August 23, 2021
My young dog won’t play the “two ball” game. He is happy to just possess one ball and isn’t interested in the second one. Which Michael Ellis video deals with possessiveness?
Full Question:
Which Michael Ellis DVD deals with dogs that are possessive with toys? My 8-month-old GSD won't play a two-ball game. He is quite happy to just possess one ball and isn't interested in the second ball. 
Cindy's Answer:
Michael Ellis on Possessive Dogs
Advanced Concepts in Motivation
I would say that I would not be throwing a ball for a dog showing this kind of possession until I balanced out the possessiveness. I would make all play interactive. In other words, the dog would be playing with me AND the toy, I would not be throwing the toy for him to possess (at least at first) I also have a very possessive GSD (mine is 9 months old).
You may want to watch Power of Playing Tug first, as the Motivation video builds on that but if you have a lot of experience playing with dogs it may or may not be necessary. I hope this helps.
Advanced Concepts in Motivation
I would say that I would not be throwing a ball for a dog showing this kind of possession until I balanced out the possessiveness. I would make all play interactive. In other words, the dog would be playing with me AND the toy, I would not be throwing the toy for him to possess (at least at first) I also have a very possessive GSD (mine is 9 months old).
You may want to watch Power of Playing Tug first, as the Motivation video builds on that but if you have a lot of experience playing with dogs it may or may not be necessary. I hope this helps.
User Response:
Thank you, I have Advanced Concepts in Motivation but I haven't watched it in a long time. Obviously it's time for a refresher and thanks for the suggestion of not throwing the toy at this stage. Much appreciated.
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