To give the ball, or not give the ball? That's the question.

[TheRookie]

Simple question. im using the tennis ball as my GSDs motivation toy. she likes to play fetch with it but its not something she goes absolutely crazy about. i dont leave tennis balls outside for them to play with whenever they want. i thought it would be best to keep it only for training time.

is this the right idea, or is it okay to let them have balls all the time?

oh, she is almost 6 months old and is trained in the basics. she loves the small treats that ive always used to train with, but im trying to redirect her motivation from the treats to the ball. so im currently reducing the frequency in which im giving treats during "maintenance" training. i give more during more intense training on things she has not mastered yet.

thanks,
Jeremy

[TheRookie]

i just thought id post some cute pics my 7 year old daughter took the other day at the dog park...1.JPG2.JPG3.JPG4.JPG

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

If you want to use the ball to relieve her restless spirit, I would suggest keeping them up (as you are doing). The dogs will become more excited when they get the chance to play. Also, keep in mind that some dogs really just prefer different toys. Some like tugs more and some like balls.

As far as transferring to using the ball as a reward - I wouldn't worry too much about that, but instead use what is convenient at the time. For, instance you do not want to throw a ball in your house late at night if you give a command. Sometimes it will be easier to give a treat, sometimes affection. Gage what you think is going to motivate the dog most at the time and is most appropriate for the situation, you don't have to stick to one reinforcer.

It is good that you are starting to use an intermittent schedule with the treats for commands the dog knows well. Remember, to still praise every time so that your dog knows she still did well. Intermittent schedules are better once the dog knows the exercises (more resistant to extinction if you don't have the ability to treat every time).

[TheRookie]

okay thanks mike.

and yes, regardless of whether i give the treat or not, i ALWAYS praise them for doing good. i say "good girl" or "good girls" all day long! i've actually begun to talk to my kids in the same tone when they do something positive. kinda weird.

even though they are house broken, every time they pee or poo and i'm outside to see it (or when they sit by the door to let me know they need out to relieve themselves), they get lots of praise. when they are getting into something they shouldn't be and i tell them no....i praise right when the respond to my NO command. every time they come to me when i call.....i praise (because i want them to follow commands when there are distractions like when the start to chase the cat back across the street. which they stop at the sidewalk about 90 percent of the time).

they don't get food, water, treats, toys, get to come inside or go outside without doing a simple command first (usually sit, or sit and down). then they get praise along with the reward of whatever i am giving them. they are great dogs and they love to please.

the only downside with having two dogs, is it's impossible to play fetch. every time the one with the ball should be bringing it back to me, the other dog disrupts the return and i never get the ball back. and, it is very difficult (impossible) to get them to walk well on the leash together (one dog per person). if the other dog, or even kids are in front of them....they pull. so i have to take them out individually to play fetch and go for a proper walk, or to work on the Heel (i use Foos. i don't like the term heel cause everyone who thinks they've trained their dog so well and try to show off by making them heel. so they end up looking dumb saying heel a bunch of times with absolutely no response from the dog. "My brother")

anyway, thanks again mike,
Jeremy