Ball Crazy

sheard · 01-23-2007, 10:20 AM

I have a 3 1/2 year old Jack Russell (Buzz) and he is ball nuts. At first i thought it was fun and he loved it. My problem is that he won't stop. I thought that if I throw the ball a lot that it would wear him down a little, and it would get some energy out, not the case. After throwing the ball so long I started worring about his health (he just won't stop). I should know better him being a Jack and all. We recently moved to a new home and I decided that no balls where coming with. I found that Buzz will find a ball no matter what, I just can't take the ball away he'll find another. The issue is that once I have the ball in hand he can't contian him self. How can I get Buzz to settle down and listen once I have a ball in hand or there's a ball near by? Is this just wishfull thinking? Any sugestions?

DogAdvocat · 01-23-2007, 02:48 PM

How about an alternative toy, like a kong filled with yummies?

sheard · 01-23-2007, 03:04 PM

I've tried alternative everything, I put some stake at his feet while holding the ball and he dosn't even look at it.

poofywoof · 01-23-2007, 03:50 PM

It will take LOTS of time and patience to change your dog's behavior. Try ignoring him while he is acting crazy. Once he thinks you are ignoring him, he'll eventually try to do other things to get your attention and the ball. Only give him the ball for calm behavior, not wild-doggy jumping. It will take a long time to get the message thru to him, be patient and consistent. Make sure you expect calm behavior from him at other times as well, and reward him for it. Reinforce the calm and IGNORE the wild. Ignoring means totally ignoring him. Don't look at him, don't laugh at him, dont talk to him, walk away even. Patience & consistency. Try teaching him to "settle down" on command to begin you will have better luck teaching this if there is not a ball in sight. Try reading up on doggy zen, it's good info.

sheard · 01-23-2007, 05:41 PM

wow doggy zen looks good. I'll test it out. Thanks

babydolwv · 01-25-2007, 11:25 AM

yeah...i agree totally with ignoring when acting crazy. It has worked really well. Now if i could only get the boys to understand when she is acting like that to ignore her. lol but be patient and consistency, consistency!!! I have started Saddie on the doggy zen as well.

Keno's Mom · 01-25-2007, 02:13 PM

Awwww please don't deny him of the pleasure - you will have a very sad depressed JRT. Why not take a look into Fly Ball competition with him - JRT's excel in that sport. Its fun, and you can control him.

sheard · 01-29-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keno's Mom

Awwww please don't deny him of the pleasure - you will have a very sad depressed JRT. Why not take a look into Fly Ball competition with him - JRT's excel in that sport. Its fun, and you can control him.

I think that's a great idea, but I can't find anyone in my area (Santa Cruz, Ca.). I'm probably just looking in the wrong places, but the search continues.

I have started using the Doggy Zen and found a few books that use the same techniques. Buzz has allready shown improvment, now with the ball around too.