This may be the wrong place to post this or not, forgive me please.

I'm looking to see if someone can point me in the right direction, or give me some training tips on using a ball on a string as a reward. I would like to be able to use something like this.

Axle will retrieve the ball to me about 75% of the time, I was wondering if someone could help me get this to 100% so I could use the ball as a reward as seen by many handlers.

This is a video of the ball in use.

"This is a video of the ball in use."


Rob, there was no video link included.

Back chain the retrieve and use something other then the ball. Use the ball on a string as a game of tug with you as reward.

Thought you were now training with Scott. He should be able to hep you with the retrieve.

But I would only work on one thing at a time. Use what the dog likes best to retrieve & the reward, make that 100% before you try to change what you are asking him to retrieve or change the reward. Unless the reward is not high enough. Or maybe you are asking for too many retreives at one time...You should always quit when the dog still wants to play....not when he is loosing interest in the game.

Are you using playing tug with a tug for a reward now & want to use the ball on a string so as to only have to use that as the retrieve item & reward toy? What are you rewarding him for the retrieve now?

You can also go back & retrain the retrieve by backchaining like Bob mentioned if you think it is just not solid. NEVER hurts to go back to square one & start over. No shame at all in doing that. It can often clear the problem.

100% agree with Anne on working on one thing at a time.

Giving it more thought, I do think my sessions are too long and that's why he's taking it and just trying to go lay down and avoid me wanting to work him more... I am wanting to push him too much in hopes to make him tired to avoid disobedience we've had in the past due to his energy levels.

This is nothing more besides handler error, I will change this and create more fun and enjoyable sessions. Today opened my eyes and made me re-evaluate my efforts...

What I did today, which caused me to open my eyes. First we went for a off leash walk around the local park (very very minor distractions, did some fun recall work). We went into the ball field (controlled environment, fenced in) and did some heeling work, rewarded with the tug and began letting him "win" and using my second tug (it's destroyed, need a new one) to try to show Axle that the tug in his current possession, wasn't as fun as the one I had in my hands (suggestion from the trainer I'm working with). First two - three times I did this, Ax came running back and trying to get the tug in my hand. I showed excitement and enthusiasm as well as he did. After about 3 times, he ran away - didn't want anything to do with my tug in hand no matter which one it was.

I think if I shorten down to 2-3 returns then go into something else it will be smarter, or just stop training all together and go into a walk/hike then wait 20-30 minutes and try again?


I hope all this made sense.

Only play fetch with him a couple of times & move onto something else. Keep it fun & light. The dog needs to enjoy what he is doing & be a willing participant...if not you are just pushing & the dog will eventually just shut down.

You can play in other ways with your dog to burn off some energy just running around with him. Heck I taught my horse to play tag & he loved the game...surely your dog can learn that. My female plays tag with me.

Teach touch pads & then move the dog around directing from pad to pad. My dogs love touch pads. I place them around the yard or field & send them around to them...rewarding individual commands with a ball or tug or after running a series of pads. This teaches the dogs directions(verbal & hand signals) & focus mixed in with some running around & OB. You can also have them sit on the pads & do a few OB commands. (sit, down, turn etc).

Also find things for them to climb on. I have my dogs walk up & down & across bleacher seats, benches, rocks, logs, steps, etc...all things that are usually around ball field, beaches, parks etc.

Look into tracking. It takes a lot of effort for a dog to focus & track & it burns up some energy. I am sure that Scott should be able to get you started on that. Simple foot step tracking is easy to begin as long as you dog has good food drive or feed him some of his meal on the track. Just some ideas.

If you are training with Scott....it is better to direct specific training questions, problems etc to him. I ( & others) can make suggestions...but without seeing the dog & the actual problems, levels of drives of the dog, ability to focus etc...we are only guessing as to what the real problem & therefore the solution should be. You really need to work with the guy that can stand next to you & see what both you & your dog are doing otherwise you may be try to correct one thing...when in fact it is something else that needs to be worked on. It can also conflict with the style of training & level that your trainer is working with you on & only confuse you &/or your dog & slower your progress rather then move it forward. If you are paying someone....use to the fullest what your $$$ are paying for.

Edited to add: Some dogs are just not crazy for a tug & a ball or kong on a rope might be more to their liking. You just have to try different things & see what the individual dog likes. Some of his likes & wants will depend on his drives. That Scott can help you with.

In going over your last post is it possible that you are giving him what HE wants by taking him for off lead walks first?
Could be the training is second in his wants to training.
If he doesn't have great drive to continue the retrieving then you may be sapping a bit of his energy/desire.