Too old to start?

wildspot

Ok, Skip isn't old, she is 4. But I was wondering if 4yo is a bit old to start teaching her something like flyball? She lives on a farm, comes home occasionally. She went to puppy classes but thats it. She can sit and come, is excellent off lead, and well socialized. I realise I would have to do some obedience with her first...

Also, I have been trying to teach her how to fetch. She will chase the ball and pick it up, but when i call her to bring it back she drops it and runs back minus the ball. She loves balls, will chew them till they are destroyed, but she won't carry it back to me. Any ideas?

CheyAut

I wouldn't think so! Just make sure she's physically fit and not carrying any extra weight.

I started my first agility dog when he was 4 and he did excellent My Malamute I have now, started him in puppy agility but then I took years off, he just started back in beginners again two sessions ago (each session is 8 weeks) and he will be 5 this May. So, nope, not too late

wildspot

Oh, she is fit. She comes on rides with me when I ride my horses, so she would run a couple of k's a week. Not an ounce of fat on her and never gets tired!

Ok then, I guess the only thing now is that she won't carry the ball, unless it is to run away from me lol...

jimmycarter

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Criosphynx

you n eed to teach the behavior in reverse. Start with her holding the ball. Then giving it to you...then toss it a foot away and bringing it back... remember to praise when they get it right and not to throw it again if they don't bring it back.

go slow...shes get it.