Flyball - first attempt (advice please!)

[ladyt25]

So, I decided it was about time Molly and I found her a 'hobby' and, seeing as she has an obsession with balls I hought we'd have a crack at flyball!

Went to our first session yesterday and she did ok (no problem with jumping or running fast!) but I could do with a little help/advice on training her. Now, Molly suffers a bit with being reactive to other dogs whilst on lead and is also is nervous of strangers so this doesn't help with introducing her to something where a stranger has to hold her at points or encourage her to take a ball from them and I think she got a little overwhelmed last night as a result.

This I can work on and she comes round once she gets used to the situation and the people. However, what we struggled with yesterday was the 'dead' retrieval of the ball. Molly is fab at chasing after and retrieving a ball that's thrown but going to get a ball that has not been thrown is another matter and that is where I could do with some assistance!

What is the best way to teach this? Would you start with doing the retrieve in the house first or start by setting up a similar scenario as you'd have at flyball? How did you fellow fly-ballers start?

Any tips gratefully received!!

 

[weevil]

My dog has similar issues and though he is ball-obsessed and loves to chase balls I used to have problems getting him to retrieve a "dead ball"

I worked on this with him at home. Started on walks by dropping a tennis ball a short distance away from him and sending him out to get it. Once he picked it up and brought it back I threw it for him. He loves chasing balls and so it didn't take him long to realise that he had to bring the ball back to me before I would throw it. I just had to be really strict about not moving and waiting for him to bring me the ball (got some strange looks off other dog walkers but I'm used to that).
Once he got the hang of this I built up the distance from the ball and he is much better now. I can also do this at competitions where he is more anxious to help him focus on what he has to do and get him "switched on"

My dog is also lead reactive and nervous around new people and what really helps is to get the box loader to make friends with the dog. If you can get your box loader playing with your dog (even if it's "non-contact" throwing a ball) she will be happier about running out to the box.

Good luck with the flyball - it's very addictive and great fun

 

[ladyt25]

Thanks for replying. I think I shall try that - I do that a bit anyway but i guess I need to teach her a command for it as well and I thought i should 'reward' her by throwing the ball as that is what her drive is.

I feel she's pretty intelligent so I am hoping she'll pick it up soon although I fear once she does that'll be it, she'll be obsessed!!!