The Importance of Balls

The weimaraner is historically a hunting dog known for his soft mouth.  Right from the start, I was amazed at how gentle Thor is when taking treats from my hands. 

There is a bin of balls (racquetball & tennis balls) that sits in my backyard.  In her youth, Vada would retrieve (after the behavior had been taught with a clicker). Glitterbug will chase balls that I throw but will not bring them back.  Both dogs have always ignored the bin unless I initiate a game. 

Yesterday, Thor discovered the ball bin!  Now, when he goes outside, he goes straight to the bin and gets a ball.  He carries the ball proudly around the yard, even while peeing, and likes to shake "kill" it.  If I take the ball to throw for him, he will chase it but doesn't want me to take it again.  So for now, I am simply praising him for carrying it and, more importantly, allowing him to keep the ball when he comes to me after being called.  That's a hard one for him; he hasn't quite learned to trust that he can get near me without losing his precious ball.  But he is learning.  I do take it away when we come back in the house as I don't want him to chew it up and risk swallowing pieces.  He lets go very well but I can tell he is disappointed!