Springer Spaniel who used to recall with ball but now runs off with it!

by Anniebear
(uk)

We have had our rescue springer spaniel for 2yrs now. He was a stray and we think he is about 4yrs old now. We have had terrible trouble training him to bring the ball back in the park (any recall really but about 6months ago we managed it and he was pretty much 100% perfect.

However recently he has taken to sometimes just running off with the ball. He chews it and runs off with it but wont come back to us. Sometimes it happens on throw 1 and sometimes on throw 20.

It is a complete nightmare and last week it took me over 30mins before I finally got him back! we have made sure we dont shout at him when we finally get him back but this cant continue!

If anyone has any tips they would be gratefully received ( we have tried all manor of food treats but he has no interest what so ever) , we have alsotried being really excited when he comes back but nothing works when he gets into that frame if mind.

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Springer Spaniel who used to recall with ball but now runs off with it!

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Feb 16, 2013
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real help NEW
by: Anonymous

use e collar to train recall first.this should fix the problem. if you want to be 100% sure that your dog will always fetch the ball you should force fetch train him.

Apr 06, 2012
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ball stealer NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a 1 year old springer and since a pup has done the exact same thing. She is more inclined to steal from another dog. Its really embarassing and takes for ever to get her back. I have also tried the treats and other toys but not interested. To her its a game. I have learnt to be very patient and not get annoyed and eventually she realises its not a game. I now completely ignore her and just walk away.

Apr 05, 2012
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Springers are smart NEW
by: Chris

The reason the springers stop bringing the ball back is because they are bored...and they are bored because they are smart.

If someone threw you a ball twenty times would you want to bring it back? Beleive it or not some of the dumber breeds will about kill themselves because it's so "fun". It's like a kid being at a carnival...fun for most 5 year olds but my daughter calls them "stupid".

The fix...

Purchace many different types of throw toys..perferably ones with real fur or feathers (I'm not kiding). And know when he or she is getting bored...springers will usually have a ritual before droping it at your feet...mine runs a tight figure 8 behind me then drops it at my feet. When he just runs straight at me I know he's getting bored and I quit and move onto something elese.

If they run off with the toy the need to be scolded or lightly shocked. 1 shock and the dog can be fixed for life...I'm not kidding...

Americian Hunter...

Mar 08, 2012
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spaniel stealing ball NEW
by: Estie

Our Cassy, a rescue ESS, we've had her since 2005. She still does this. She wants us to beg her for the ball!!

Mar 08, 2012
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Running off with the ball NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a 10 month old springer and she did this from a puppy. Sometimes it would be over an hour to get her back. My solution was to stop taking the ball and get a plastic bottle for her to carry around. I took chicken pieces with me and eventually she would come back and drop the bottle in front of me. Try ignoring and walking away. Also a long lead might help and as they run stand on the lead. Might get the hint if you praise and treat each time they come.

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