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As a dog owner of a high-energy dog, I know the importance of entertaining and engaging your dog in stimulating exercise at least once a day. And it’s not enough to ensure they go on a long enough walk or run. It can be a challenge to fit in enough time for activity for your dog every day as you navigate work schedules, your household chores, and caring for your family.
For dogs with a high prey drive or the natural need to perform a task, they need enough daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. I am always on the lookout for anything I can use to help engage my dog in mentally and physically stimulating exercises and enrichment that is great for his health.
SwiftPaws, the dog exercise luring course machine advertised as “the best game of chase ever,” is a machine that has dogs chasing a lure along a line. While the SwiftPaws Home Original price was a little more than I anticipated at $449.99, I wanted to give SwiftPaws a fair shot to see if it would work well for my pup and give him the engagement and stimulation he needs every day to keep him happy.
At this point, you may be asking yourself, “didn’t I see this on Shark Tank?” The answer is yes! This is the dog toy that won over the Shark Tank viewers!
In this review, you’ll learn everything you need to know from what’s included, the price, the pros, and cons, and answer any questions you might have. You’ll be able to understand how SwiftPaws works and get a good idea if this is right for your dog before you spend big on a new toy for your dog that they may not even enjoy.
Pros and cons of SwiftPaws
As with any dog toy or activity, there are going to be some pros and cons to consider before you make your purchase.
SwiftPaws pros
- Energetic dogs love it
- Has built-in safety features so you can feel at ease as they zip around the course
- Provides mental stimulation
- Exercises your dog quickly and efficiently
- Builds up stamina
- Improves focus
- Helps with behavior
- A good way to exercise reactive and aggressive dogs
SwiftPaws cons
- Must have an outdoor space
- Potentially unsafe – while it does have safety features, there’s always a risk
- Expensive
Quick verdict – should you invest in SwiftPaws?
Short answer – Yes! Small or large breeds can easily find joy and satisfaction in running through a luring course, whether daily, weekly, or on special occasions. And you have the power to adjust the speed and length of the course. For $449.99, you get the following:
- A high-quality lure-coursing machine that will last years
- Healthy doses of mental stimulation for high-energy dogs
- The ability to exercise your dog without long walks, perfect for when you don’t have a lot of time
While SwiftPaws Home does come with a hefty price tag, you can opt into a payment service to split up the high cost over low payments. With the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits, it’s worth it to ensure your dog has the engagement they need to thrive.
Is SwiftPaws right for my dog?
As with any big purchase, you have to wonder, is SwiftPaws right for your pup?
Lure coursing is an activity that allows dogs to engage their natural prey drive. It provides countless benefits, both mental and physical. The physical chase can provide exercise that can keep your dog in peak physical condition and good health. The mental aspect is stimulating for your dog. It encourages focus and gives them a task that leaves them feeling satisfied and successful, boosting their confidence and encouraging good behavior and listening.
You will love SwiftPaws if:
- You have a high-energy dog that loves being outside
- You don’t have enough time to take them on long walks
- Your dog appears bored with basic toys
- You have a hunting, herding, or sighthound breed
- Your dog is reactive which makes walking them in public a struggle
You might not like SwiftPaws if:
- You don’t have an accessible outdoor space
- You have a small breed dog
- Your dog does not like running
Most pups love lure courses, but it’s not right for all of them. What’s great about SwiftPaws is you can control the course size and the speed, so you can make adjustments depending on your pup’s size and energy levels.
Dogs are unique creatures with their own personalities, and they just might not enjoy SwiftPaws, and that’s okay. You can try out SwiftPaws, and if it’s just not their thing, you can engage with the helpful customer service to get you set up to return the device within 30 days.
What is SwiftPaws?
SwiftPaws is an innovative luring course machine that provides endless mental and physical stimulation for your dog. With a focus on improving your dog’s health and well-being, SwiftPaws creates a unique game of chase right in your own backyard.
Lure coursing is a traditional competitive sport for sighthounds but is also available around the country for any pup to compete. With a few dedicated lure courses around the country, SwiftPaws designed the home lure course kit to provide access to this stimulating and invigorating exercise to dogs everywhere.
The SwiftPaws system is a machine-powered pulley system that shoots a pulley across a course that you set up in your backyard. This best game of chases is made up of three pulleys that you place around an outdoor area to mark your course by anchoring them into the ground. The included line allows you to set up a course with a distance of up to 200 feet around.
The system comes with a remote control to help you to control the direction of the flags and the speed of the course. The SwiftPaws Home is capable of speeds of up to 30 mph but can be adjusted based on your dog’s needs. It also comes with a built-in safety feature that automatically stalls the course after 90 seconds of play to give your dog a well-deserved break.
