Oh you have my sympathy in bucket loads. Archie is a ball thief and, adding that to his guarding problem it can be a nightmare. I have tried everything but cannot train him to give up the ball when out on a walk. Back at the car, yes. At home, no problem. In a field with an owner clearly showing to him that this ball is a very high value object and worth holding on to? Forget it. I can't run the risk of him becoming aggressive with an owner trying to wrench a ball out of his mouth. He never has yet but I know it's a possibility, however small. Some owners are good and listen to me when I tell them to ignore Archie and walk away but others rant and rave as if he's picked up the Crown Jewels! The "don't worry, I'll get it off him" from people who have never met my dog drives me nuts. I'm afraid I get really cross when people throw their ball in our direction or don't retrieve their ball from their dog before letting it come over to say hello. Archie knows not to go after a ball from a distance. That was done with lots of "focus on me" training and off lead heal work. The problem is balls that get put down in front of him by a dog that has come to say hello or that gets thrown in his general direction from behind us so I haven't had a chance to put him in the lead. I wish ball throwers would be more thoughtful and considerate rather than just have a go at me! If it's that precious, leave it at home or don't throw it near other dogs. (Sorry, rant over!)
The good news is, Archie is now loads better and, as I say, I can keep him away from balls and dogs at a distance. If they are close I always put him on the lead and I will ask owners to keep hold of their ball as he is a thief. I have to admit though, I do not take Archie to parks much and, despite it being on my doorstep, I never go to the beach. An on lead beach walk is no fun and there are balls flying about all over the place. It's such a shame.
