A great way and often underestimated way to build drive is to confine your dog to a crate or kennel where he has a clear view of what's going on and YOU play ball, tug or whatever with the other dog . (make sure you pick a dog with EXCELLENT drives)

I had a dog years ago that couldn't give a rat's ass about a frisbee or anything but a tennis ball, i played frisbee with a friends dog and she watched and actually that became her toy of choice after a very short period of time......

Jealousy is not limited to human beings. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> it can be a powerful motivator.

Many thanks, and I'll try it ASAP.

I've been doing something that seems a little similar. We go out to the field, do a little intro OB, and when he's pretty wound up, I place the ball on the ground between my outstretched feet. I encourage him to take it. I try to keep him from the ball, and this goes until he either steps up his involvement to where I can't keep him away from the ball, or until he breaks focus, in which case the ball goes right into my pocket and I walk away (this drives him friggin bonkers). In either case, the exercise is only about 15 seconds long.

Also, during OB training, I can solicit the bark with "speak", "geblout", or hand signal. (Aside-my guess is he's in prey drive during this time, as his bark is mid-to-high pitch and quick). If I have him at heel or fore, and don't give the ball up, he'll start barking spontaneously. I have done nothing to discourage this, as it seems easier with this dog to curtail undesired behavior than it is to build drive. (He's very responsive to even mild correction). He will also occasionally nip for the ball-this being the only thing I've really corrected him on, becuase he bit me on the ass. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> When the ball finally goes, he's 100MPH, with a little "attack" on the ball when he catches it.

Am I on the right track with this?

I'm hoping to meet some folks at a club here in Chicago this spring that are willing to collaborate in the way you describe in your email. We both have alot more fun when he's coming apart at the seams!

Originally posted by Iain Pedden:


If I have him at heel or fore, and don't give the ball up, he'll start barking spontaneously. I have done nothing to discourage this, as it seems easier with this dog to curtail undesired behavior than it is to build drive.

Am I on the right track with this?

I'm hoping to meet some folks at a club here in Chicago this spring that are willing to collaborate in the way you describe in your email. We both have alot more fun when he's coming apart at the seams! Your understanding of the fact that it's easier to take drive out than put it in is something some people NEVER figure out. Yes, I think you are on the right track!