is meant to be played with, they’ll start to chase it on their own.
4. If they catch the toy, give the cue to “drop it” and give them a treat.
When your dog catches the toy, give them the cue to “drop it” and reward them with a treat. This will give them the feeling as though they’re hunting a real animal and will help keep them motivated to play.
5. Take your dog’s endurance up a notch by constantly changing the speed and direction of the toy.
To keep your dog’s interest up, you’ll want to constantly change the speed and direction of the toy. This will make it more challenging for them and will help to keep their attention focused.
Conclusion
After considering all the factors, we believe that the Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 is the best choice for most German Shepherd owners. It’s well-constructed, comes with a comfortable grip, and has a bungee cord that prevents the Lure from whipping back and forth.
The Dewonch Store Interactive Flirt Pole Toy is a close runner-up, and it’s a great choice for owners who are looking for a durable and sturdy toy. But the pole can come unscrewed during play, which can be a bit inconvenient.
We hope our guide has helped you choose the best flirt pole for your German Shepherd. Thanks for reading!
Why Trust Us?
The research team at Train Your GSD is made up of passionate pet owners that endure hours researching products for their own pets.
In doing so, we develop relationships with manufacturers to ask about product development, industry changes, and gain first-hand experience using many of the products we recommend.
Additionally, we comb through customer reviews on Amazon and other retailers to get a feel for what actual users are saying. This provides valuable insight that our team takes into consideration when narrowing down our final picks.