Chase

[Grhyno]

Our 7mth old Border Collie LOVES being chased. At first I worried, with the herding instinct, that it would lead to nipping, but we don't seem to have that problem. The only thing we did make note of was not to chase when he has an object, as that seems (obviously I guess) to interfere with teaching the fetch...which isn't as exciting yet, but he's getting there. My 7yr old son LOVES chasing him so it seems to be a great game for them to play together as they have very similar energy levels.

Is it a good game?

He has a great recall, and I make sure that when we want to end the game, we do a recall and a praise. Just wanted to make sure that's an appropriate type of game for a dog and that I'm not undermining any of his overall training.

Gail

[Mike D'Abruzzo]

Hi Gail,

I would think playing chase with a dog isnt the best game in the world - even though my dog used to love the same thing when i was a kid, and probably good for bonding with your son.

But, when the dog would get loose outside when i was a kid - guess who was also chasing who? she would continue the game for blocks and blocks with a little fat boy (me) chasing after her huffing and puffing!

A better relationship can be built if you do encourage fetch games or even tug games as long as your son is able to follow through with the start the game, stay in control, and end the game rules. Using two balls to start fetch works best.

The more a dog learns to lead play the more difficult it is to teach the other way around.

Definitely good you are starting a good "come" command early.