Personal opinion
Personally, splurging on SwiftPaws Home is worth it, in my opinion. With long work hours and barely enough time to get exercise ourselves, you can quickly set up the course and allow your dog to run and get a healthy dose of exercise every day.
The kit comes with a tote bag, so you won’t feel like you have to spend time hunting down all the pieces. It also allows you to carry the course to the local park for a change of scenery.
A lot of customers online report their dogs seem happier, healthier, and even listen a little better. They get excited when the kit is pulled out because they know what comes next. Not to mention it is incredibly entertaining to watch your dog zip through the course.
This is also a great tool for pet parents with reactive dogs who are difficult to walk in public. This allows you to tire out your dog, all in the comfort of your own yard.
Key features – what’s in the box?
With SwiftPaws, there are a few options to choose from to get you set up with the lure-coursing machine that’s right for your dog. The Home Original is the go-to set that has everything you need to get started. You get:
- SwiftPaws Original Main Drive
- Wireless remote control
- Stakes and tethers to stabilize the course
- Three pulleys (you have the option to purchase more if needed) that act as corners or guide points for the course driving the lure
- A 250-foot roll of line for those rambunctious pups
- Rechargeable battery and charger
- Line winder to prevent the hassle of trying to avoid tangles
- Roll of 20 flags because those flags will endure some heaving chewing and grips
Safety is always a top priority with any toy or exercise you engage in with your dog. SwiftPaws has built-in safety features to prevent injuries and ensure your dog has a chance to break after each session.
The stall feature automatically stops the motor if your dog steps on or grabs the line preventing any kind of line burn in these situations.
The play session timer is managed through the remote controller. It not only allows you to control the speed and direction of the flag but has a set time of 90 seconds, and once time runs out, it stops the motor to give your dog a break. You’ll be surprised at how well 90 seconds of play exercises your dog. You’re in control, so if you bypass the timer, you can allow your dog to keep playing.
Of course, you know your dog best, so, as with any game, watch out for signs of exhaustion. Know your dog’s fitness level and be aware of the outside temperature and climate. You decide when it’s time to take a break.
Final thoughts
SwiftPaws Home is an incredible game for any dog with a high prey drive, energy, or natural need to work a task. It’s an incredibly fun game that taps into their natural inclination to chase things and is entertaining not just for them but for you to watch as they chaotically zip around the course.
If you’re looking for a fun game to engage your dog and improve their mental and physical stimulation, it’s worth every penny. While the price tag may seem steep at $449.99, it’s made with durable materials, so you know you’ll get use out of it for years to come. Plus, with SwiftPaw’s return policy, you have 30 days to decide if it’s right for you and your dog. Just be sure to consult with your veterinarian before you use SwiftPaws to get expert advice if this activity is right for your dog.
Overall, you can’t beat the perfect game that provides your dog with mental and physical stimulation. After all, you want to do everything you can to keep them healthy and happy to ensure they live a long, fulfilling life.
Alternatives for SwiftPaws
If you’re looking for an agility toy for your dog, there are other options to give your dog the exercise they need. These alternatives are potential options if SwiftPaws may not be a good fit for your dog.
Flirt poles
Flirt poles are an excellent exercise tool you can use to entertain your dog for hours with. My dog goes nuts every time I pull out the flirt pole. It’s a long pole with a string or rope attached with a lure at the end that attracts your dog. Essentially, it looks exactly like a traditional cat toy but with durability built for your dog’s strong grip.
Flirt poles are great when you have minimal space to work with outdoors, and if you have the room to safely engage, you can play with them inside. It provides mental and physical exercise, teaches coordination, and is simply fun.
The only downside of a flirt pole is you do need a little space, and if you have a larger dog, you may not have the stamina or the size to ensure they get enough exercise.
Automatic dog ball launcher
Dogs love to chase, and throwing a ball around can be a great way to quickly get in some exercise and stimulation. There are a lot of automatic dog ball launchers on the market, and if your arm gets tired after a few throws, then the automatic ball launcher is the way to go.
The downsides? You have to have enough space in your backyard to allow the ball to be properly launched safely. If you do have to pack up and take it to the park, you have to find space without hitting other people or interfering with other activities. Not to mention it might be burdensome to carry around a ball-launching machine.
Dog puzzle toys
One advantage of SwiftPaws is that it provides a level of mental stimulation for your dog. Walks can help with the physical aspect, but look into dog puzzles if you need mental stimulation. Dog puzzles use food motivation as a tool by hiding treats or food in compartments and locking them away.
They have to work to release the treat instantly, rewarding them for their successes. There are a lot of great advantages to providing your pup with a puzzle every day, from encouraging them to eat slower, reducing anxiety, and reducing stress. Even with the SwiftPaws, you can’t go wrong with a little mental stimulation at any time.
Want to try out SwiftPaws for your dog? Perhaps you want to learn additional information? Check it out here!
