ball stealer

[k9 listener]

i have a springer, very well trained bar 1 thing she likes to steal other dogs balls, she is fine with her own but when she steals or finds another ball thats it, she will not respond to my commands and acts like its a game. i do not chase her, i call calm but assertive with no joy. can anyone help please. apart from this one she is vey good. thankyou . k9 listener
please email me abs6569@hotmail.co.uk

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi k9 listener,

Your dog being so well trained, she might have already know these commands but if not, practice them using objects that are less valuable to her.

Also, whenever she takes any object in her mouth, tell her "it's not yours" in everyday life. You can make situations like:

Eating something right in front her. She might sit nicely in front of you anticipating she might get a bite. You will tell her "it's not yours".

Bring home a new toy and drop a shopping bag with the toy inside in front of her. She will try to sniff and take it out. You will tell her "it's not yours".

At park, when she gets other dog's ball, take it away firmly by telling her "it's not yours" and give her her own ball as an exchange.

Hope this will help

[k9 listener]

Thanks for the advice. Will give it a go

[KOPcaroline]

Hey k9,

You can also add a bit of deterrance, in that when she steals something and you do get it back, immediately say a stern "no", and leave the park. She'll learn to associate taking things that aren't her toys with having to go home early, and this can help heaps!

Good luck!

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi k9,

I see Caroline's point but it is a little tricky so please be careful not to give your dog a wrong message.

When you get the ball back, if she voluntarily gives it back to you at your command of "drop it" or "give it to me", don't leave the park. She will associate the end of fun with obeying your command.

Only when you have to grab her collar and open her mouth to snatch the ball, you can leave the park.

Time out, punishment, or even scolding should never take place right after your dog does what she is told to do; i.e., don't get mad when she finally comes back to you after calling her 100 times

[k9 listener]

caroline i understand what you mean but i must agree with max, if the dog does as it is told then you punish why should the dog do as it is told next time, for example if i asked you to do something and you do it then i punish you next time you would be reluctent to do it next time. another one is if you keep calling your dog and they dont come so in turn you get angry, in time the dog does come then you punish that will tell your dog that next time when you call them the dog might be thinking if i go back i will get punished so i will carry on playing.
but i will say all the advice from both of you is very much grateful
thankyou please stay in contact
k9 listener

[KOPcaroline]

Oh! I should have worded myself better :P Definitely if she gives the ball back to you willingly, after you've asked for it, don't leave. But if the situation turns to you chasing after her and having to force it out of her mouth, then leaving the park can work well as deterrance to keeping other dogs' toys. Sorry for confusion!

[k9 listener]

I got ya now Carol but I know from experience chasing Bonnie is just a game to her so now I just walk away or ignore her till she comes to me, she does come in time it's just patience. Thankyou carol