Possessiveness *Update*

Hi all,

When inside the home Troy will usually 'drop' and 'leave' items on command. However I have noticed he seems to get very excited and won't listen when playing on the field.

For example, if I play fetch with him with something like a plastic bottle or burst ball he won't let go of it when told. I have tried gently holding the ball and not pulling or tugging and gently telling him to 'drop' but he won't listen. I have to coax him with food or step on it for him to let go.

Also, when playing fetch with a ball he will sit and stay etc, but when I tell him to lay he just barks! I am assuming he is in such an excited state he won't do as he is told but it is only when told to lay which is strange. He tries jumping up and taking the item without be told also.

Are there any signs he to be concerned about and what is the solution? Just persist with it by taking items from him and coaxing with food?

Why does he just yap and jump when told to lay down but will do every thing else?

Thanks.

Selective hearing! Both my staffs have it and maisy seams to have got worse since we got scooby, especially when we're on a walk, she's started going further and not coming back straight away! Back to the training!

In my view, it is important to make him understand that you own everything therefore when you say drop he should listen. Be patient and only reward once he has dropped the item. Try not to 'swap' treat for goods. You are rewarding the response to the command. 'Leave' or 'drop' are usefull commands for him to master. I would not allow him to jump and take something from you either.

He know's how to drop / leave and will do on command in the house or when I have food. He is just taking the p!ss when outside and nothing to coax him with.

He starts to get very exicted and making whining noises and pulling etc though.

Just carry on rewarding when he does as he is told then? What if I have no treats when I am outside and he won't drop? He comes to me but won't drop the item..should I turn my back? Walk away until he does as he is told?

And when he tries to jump and take things without my command to do so, I tell him 'no'.

Just to add, I have just had Troy out for his last walk before bed as usual. He had his backpack on for the fist time, no weight or anything just to get used to wearing it. Didn't seem to bother him at all, acted just as he would off lead running after a bottle on the field..

However, this time for the first time ever really he never listened and proceeded to trot off the field, bottle in mouth! I ran after him, he must of heard me coming and was sat waiting around the corner for me.

Now it appears as if he was running home. He could of headed left into the road or anywhere, but he was turning right which is up an alley home.

It was very cold out and raining / slating.

Is it possible that:

A) Became possessive over bottle, wanted to take home to rip to bits?
B) Was not a fan of the bad weather and wanted to go back home? Anyone's dog ever done this?

Thanks.

When you're playing with him, I wouldn't bother telling him to lay down just yet. Laying down, especially outside, is a very unnatural thing for an excitable dog to do. When a dog lays down it's very vulnerable and may feel unsafe.

Just concentrate on the 'leave' or 'drop' for now. When he brings something back to you get him to sit so that you can then get a treat out of your pocket without him dancing round you!

Thanks for that, will do.

He will lie for a great though when fetching the ball back

Anything you can add to what I have added in regards to him legging it tonight?

I think it was probably the weather. I know when I had Bandit, he'd often try & go back home if I took my eyes off him when it was raining/windy. At least Troy did stop & wait!

Just keep an extra eye on him when the weather's not nice - he'd probably rather be inside where it's warm & dry!

Thanks.

He was cowering in the snow this morning, so definitely don't think he enjoys the rain / snow / sleet!

Can't say I blame him!

To add to this, Troy has been snapping at my brothers puppy today over toys. He has never done this before.

I have corrected him but maybe it's best to not let them play with toys together? Otherwise they get on grand.