My spaniel injured himself during an active search, he fell down some stairs and rather badly twisted his elbow. After a week of kennel rest he has been allowed to work on leash.

So the last few days I have been allowing him to do a few mock searches. It was a disaster! It took him far longer than usual to find the samples. But the biggest issue is that his ball drive seems to have vanished, he just doesn't seem to focus on the ball at all.

I stopped and played fetch with him, getting a little focus - then I teased him a little or held him back on the leash a little. Then I gave him a realy simple search and lots of praise when he found it. But it was definately a lacklustre performance.

What else can I do to build his drive back up. He just seems a little skittish, like he lost his confidence.

Just keep working on it, nothing more you can do. Build lots of frustration and give the dog time to recuperate fully.

Tanith;
Sounds to me like your dog is not ready to resume work. Play should always come first and if your dog is just coming off a week of crate rest.......start really slowly or you are taking the chance of reinjury.
Roni

PS Be careful! Slow movements, anticipation, get down on the ground, hide the ball in your hand, don't throw the ball, start slow!
Roni

He may still have just enough soreness and pain to cause a problem.

He seems ok in himself. He's been allowed off-lead in the garden to play with the other dogs and he's not limping or anything.

I'll just work with the ball for now, see if I can rebuild the drive without stress.

I'm just wondering if he sees the ball / search as what caused his injury. Maybe he's developed a negative association.

I really don't think so Tanith. After anytime off, always go back to square one. Building drive should be part of every search, every session for he life of the dog. Makes a better partner...longer life of partner.....and heck.....a lot more fun for you and for the dog. I've just been walking in your shoes with Tobi. He sufferred a aural hematoma and was done for 3 weeks plus surgery. Monday was our first day doing anything. I wondered where my dog was.....and this is the argueably the one of the highest drive dog I've ever seen or been around. It took him a couple of days to come up mentally, physically and emotionally. He is a dog that always has a crushing grip and he had his first average one in his life last night. I am lucky that Clark, my helper, cares about my dog, and it was to be only fun for him last night. He is back to his "crazy, happy ol self"
but we will have to tape his ear up so it doesn't hurt when he runs. The reason I shared my story is to tell you that I understand how you feel, (really uncomfortable)and that this too, shall pass)I thank my Creator every day for blessing me with this guy. I am one lucky chick!!!!!!!
Enjoy your dog!!!!!!!!
Happy Training,
Roni