Hello
I think I have another training problem. Ive always wanted to take part in flyball competitions with my dogs and I thought it would be a good hobby for me and my OH to do together as its a team sport. Whereas lots of other doggy activities tend to be for individuals.
Dexter has started training since turning one with a view to competiting next summer. He was a natural from the first run and loves it. My youngest Clover is coming up to 8 months so we've started letting her practice running up to the box, collecting a ball and running back to me. However she never naturally took to it.
Shes always loved gun dog activities so I decided to get her doing gun dog work with a tennis ball to her her used to running towards me with a ball. As well as a few blind reteives. This back ground knowledge really helped Dexter with the basics of flyball so I thought it could hurt with Clover. However the more I do with her the more I think her mouth is too small for a tennis ball. She can floorlessly collect a dumbell, soft toy or frisbe but as soon as shes presented with a tennis ball it all falls to pieces. Do you think her mouth could be too small or is it a case that I need to stick with it and let her get used to it? She is only a tiny cocker (8kgs). But ive seen small terriers competing at flyball without a problem....
Im fully aware this is a prob a stupid question.
But its really fustrating. Ive managed to her her carrying a ball that is a tiny bit smaller than a tennis ball but cant seem to get her past this stage. So what are people opinions? is it a case of persiverance and practice? Build her up gradually Or are so small dog physically incable of carrying a tennis ball?
I know there are other activites that shes a natural at and I should stick with them but flyball is the one that I thought we could all do and enjoy together (cheesy I know). Shes such a natural retevier and does it at top speed. I was hoping she'd apply this to flyball. I think if she was doing it with a different toy shed take to it naturally but its tennis balls or nothing if i want her to compete.
Any thoughts are much appreciated