Tennis Ball Obsession

Hi All,

Looking for opinions, Dizzy is a rescue dog that we have had for just over 4 months now.  Initially he was hard work on walks (he doesn't seem to have been trained or socialised with people or dogs) so he would bark, lunge etc.  He has gradually calmed down and you can now walk him past other dogs and people without major incident.

We have discovered however (in our efforts to distract) that he will do anything for a tennis ball, he seems to totally switch off from everything going on around him; for example the other day a group of dogs came bounding over and he sat ignoring them as I had the ball in my hand.  Normally he would want to play and sniff and run with them.

He is happy to go and fetch said ball and bring it back to near you; say 5ft away but this is where the issue starts - he wont then drop the ball doesn't want to leave it and if you can manage to get his attention, normally on the 5th/6th attempt and get him to come in he will only sit facing the ball not you and when you move to get the ball he shifts round to keep the ball in sight at all times.

The dropping of the ball is normally accompanied by lots of laps around you, much chewing of the ball (he has a proper tennis ball as the ones that come in the thrower things last about 30 seconds) and a couple of failed attempts to drop and leave.

My questions are does anyone else have the same issues?  Is it worth keeping the ball just for distraction purposes and nothing else?  Is it possible there is something in the fur/dye that send him loopy - seriously it is like he is addicted to them.  

Any ideas would be appreciated it is really stressing my OH as we have worked really hard with him and normally Dizzy is really well behaved for him and he is not as patient as I am.  I will say now that food does not win when it comes to the ball we have tried that not even banana or peanut butter which are his absolute favourites!

Thanks
Suzi x

Our Roxy is the same with not giving things up and also not too bothered in swopping for treats. So we normally have 2 balls, for example, and she'll drop one to go and fetch the other.

Definitely try a second ball

Ledger is completely ball obsessed but there are also different levels of balls with the boomer being the ultimate number 1. When I got him tennis balls were his life but they would be destroyed immediately so I risked trying him at flyball and now he puts his obsession to good use and he will now give the tennis ball up for the right tuggy toy and treat. Daily though we use chuck it ultra balls he can have a good chew on these and not kill them he carries one to the park and I have one in a ball chucker, again with other dogs around he shows very little interest when he has a ball but will have a good run and chase with some. it was a long process he did fairly quickly learn to drop one ball before I threw the other and now after a lot of perseverance he doesn't drop it on the opposite side of the park

Daisy is the same, when were at my mums we take tennis balls in the field and have to take 3, one which Daisy will keep in her mouth the whole time and 2 to alternate throwing for the others! X

Agree with above, definitely 2 balls so he will swap.
Also as Jules said, Chuck it balls are brilliant and the only ones he can chew on but not destroy. Wash off under the tap too if muddy etc

Agree with the two balls. Flo has her stick which we can get her to drop occasionally but this will depend entirely on weather she wants to go fetch it or has had enough. It can be a tad embarrassing when people watch you trying to get her to drop the stick and all she does is turn and walk away   

And like you, treats just don't work.

We thought Lula would do anything for a yummy treat but learned otherwise the other day. It was a hot day so i gave her a plain ice lolly she was sat enjoying it with me holding it for her. when my daughter came out to talk to me and kicked Lula football. The ice lolly was quickly forgotten and she went to get her ball and move it away. Miss Lula does not give balls up for no one even my friend Sarah who she adores. we have the chuck it balls and need two balls when at the park.

Also agree with two balls.. The obsession may also be a coping mechanism. If he wasn't socialized previously and now exercises in a place with other dogs he may use the ball to distract him. Not all dogs are social butterflies.. I've certainly worked with dogs that prefer playing with you/toys as opposed to other dogs, staffies in particular. Use it to your advantage at least he's not dog obsessed and running up to other dogs, irritating them and their owners. Dogs should be socialized and have regular walks with other dogs, but they don't need to play with every random dog that they meet I wouldn't worry!

Both our 2 are obsessed with tennis balls - Lola knows where a box of them is hidden in the garage and sits staring at the shelf. (We move the box to another shelf when she's not about!) Our fav walk at the moment is a nature reserve but there are quite a few people fishing on the river banks most days. Chloe immediately takes off at 100mph to inspect their bags, tents, boxes, baskets, etc, but one throw of the ball and she's back with us - on the few occasions I've thought hubby had the ball and vice versa, have been disasters!!

Jo, do their obedience commands not distract them? It's great that the tennis ball can get her back under control, but as you've experienced that can go wrong and obedience commands are vital in preventing accidents. I always ensure that my dogs will listen to me without the use of material reward, in case we're ever caught short. X