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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

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Original poster

Ball obsessed Springer

13 replies

sillyrubberduck · 22/08/2017 10:20

Our beautiful boy, 8 months old springer spaniel has become ball obsessed . He just goes into a trance every time a tennis ball is around. He is normally an absolute delight, loving, cuddly, loves to play with other dogs and children, likes to chew toys and loves treats, the friendliest dog ever. Unless……there is a ball present!!! Then he will go into a trance and has eyes only for the ball, completely loosing interest in everything else. He looks crazy !!
He expects us to throw the ball over and over again in a non ending game of fetch. He could go on all day with no other interaction if we would only ‘play ball’
We are now hiding the ball and only bringing it out on walks however I do feel mean and feel sorry for him, as he carries on looking for it for a while but it is the only way to have our lovely, friendly dog back.
Is this normal ? Please help !!

OP posts:

Honkyzeke · 22/08/2017 10:28

It could be a very good training aid! His reward whenever he does something right.

BiteyShark · 22/08/2017 10:29

My cocker spaniel around 9-10 months suddenly developed a ball obsession and like yours would play ball until he passed out from exhaustion.

We limit ball time to around 5-10 mins at a time and then ignore him when he comes in and repeatedly drops his ball at our feet wanting us to play

cathyandclare · 22/08/2017 10:32

Our lab is like this, we do what Bitey does, or after a while put the ball in our pockets. He's 4 and has now got the message! I'm tempted to get one of those automatic ball throwers, but I'm worried I'd get distracted and he'll have run himself to death

Original poster

sillyrubberduck · 22/08/2017 10:43

BiteyShark, if we ignore the ball at our feet, he will pick it up and put it on our laps if sitting down.
I have tried using it as a reward but he just sits there staring and waiting for you to throw it. Would not engage in whatever you are trying to make him do.
If ball not around he would happily comply for a treat. He's very clever though and well trained... apart from walking on the lead. He pulls like hell. Might try to use the ball as a reward somehow.

OP posts:

BiteyShark · 22/08/2017 10:46

I now take a ball out with me and sometimes use it as a reward for recall so we play a bit after he comes back.

Original poster

sillyrubberduck · 22/08/2017 11:16

Great ideas ! Thank you !

OP posts:

Floralnomad · 22/08/2017 11:35

My patterdale x has always been ball obsessed and he's 7 now . We only allow balls on walks and if someone is specifically playing with him in the garden otherwise it's just unpleasant for everyone including him . Over the years he has become obsessed about other toys indoors and we've had to remove them for sanity sake , these are mainly things that move and not necessarily dog toys e.g. Gogo hamsters / walking and barking Pluto dog .

Floralnomad · 22/08/2017 11:36

Forgot to say if we let ours have a ball indoors and we won't throw / kick it he just whines and gets worked up .

LimeJellyHead · 25/08/2017 11:04

Obsession is the right word for it and in fact if you think of it as an obsession then you will feel better about limiting the ball to short play sessions only. Obsessions are stressful, for the dog too.

I have had two ball obsessed dogs and although they are initially distraught when play ends and their fav toy is put away, they will eventually relax and almost feel relief that they can stop obsessing about it for a bit.... if that makes sense.

Give them something rewarding to do each time the ball is put away -
something that will last and they can do quietly in their bed, like a chew or stuffed treat toy... something that keeps them engaged but also allows them to start calming down and stop thinking about the item they obsess over.

starsorwater · 25/08/2017 11:11

Our border collie would be the same if we let her. Ball is now a treat maybe twice a week for half an hour. It's not cruel- they miss interaction, play, exploring if you let the ball take over.

flutterby12 · 25/08/2017 11:14

goifetch.com

Maybe one of these would help? A lot of money,
I know.

On a serious note, use the ball as a reward 😊

pepperlookslikebumcheeks · 25/08/2017 11:20

Omg my jack cross does this it drives me mad! Had to resort to not taking it out on walks now because she just will not socialise with other dogs when the ball is around. Can't even say the word have to spell it as she knows the word!
Good advice on here x

Cocobananas · 25/08/2017 13:56

I initially used the ball on walks as a distraction away from chasing wildlife or bothering other dogs. Worked a treat until I realised how much she values the ball. We now play for only a few minutes and then it goes back in my pocket and I scatter some treats around for her to find and then put her on lead for a bit to calm down and refocus back on the walk. Balls live in the dog cupboard. Same process if we play ball in the garden. She only obsesses about tennis or small balls not ones on ropes or footballs😗
On similar topic would appreciate some advice on being possessive over toys, not with her human family but other dog friends. Friends lab picked up her air kong in our garden and she snapped at him even though they get on really well out on walks?

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