Tennis ball training

Good afternoon, our Ronnie is obsessed about a tennis ball more do that food.

Anyone got any training techniques re this please ? I know springer spaniels are train this way my the police
Was wondering if anyone has done in with a Saffie

Ta Jamie

What sort of thing do you mean, Jamie? How to use a ball in training, how to control the obsession, or something else?

Staffies are quite prone to toy obsession, Millie will sleep with her favourite whistly ball in her mouth and Chaos's teeth chatter with excitement sometimes. Lots of the staffies at Danaher are ball obsessed and it can take some careful training/handling to make sure they don't boil over. In other words, you're not alone!!!

Hiya Liz

Was thinking like a Springer the ball is the treat I think ? He is super keen to sir down or whatever to get the ball.

Haha yeah good to know Boxer ( Holly ) wasn't a obsessed and she loved killing them

Absolutely use it as a reward! Whatever a dog will see as something worth getting that he has to work for, use it. Some dogs work for treats, some for cuddles, some for toys, many for a combination. The basis of good positive method training is to use what the dog values most and will work to get.

If he is obsessive about it, do keep an eye on his excitement levels. Some staffs can become jumpy/mouthy in their determination to get a ball. Never let him have it for excessive behaviour (your boundary) but instead ask him to do something quiet like sit, lie or stand, then give it to him. Make sure you can put it away when you want as well, teaching him to nag isn't a great idea even though in the early days it might be sweet.

We have various balls that have been a huge hit - Babble Ball, Kong Jumbler, Boomer Ball and Millie's adored Chuckit Whistler. I'm lucky mine are only mildly destructive and all are still around after many months, but they are all fairly robust (especially Boomer ball) and worth trying with Ronnie.

Hiya Liz

Ta as ever. Yeah lucky here Rons been very good and doesn't really damage much, so far a hat with two buttons on he took the buttons off haha

Other than that not much, our Springer and Boxer far worse

He plays with the ball front paws on it and nudges it with his nose and catches it in his mouth ( sometimes he doesn't )

The bounce of a tennis ball can get his attention and at your feet very quick.

The chuckit is pretty tough equivelant to the tennis ball and dog friendly so im told, mia was happy with a ball at £3.99 but hardly ever played with it but ive seen reviews and chuckit seems good.

but chuckit whistler is even better!!! It's not loud but make just enough noise when you throw it fast that the dogs go doolally for it. And then chew it for hours. Millie's bestest on is nearly in two pieces but it's probably a year old.