OhMarley Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 Well young Marley is a bad bad boy... he's ball obsessed so we no longer take the ball to the park. So now he just steals them!!!!!!!!! Now when he steals other doggies toys he suddenly also becomes deaf and can't hear you. He refuses to listen to me, will not return the ball and just leads you on a merry dance. Ive stuggled for up to half an hour trying to get some other dogs ball of him! Its so embarrassing! His recall in any other situation is great, he's normally well behaved. He just holds these toys at such high value and thinks its all a game. Any advice on how to beat him at his own game? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 (edited) yep... keep him on a lead!! Only run him free where there no other dogs. Teach him "give". Use his ball as a reward for excellent behaviour- including recalls, tricks, etc. Always pack a ball into your bag when walking him.. a squeaky one ,maybe- or one of the tug attached ones :D That way , you have something to offer him when he does return..NEVER chase him!! By the way--- he's not 'bad'...just very smart!! Edited October 27, 2008 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhMarley Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 Yeah we stopped chasing him ages ago he just thought it was the best game ever... After today he'll be lucky if he ever gets off the lead again! it took 20mins to entice him to return the ball. The thing is he thinks everyone else's toys are so much better grr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhMarley Posted October 27, 2008 Author Share Posted October 27, 2008 [quote name='persephone' date='27th Oct 2008 - 07:48 PM' post='3118072' By the way--- he's not 'bad'...just very smart!! hahaha he's full to the brim with mischief! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted October 27, 2008 Share Posted October 27, 2008 The thing is he thinks everyone else's toys are so much better OK. Sooooo It is YOUR JOB to now convince him ,that by doing as you ask- he gets to play with his own fantastic, super duper ball with squeaks, or treats, or ropes or whatever he absolutely adores!!! When he learns that, by pleasing you, he gets a REWARD of ball play to the max, then he will be willing to 'earn' his obsession..his focus will be on YOU, as provider of balls and excitement!! Honest- this can only be remedied by YOUR being the more exciting option! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhMarley Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 ill do my best to be exciting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sezy Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 Just think you will never have to buy another ball ever!!! Are you sure that he is stealing them and not just joining in....... My dear old cocker would always find balls when we would go walking, picking them up under bushes etc, we always came home with one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhMarley Posted October 28, 2008 Author Share Posted October 28, 2008 Its just a big game to him, he's such a silly puppy dog. He loves to play LOVEEEEEEES to play and his favourite game is steal and run...! I think we may have to head back to some obedience training before he gets himself into too much trouble! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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