From PSI
Q: My husband and I recently took over ownership
of a 6-year-old Doberman. She is very well trained and loves to play, but she is
very protective of her toys. We have found that we have to play fetch with 2
balls or 2 Frisbees because she is unwilling to drop the toy unless there is
another one to go after. At the end of the game she absolutely will NOT give up
the ball or Frisbee and she ends up chewing it to pieces. This is becoming a
major annoyance. We love to play with her, but hate the struggle of getting the
toy back. It would be so helpful if you could give us some tips on what we can
do to solve this problem.
A: You need to
teach your Doberman the skill of releasing any object when you ask her for it.
Playing the training game “Thank you/ Take it” is a good way to do
that.
This game teaches your dog to take an object gently and then
release it when asked. This game should be “required study” for all puppies, but
it can also be taught to a mature dog.
What to do: Start
with a toy the dog can hold one end of while you hold the other. A plush toy or
braided fleece rope works well.
First liven up the toy by shaking it and
pulling it away to entice her interest. Then say “Take It” and let your Doberman
grab an end. Continue holding the toy while she mouths and plays with
it.
To teach her to release the toy, say “Thank you” and offer a treat in
trade for the toy. Keep hold of your end of the toy and show your dog a yummy
treat in your other hand, held about six inches away from the corner of her
mouth. Most dogs will opt for the treat and let go of the toy. Don’t jerk the
toy away when your dog lets go; just hold it right where it was so she doesn’t
think she’s lost his toy by giving it up to you. (If your dog is more
toy-oriented than food-oriented, offer another toy instead of a treat.) When
your dog lets go, praise “Good Thank You” and give the reward. Then immediately
offer the original toy back, saying “Take It!” Praise, “Good Take it!” when she
grabs on, and let her play with the toy while you keep hold of it
too.
Repeat this several times, ending with “Take it,” and allowing your
dog to keep the toy. Once she learns this skill, you can apply it to your fetch
games. Instead of just “trading” by throwing a second ball or disk, wait for her
to release the one she has. If she teases you with it instead of giving it up to
you, simply sit down, start reading a magazine, and ignore her. Rest one hand on
your lap, palm up in a receiving gesture, and don’t look up from your magazine
until she touches your hand with the toy, trying to give it to you. At first,
this might take a while, since she’s used to “winning” the game of “keep away.”
But after a bit, she will realize you’re not interested in playing keep away. At
that point, if she actually enjoys playing the fetch game, she will give you the
ball (or at least drop it where you can reach it).
If she tries to make
this game a competition with you, quit playing and read your magazine again. The
only way you can “win” is to refuse to play by her rules. This may mean you’ll
be throwing fewer balls or discs for her in the beginning, but once she catches
on to the New Rules of the fetch game – you don’t throw until she gives you what
you ask for – she’ll play the game your way. Be patient – it will pay off.
Meanwhile, enjoy your Doberman’s wonderful qualities – those are far more
important than fetch games in the long run.
