Loves to chase but doesn't bring back - how to encourage?

[belindarose]

My 8 month old springer enjoys chasing balls, toys etc but doesn't bring them back. The only way to play is to have two toys and throw the second one so I can get the first. It's not as bad as it sounds - I don't have to go running over the field for the ball or anything, he does come near me to drop it, then will sit when asked to before I throw it again, but I have to show him the second toy to get him to drop. I want him to bring a ball back to my feet! How do I teach this?

Thanks. I use that method for 'drop it' in the house at the moment, if I haven't managed 'leave it' in time and he gets one of DD's toys. Was hoping he'd get the idea that getting the ball thrown again (which he really loves) is as good as a food reward, but I suppose I need to still do both for now. Thinking about it, he does drop it, just not near me. And if he saw a food treat he'd drop it a mile off and come bounding over without it.

My 9 month old lab x is the same - will chase, but SO not interested in bringing it back for more play. I will try TK's tactics

In our case, I think he just didn't learn to play till late (rescue pup) and is only half way there - hope so, because its so much easier exercising a ball chaser!

me either!

Ha, same here! Bought one this week. However, only had tennis balls and he can destroy them in seconds between fetching them and me getting them back. Need to find something hard and rubbery. Off out now - will arm myself with extra treats.

it might be that you are using the cheap tennis balls,if you use proper ones then they last much much longer.My sprollie can destroy a cheapie in seconds but a proper quality one can last for months,we do however have a free supply as once the mil has finished with them for tennis she gives them to us.

Rubber cricket balls - the soft ones for practice are the way to go. They are bright and indestructable, even for a lab!

Just back from a walk, found tennis ball on the way: I had sausage on me - Mouse spent at least half an hour chasing the ball and brought it back at least 70% of the time - and dropped it each time. Hurrah!

Sausage does get most things done, I find

I'd like to know how to train mine NOT to bring it back. He's a damn nuisance and spends all day dropping his ball (or anything else he can find if you remove the ball!) in your lap, your bucket, the lawnmower, the loo or whatever other object you happen to be near to.

I'll swap for a week for a rest....what wants a mad spaniel?