My labrador is 5 years old now and whenever I throw the ball he will run after it and then run away when I try and fetch it from him. I admit it is my fault because I used to chase him whenever he had the ball in his mouth (he was just so darn cute). Now it is just really annoying ...
I have tried to teach him to fetch the ball using rewards such as food etc but he never actually understands that I need him to bring the ball back instead of running away with it.
Please help!!!
Training a "come" with a long line (I use parachute cord, almost impossible to break) with stop the running away, but to get a recall carrying something in his mouth reliably takes a " hold it "command which needs to be taught separately. No dog should ever be allowed off a long line until its' owner has a reliable recall ALL THE TIME.
Here a two excellent sites that can show you how to do it right;
http://www.bullwrinkle.com/training/retr ... pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com http://www.dog-obedience-training-review ...
My dog did the same thing except with a squeaky bone, he won't touch a tennis ball for some reason.
Anyway what I did was when he grabbed the bone he would run at me and dodge me (that's how we played I don't know if that's the same way you guys play) but instead of running after him or trying to grab him I would stand there and do nothing. when he started to slow down and get bored I called his name and he would come, have a treat in your hand so he has to drop the ball to eat the treat and he will learn to come back to you with the ball ... hopefully.
1: Try putting him on a long line and just throw the ball about 5-6 yards and when he picks it up run slowly backwards gently hauling him in and say "come" as he comes towards you. Praise him well as he gets to you and tell him to "sit" and then "give" as you take the ball from him.
Throw ball again and repeat the above 3-4 times. Eventually he should start to return without you having to haul him in. Then try throwing the ball a bit further. Then try off lead.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com 2; When he runs off after you throw the ball for him, try running away from him while calling him. He may then run up to you. Tell him to sit and then "Give" the ball.
3: Try using 2 balls. Throw one of them for him and when he has got it hold the other one up so he can see it and play catch with it yourself. This may induce him to run over to you. He may though drop the ball he has, in the process.
4: When he runs off with the ball, try sitting or bending down instead of standing up when you call him. He may come over out of curiosity.
5: Teach him to re-call 100% without the ball.
Then when he does have the ball and you recall him, its a reflex action to return to you.
Its all about patience and training and finding out what works for your particular dog. Never lose your temper and make all training lots of fun.
