Just wondered if any of you had ever dealt with a dog mad about chasing footballs? I've just taken on a rescue 8mth BC who obviously hasn't had much mental stimulation in his little life and has obsessed over balls to fill the void. I discovered today he runs off after footballs and very embarrassingly had to go and get him. The boys didn't seem to mind and simply commented on what a lovely dog he was, but I am not used to such disobedience. Both of my other BCs come back to me every time, immediately.

I have a feeling this urge is so strong in him that I will never fully overcome it, although I think I can stem it to a certain extent. Any thoughts on the matter?

Claire

Why not train him to chase on cue and to stay and not chase on cue. That way you won't be taking away his fun but it will be under your control.  You can also teach 'leave it' initially with food in a saucer and then transfer this to other things including balls.

Most collies love to chase - it is part of their make up.

Hi Seddie. He already does that with a toy, but what I was trying to say was that he is so focussed on the football there is no reaching him. I know collies love to chase; I've got three! He is learning flyball at the moment and is only allowed toys when he is working for them, which is really helping him to think when there is a toy around, 2 weeks ago when I got him he couldn't do anything when a toy was involved. I have already started obedience training and his agility training will start properly as soon as he is old enough, so that should give him something else to think about. Trouble is, he goes so crazy over the football he goes deaf and blind to everything else! To be honest, I can't see him ever stopping this, but just wondered if anyone else had.

Ah that bad - right yes that makes sense.  It's to do with the brain.  When the emotional centre of the brain [limbic system] is highly aroused the thinking centre [cerebral cortex] shuts down.

And vice versa though which you maybe able to use.   What I mean is if you can get his thinking centre engaged enough then his emotional centre should be at least a little dormant.   I suggest maybe keep him away from all footballs at the moment.   Alongside this teach a very good Sit and Watch exercise.  When he can do Sit and Watch for at least 20 seconds get someone to slowly roll a football along the ground at quite a long way away.   You keep dog focussed on his Watch and praise/feed.

Gradually the football is moved nearer to the dog whilst the dog remains focussed [thinking centre engaged].

Anyway well done you for taking on a rescue collie.  And whatever the outcome on the success of football training - at least the dog has got a lovely owner and happy life now.

Wendy

Thanks for that advice Wendy, I will definately try that. :-) I am clicker training his obedience at the mo so I will continue to use that with the watch. I think the obedience, agility and flyball training should help as it will occupy his mind in a different direction. He used to run off after other dogs in the park and I have taught him that running with me and/or the other collies is more fun so he has stopped that. In fact the other day, he started to run and changed his mind. He ran back to me on his own, so we went a bit mad with excitement and got a few strange looks, as you do! :p

His foster carer used to walk him with a tennis ball, which he was completely focussed on. She told me there was never any recall problems, he ignored other dogs, etc. What she didn't seem to realise was that he was obsessed with the ball, so in actual fact the behaviour wasn't real at all. I don't walk my dogs with a toy that often, we go for trecks in the woods and on the beach more than in a park, so without the ball, all these unwanted behaviours have appeared!

He is improving though. Last night was the first time for 2 weeks I slept upstairs with the dogs downstairs. He yapped several times in the night, but at least he didn't go mad and mess himself and bark all night long. Any tips with separation anxiety while your there?! ;-)

Thanks again Wendy,

Claire