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Adventures with a lure pole

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What is a lure pole?

A lure pole is a long (4—6 ft) flexible pole with a rope (4—6 ft) on the end. You then attach something that will be exciting to your dog to the end of the rope. The whole thing actually looks like a giant fishing pole. It can be used to entertain and exercise your greyhound (or other breed of dog). It not only tires them physically, but they will use a lot of mental energy thinking about what they are doing and following the lure.

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Will my dog play with a lure pole?

When I first saw pictures of a greyhound playing with a lure pole, I decided to make one for Tegan. Tegan loves to play with toys, and is always running around with a toy or ball of some description in her mouth. I didn't really think that any of the other dogs would be interested, as none of them have ever shown much interest in playing with toys.

This is where I was completely wrong! If you are a greyhound there is a big difference between a toy that is totally inanimate and just sitting there, and a toy that is attached to a piece of string and moving in an interesting way right in front of your nose.

All of my dogs like to play with the lure pole, and although Tegan is the one who shows the most interest, chases the hardest, and plays for the longest, all of the boys also enjoy taking turns too.

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How do I make a lure pole?

You can either buy the various components at a DIY store, or if you are feeling a little less creative go for the readymade version. Visit a local tack or horse supplies shop, and purchase a lunging or buggy whip. These usually cost lest than £5 ($8) and this is what I am using in all the pictures on this page.

More detailed instructions on making your own pole can be found on Impulse's Lure Pole Page (along with some very good action shots of Impulse playing with the finished product).

How do I introduce the lure pole to my dog?

From the very start you need to help make the lure pole interesting and rewarding for your dog. Obviously the effort involved in this will depend on your dog's own natural enthusiasm.

Start by letting them see the object on the end of the pole and moving it very slowly, in an interesting and varied way right in front of them. Once you have their attention you can move the object a little further away and a little faster.

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When they first start to chase it is important that you allow them to ‘catch’ the object quite quickly. Once they have caught it, offer lots of praise and allow them to briefly play with it before taking it away and starting to move it in front of them again. To begin with I find it helps to increase the dogs enthusiasm if I use a toy that squeaks (or makes some sort of noise) when they catch it.

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As you dog becomes more enthusiastic, you can move the object faster and in more erratic patterns to increase the challenge involved in catching it. You can also increase the amount of time they have to chase before you allow them to catch the toy.

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For most dogs the way to encourage them to chase is to keep the object moving across the ground. However if your dog is particularly keen you can actually move the object in the air as well.

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What else should I consider when playing with a lure pole?

A lure pole can be great fun for both you and your dog. It is an activity that you can do together and does not require expensive equipment or lots of space, but before your rush out and start making your own pole there are a few things you should consider.

• The area you are going to use to play with the pole. Your dog needs to be off lead so you will have to think of a safe and enclosed space where you can go. You also need to give some consideration to the surface of the play area. Your dog will be moving quickly and performing tight turns, so grass or sand is best. Avoid using the pole when the ground is very slippery or muddy, as your dog may fall and injure himself.
• The overall health of your dog. If your dog is keen to chase, then he will give 110% without consideration for any medical problems or old injuries that he may have. It is up to you to be aware of these, and not place unnecessary strain on weak joints or muscles, and also know when to call it a day. Playing with a lure pole is a very intense form of exercise, and even with a fit, young dog 10—15 minutes is usually enough for one session. Make sure your dog is physically able to do what you are asking of him.
• The weather. Keep an eye on your dog, not only while he is playing but afterwards as well, and avoid using the lure pole when it is really hot. In cold weather in particular give him an adequate chance to warm up before really exerting himself. It is also important to take him for a steady walk afterwards to allow the lactic acid to disperse from his muscles and prevent stiffness later on.
• Your dog's prey drive. Some people believe that activities of this sort encourage high prey drive dogs to become even keener to chase. If you are trying to discourage your dog from chasing then this may not be the activity for you. I personally think my dogs can usually differentiate between a yellow quacking duck and another dog, but then by the time I introduced them to a lure pole they had all overcome any issues with small animals that they may have previously had.
• Dew claws. If your dog still has dew claws and is a keen chaser it may be worth bandaging lightly over his dew claw area with a piece of vet wrap to prevent injuries.
• The object you choose for the end of the pole. I usually use something that will show up well against the grass. It has to have a squeaker, and the only time the dogs ever get to see this toy is when they are playing with the lure pole. I tend to swap the toy every few weeks to keep it interesting and maintain their enthusiasm.

And finally, go out and have fun. Play with your dog and watch them have a wonderful time doing what they were bred to do.

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