I agree, flirtpole should be used w/ the dog off leash to gain the most benefit. S_B also has good points in stopping the flirtpole in the later stages of the keep, but I guess that also depends on the dog (how hard he goes, how you use the flirtpole, etc.). Also do you guys think dog that doesn't bite hard on the springpole (because he's not that interested or whatever reason) is a soft mouth dog in the real hunt, or is it a totally different thing?