Stealing the ball from her sister and refusing to "give"

[Sheree Small]

Zoey our 1 yr Golden doodle loves to play ball. She loves most to steal our other dog's ball from her mouth. Star is a ten year old lab and Zoey gets the ball every time if tthey are in the same vicinity. I think my only option here is to throw balls in opposite directions or play separately.
My worse problem is that Zoey will drop the ball into my hand with a "give" command until she is done and doesn't want to play any more. Then she gets lock jaw and nothing I do will make her release. It makes me so mad that she won't mind. I know I am the adult, but it is frustrating. I think I should try offering a treat to trade, but never seem to have one when she does this. She seems to forget she knows "give" and be determined to not give up the ball. Thoughts?

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

I remember Doggy Dan advising that we humans decide when games are started and over, not the other way around. So, I suppose that I would end the game while she is still dropping, and before she decides, 'game over.' Good luck! :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yep. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yes, exactly!  I would never give her the option of making that decision.  Also, I often will have separate "ball games" with my two guys, so that my little one has at least a fair chance of actually getting the ball before his brother takes it.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Yes, I agree that this is a great opportunity to practice your leadership skills with her!  There is also a great opportunity to practice the "down-stay" command with Zoey while Star goes out to get the ball.  You could alternate with the two of them, staying or being released. You might need to keep Zoey leashed at first until she gets the idea.

[Sheree Small]

Down/stay is a great idea. It will be a challenge as she and Star are both pretty ball crazy but they both know those commands. Doing while the other is getting to chase a ball I can see will be a fun challenge. Thanks for the idea.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Have a leash handy and leash the dog who is in the down stay until you are sure they will perform the command.

[Missy]

I don't have professional advice, but from our similar experiences with our 2 yr old dood, I found that by making him 'sit', he is more apt to know I mean business with the commands.

I read somewhere, that the sit command is one dogs understand the most as opposed to 'no jump', 'leave it', 'wait'. and I use it all the time!

Our dood will bring the ball back and 'drop', but when he is bored of the game, he tries to make you 'chase' him. And like Cindy stated: you have to be the one to decide when things happen.  So, I take my cue that he is bored of the game, but insist on him to sit, then give the 'drop' command again. No one gets to move until this task is done.  And I only say 'sit' once, and wait a few seconds or minutes.  He heard me and is mulling it over in his head and I stand there.  There is usually a big sigh from him as he sits and then proceeds to drop the ball.

His reward: change out of toys into the 'chase' game he wants to play!!

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

A big sigh? That's adorable! So cute. Love that story. Good on you Missy, for insisting. I think it's not easy to stay strong when these pups are so adorable. On a walk recently I heard my husband ask Rip, "Where are we going?" as he was led over to a sniff spot. I had to remind DH that WE decide, not the other way around - so he should use the release cue if he allows Rip to turn us around and sniff. Also when they're overall well-behaved pups it's easy to slack off, but it can be a slippery slope that we may pay for in the end! ;) Training/leadership for me seems to take vigilance and willpower - like my eating habits :) Stay strong!

[Missy]

Cindy,

yes, he is very dramatic!  this is our first dog and we set out with goals in mind of what we expect from him, and I think the pup came with what he expected from us!  I made sure from Day 1, there was a new boss in town and poor Teddy has yielded to the leader.  But he is so expressive with his eyes and grunts and sighs, you can tell he is wanting to rebel! lol

our bird vet said that we had to be in control or the poodle in him will take OVER.  And yes, there are days that I don't 'train' or 'look the other way', and then the dog does what he wants!  so, I try to stay focused EVERY day!  

yes, I love the personalities of these pups!  Even when they do something wrong it makes me laugh and want to take pictures.  I have learned to be strong and keep my face straight, but I just want to kiss him!!

My DH understands how fun a listening dog is and works with me on the 'rules' and such, but like you said, vigilance and willpower must be there!! 

Rippley is a cutie!!  And I am sure he is a well mannered dog!!    

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

That's so great, I admire your self control. And yes, Rip's such a love and doing very well for 1 yr. old, thanks! Though I still catch myself sometimes taking his cues and then I'm like, Doh! (Homer Simpson sound effect;) I need to apply what I've learned and project authority... Rip can tell how serious (or not) I am! They are smartie pants, these guys.

[Sheree Small]

Thanks to all for reminding me that training always continues. I was much more vigilant when Zoey was a young pup, but I have to admit that I have slacked off a lot and now she is in that stubborn teen phase. We did better today with some work on "sit/stay" while we played, and finished when I was done. Thanks! We all went inside happy.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Good work Sheree. It's great to hear that your play time finished on a happy note.  Tara is 6 now and we ran into some behavior problems recently due to my not being diligent and consistent with her.  My DK friends were kind enough to remind me that, as you said, training always continues. :)