My dog is addicted to balls

Q:

Q: My 18-month-old blue heeler cross has gradually become so obsessed by balls that I can’t get her to focus on anything else – she is not happy unless near a ball and begs people constantly to throw them for her. It started as fun but is now no joke – can we cure her?

Our expert is John Richardson, also known as The Dog Whisperer®, one of Australia’s leading experts in dog behaviour.

A: The answer is to take the ball away from her. If she is so fixated on it that she can’t relax it is actually very stressful to her and also a sign that she has problems knowing her place in your ‘pack’.

You need to reassert your authority so she knows her true position (below all the other humans) and that she cannot control them by presenting them with balls and forcing them to throw them to her.

After a few weeks of deprivation, you can slowly reintroduce her to the ball. Do it while she is sitting next to you, on a lead. Show her the ball but do not allow her to touch it. Roll it away from you but hold her back on the lead when she tries to chase it. Your aim is to ‘desensitise’ her to the ball and let her know that it is only all right to chase it if you say so. Reprimand her gently (using tone of voice, not physically) and pull her back on the lead. Repeat this for five minutes or so, then put the ball away.

Do this a few times a day until she shows less interest in the ball. Once she is at that stage you can allow her to chase it occasionally when you give her a verbal or physical cue.

Your aim is to get her to the point where she enjoys playing with the ball but can also enjoy other activities without being constantly stressed about its whereabouts.

Some dogs with balls are like people with alcohol – they cannot touch a drop without going too far. If you try this exercise with no result, it may be best to ban her from balls altogether.

Where to find out more

For more about Dog Tech International and John Richardson’s training techniques, including contact details for training outlets nationally, visit www.dogtech.com.au or call 1300 650 739.

You may also be interested in one of John’s bestselling books, published by New Holland Publishers: The Dog Whisperer®, outlining training techniques; and Whispers of Wisdom, providing intriguing insights into the doggie mind. The books are available via the website and at major bookstores.