I am training my 15 month GS male in sch and I have a concern. It seems as though sometimes he doesn't want to or have much of an interest in playing with the ball. I know that he's got the drive because every other time we play it's like he's ready to explode! For example, this morning he is doing his obedience with speed and excitement, ready to get the ball, and then in the evening after I get home from work it's almost like he could care less about it. This doesn't happen everyday, about every 2 days or so. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is it normal for him to just not want to do it every time we head out? Should I mix up the type of toys that I use to build drive? He likes everything--tugs, balls, whatever. Sorry for the rant, but I just get a little frustrated when it seems like he doesn't want to do anything. Thanks for listening.
Oops sorry didn't see the "15 month old" part... your dog sounds kinda like mine, it's all to do with the amount of energy he has when I take him out to play, but when you bring him out to the helper he's all go, I don't focus too much on wether he's interested in the tug or the toy, if he's not interested I put it away n either find a toy he likes better at that moment or try again next training session.
I am training my 15 month GS male in sch and I have a concern. It seems as though sometimes he doesn't want to or have much of an interest in playing with the ball. I know that he's got the drive because every other time we play it's like he's ready to explode! For example, this morning he is doing his obedience with speed and excitement, ready to get the ball, and then in the evening after I get home from work it's almost like he could care less about it. This doesn't happen everyday, about every 2 days or so. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is it normal for him to just not want to do it every time we head out? Should I mix up the type of toys that I use to build drive? He likes everything--tugs, balls, whatever. Sorry for the rant, but I just get a little frustrated when it seems like he doesn't want to do anything. Thanks for listening.
Andrew
Well, I can only speak from experience, and both my dogs (GSD and Mal) go freaking nuts EVERY time to play fetch. Unless you've started to yell or act angry when he won't fetch it doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong.
Reg: 01-23-2006
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Do you leave toys/balls out for the dog to play with as he pleases? If so, try taking away toys/balls & just bring them out when you want to play, too. Maybe that would stimulate him.
....i have two buckets that i keep toys in,and keep one put away. when they seem bored with one bunch of toys,i switch them. also,try putting away what seems to be his top fave toy when he starts to lose interest in it,and encourage him to branch out,saving his fave for training or reward. Anja's favourite is her laser pointer,and that is her reward for training,or a good job in harness...i keep one hung on the hook her tack goes on,and she knows it!
Thank you all for your help. This morning he was ready to go again. When I went outside to his kennel where I keep him during the day I noticed that he has been jumping and scratching against the wooden fence that I share with the neighbor. There is a black lab next door that has free reign of his yard and it looks like they have been entertaining each other. Maybe that is why my dog isn't always as energetic as he can be in the evenings. But he doesn't have access to his toys and when he doesn't want to play I don't yell at him, we just stop and he goes back into the crate. So today I am keeping him inside in his crate and I'll see how he does tonight. Thanks again everyone for your help.
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