I am sitting here trying to think how to solve this problem.
I have built good ball drive in my dog using 2 ball game. BUT.... she is dropping the first ball way too soon to beat feet to the ball I am holding. I unknowingly created this problem by having her run and grab the first ball on string while i hold it up. (She absolutely LOVES to do this).
Any ideas on how to fix this and switch to a lively 1 ball retrieve?

Try running backwards to get her closer and then mark it and throw the second ball. That's what I've done with a few who started dropping the first ball too far away. Eventually you can stop running because they understand that proximity to you is what makes the ball move. Once you stop running it's easy to just reach down and grab the ball they just spat out.

Two ball can be an excellent method but it also adds in another behavior for the dog to learn.

That is bringing the ball to hand.

You've taught the dog that the next ball doesn't get thrown so the dog has learned the faster it drops the ball the quicker you will toss the second ball.

Teach the dog the retrieve by back chaining the behavior with markers.

Dog sits in front of you and is marked and rewarded for just holding the object.

Add time to the dog holding the object but lengthening the time you wait to mark and reward the hold.

Add movement by moving a foot or two away from your dog while it holds the object.

gradually add more distance.


his is pretty much a simplified version of teaching the retrieve.

I will also add that I personally don't use the ball for the "object".

I want the ball to be a high value reward for bringing the object to me.

Even if I teach a young pup to retrieve I back chain it and do it in a narrow area like a hall.

That keeps the dog in what I call my area of influence.

Tossing the ball and hoping for the best is a crap shoot, thus the back chaining.

What BOB said. Taught 3 pups that way.

 Quote: Bob Scott

Two ball can be an excellent method but it also adds in another behavior for the dog to learn.

That is bringing the ball to hand.

You've taught the dog that the next ball doesn't get thrown so the dog has learned the faster it drops the ball the quicker you will toss the second ball.

Teach the dog the retrieve by back chaining the behavior with markers.

Dog sits in front of you and is marked and rewarded for just holding the object.

Add time to the dog holding the object but lengthening the time you wait to mark and reward the hold.

Add movement by moving a foot or two away from your dog while it holds the object.

gradually add more distance.


his is pretty much a simplified version of teaching the retrieve.

I will also add that I personally don't use the ball for the "object".

I want the ball to be a high value reward for bringing the object to me.

Even if I teach a young pup to retrieve I back chain it and do it in a narrow area like a hall.

That keeps the dog in what I call my area of influence.

Tossing the ball and hoping for the best is a crap shoot, thus the back chaining.

I'm not sure I completely understand. This sounds like a good way to teach the dumbbell hold/ retrieve. But am I expecting the dog to follow me when I move? Not sure I understand this part.

Also, today while pondering this, I went out to the back yard, sat on the ground and just threw the ball for her, 1 ball. She brought it back TO ME every time??? Is there something to my sitting down?

Edited by Carol Blumlein (04/04/2016 12:41 AM)
Edit reason: addition

Obviously the dog had learned that, when the second ball came out, the first ball no longer had value. Now, your dog knows that, if there is no second ball, the first ball must be returned to hand for the game to continue.
'
Mission accomplished. You no longer need the second ball.

Good assessment by Duane.

Just be sure it stays consistent.

"IF" being seated on the ground seems to make a difference then it's just a matter of weaning the dog off of seeing you sitting down.

Kneel with your legs under you, kneel high as in church.

Squat down, slowly over time raise yourself up to a standing position.

"Possible" it's because your not hoovering over the dog when trying to get it to come with the ball.

Dogs don't like to be leaned over.

It's a dominant position and can intimidate some dogs.

Sitting down eliminates that "dominant" position.

Sheesh, I'm not even kneeling now. Duane is right, since there is no 2nd ball, the first works.

If I had known that, I wouldn't have written this post!! LOL!!!!

Thanks for your replies, I will use the advice if I ned to.

Outstanding!

Now that you have drive built get rid of the other ball and encourage your dog to come to you. Don't take the ball when he/she comes just press on the dog to make them comfortable. The pressing on the dog is the same idea behind swaddling a baby, it helps to calm the dog and gives them a sense of security. Allow your dog to hold the ball until he/she decides to drop it then play some more. This builds a level of trust that can't be built most other ways. The dog takes a risk by coming close to you and quite often sets off their nerves. Remember that risk and intimacy are directly correlated and that is what your building in the play.