i have a 2 year old male (castrated 1 year ago)
YES what excited bs's dogs they r/can be
indoors couldnt wish 4 a better dog!!!
outdoors WAS a nightmare BUT during 1/2 years of obedience traning and 6 months agility
he has slowly calmed down and learnt lots
Nipping is still a small problem - i say small cause he doesnt growl or have any aggression whatsoever and only nips (i) when he runs after the ball /frisbee (ii) ME
i have tried constanly to calm him before throwing the ball-he sits, waits watches the ball thrown then goes straight for me
i am now moving away from him setting him up futher away from me when throwing the ball which is helping a bit more
any suggestions greatly appreciated
Helen

If it was my dog, I wouldnt wait with the ball. I'd just hide it in my pocket and as soon as he wasn't paying attention quickly grab it out, say his name + 'catch!' and throw it - all in a split second. When he gives it back to you, take it, put it back in your pocket and do the same thing a few mins later. It really helps in getting your dogs attention and you wont be holding the ball long enough for him to nip you.

Hi Ana
Thanks 4 your reply
I have Harvey's full attention -he can sit and wait and thats no problem at all- its when i lauch the ball he comes directly to me to nip- instead of running straight after the ball like he used to do
But i'll have a go at your suggestion as its another type of game to play catch & throw
Once Harvey has got the ball he brings it back to me and when i say give he puts it in my hand!
he used to chuck it at my feet and bark to play again
after all i feel he's done so well being 2 years old- taken a lot of hard work - but getting there slowly
Helen

When he doesn't get the ball, do you walk over to it and get it??

Maybe he thinks that's the new little game, you throw the ball then YOU go after it and pick it up!

That might be what the nipping at you instead of chasing the ball is, he's telling you you're a stubborn sheep - the ball's been thrown so get going!!

I agree with what michelle says, to try and get him to work for the ball, but afterwards if you throw it and he still doesn't chase it try the catching thing. You can teach the word 'catch' by using treats first. Say 'catch' then lob a treat in the air so he has to catch it in his mouth rather than taking it out of your hand

Hi Ana
He always gets the ball (no problem), when he slows down (yes :rolleyes: my collie gets tired :rolleyes:), we walk, then later out come the ball or the frisbee.
sometimes we just walk he's fine then and fine with me throwing the frisbee, no nips
i think he's over excited when he see's me about to chuck!
just got back from the park
Yes seemend to work -distracted him them chucked the ball and he went straight for the ball and not me
well i'll be practasing every day so hopefully no more nips notonly they hurt but embarrasing when people ask me how i got that massive bruise
Helen

Just an idea off the top of my head.  Those more experienced with training feel free to point out the negatives to this idea.

What about putting him on a line.  If he goes to nip before going to fetch the ball stop him being able to get it.  Perhaps have several balls rather than go and retrieve the thrown ball.  I would think after a few attempts of going out after it when her tried to nip which with him on lead you can prevent you may get him go after a ball without doing so and reward him.

I would tie him to a tree while I retrieved the half dozen balls so he isn't getting any fun out of you going to get them (thinking chasing you grabbing clothes and lunging for the balls etc).

Thanx brainless
sounds like worth a try
Helen

it might make him even more Manic to be honest, mine would go BONKERS if i did that

also idea, sometimes Dont chuck, drop it dehind you Then you can teach him a "seek back", fisrt just drop it at the back of your feet, & let him get it, then drop it & walk a few paces..."where is it??? Find it" you may have to help him, walk slowley back looking at the floor "find "."ohh there it is"

The you should be able to build up a long distance gradually.

This is actually better than throwing as its steadier , less chance of injury & gets the dog thinking & using his brain & nose ,rather than just chase /chade /chase mode.

Do it on quite short grass to start, then move onto longer grass, leafy areas, its LOVELY watching the dogs "seek back"

Let me know!!!

hes just been bossy ,demanding the ball off you, have a few behaviours introduced so he can do "them" for the ball instead if the nipping.

Teach,for Eg , A twist, bow, Walk back, beg, roll over.

Then once youve taught, start using the ball for reward. Ie i say to mine,  "Can...? You?...do a???? BOW?" *dog does Bow & gets Ball)

Then this can build up to you asking, "what CAN...YOU...DO...?" dog offers a bow/twist whatever, "what a fabulous TWIST" throw ball

Then you can add "what else can you do?".

This should make him think more about himself & his actions rather than him being demanding of you!.

You will need to teach him a few behavoiurs first though, at least 3

YES MICHELLE
That you so much for your advice

totally agree still being bossy

Harvey can walk back, beg go round in circles (right and left)
beg, crawl & roll over -still learning these

going to teach his behaviours now
MANY THANKS
HELEN

Excellent try them Before you throw! let me know if this helps.

Also sometimes throw the ball short at him so he can catch it, rather than just throwing it miles . Hes just in a habit, so you need to break it by doing doifferent stuff.!

Thank u sooooooooooo much Michelle
Great ideas to try
will certainly keep me busy
We already vary lots- we do short throws and catch- we play with a sponge football (obviously when no other dogs in sight as i know Harvey wont chew it! )which he dribbles with his nose, heads it as well as catch and gives dirctly into my hands
We use a frisbee and play hide and seek when i hide behind a tree
BUT enough is NEVER enough
will give the chukka a rest a few times during the week but not cut it out altogether and concentrate on other things as well as obidience commands
will let u know how we get on
cheers again
Helen