Help me with my border collie!?

Question

I have a 9 year old border collie that LOVES to play fetch. He'll play for hours on end. But the problem is when he brings it back he refuses to drop it and let me have it. He plays like a "keep away" game. I've tried having another ball ready for him when he gets back with the one he was chasing so he drops it and goes after the next one, but I'd really like to get him to actually let me have it.

How do I train him to drop it so I can have it back, or is he too old to learn how to? Thanks!

Answer 1

I wonder if that's a border collie thing. Because my 4 year old does that too. I usually just throw another ball and grab the one he dropped and throw that next.

No matter what I do he won't drop it. You probably can't train him though

Answer 2

hey i taught my dog to 'let go' of his toy when i want to throw it.

it took me ages lol, because he was the same, he didn't want to give it to me!

everytime i was trying to get the ball out of his mouth i would say 'let go'. when he did give it up or i forced him to give it up lol, i'd tell him goodboy and throw the ball.

it did take a while, but know he will drop the ball on the 'let go' command.

see if that works for you. you just need patience!

Answer 3

When he brings it back, say "drop it" or "leave it", and have a treat visible. He should be distracted by the treat, and leave the ball to get the treat.

After a bit of this, start hiding the treat in your fist. He'll still count on a treat, and still get one, but he wont have to see it.

After this, start rewarding only every few times. He'll count on getting rewarded, but it's anyone's guess when you'll give the treat.

Then, resort to no treat at all. Always praise--eventually, he'll keep going for praise alone.

Answer 4

When he won't drop it , turn your back and walk away. Say nothing.

Only throw it when he drops it.

BE CONSISTENT WITH THIS>

Answer 5

i agree with the person above me. it worked for my labrador. but your dog is 9 years old. you cant teach an old dog new tricks. he has already set his ways. but u can try.

i wish u the best of luck =)