Thursday, July 2, 2009

Ball Chasing for Dummies

(Or maybe just for poodles, who, erm, sometimes need a little instruction in the fine art of chasing bouncy squeaky things. Luckily I'm only half-poodle, and my Retriever side comes out when squeaky balls are being thrown.)

Anyway, on to the fool-proof* instructions.

First, show the ball thrower that you are well-behaved (at least temporarily) and can be trusted in the park.


Second, Keep Your Eye On The Ball


Third, a good launch is important

Although there is no one 'perfect launch'
Fourth, race after the ball with enthusiam

Fifth, remember to KEEP your eye on the ball



Because if you don't, well.... Sometimes you completely miss it... Which is kind of embarrassing... Especially when your Mom gets pictures of it...


If you are watching the ball, you can catch it out of the air (or at least try)!




Of course, once you've got it, it is equally important to go racing back to the ball-thrower. Ear-flappage, while not imperative, adds style points. As does using your tail as a rudder.

Because you want them to throw it again, right away!

And there you have it. Ball chasing made simple.

Did I mention that I went to The Park today? And that Dad can throw the ball a LONG way (whereas Mom tends to throw like, well, a girl...)? I really like this whole Park thing. And my Green Squeaky Ball? Best. Ball. Ever.

*I did mention that this might not work for poodles, right?!? ;-)

*kissey face*
-Fiona

26 comments:

Ms. ~K said...

We enjoyed our visit here!!!

Martha said...

Oh my Fiona - that was so impressive when you caught the ball in the air and ran back with your ears aflapping!!!
We wont mention the one you missed....after all we would never have known except your mom took the photo.
So embarassing - mums!!!
love
Martha & Bailey xxx

1000 Goldens said...

Fiona - you look like one of those Olympic athlete girls. I especially like the "fly through the air, ear flap forward" pose! My Mom throws like a girl too. Usually I just stand there and stare at her. "Are you serious? Is that all ya got?" It is a little embarrassing.

The Army of Four said...

Ah wooooo! I love your action shots!
Luv,
Dave

Dexter said...

I don't understand. You mean you actually have to RUN? Where is the fun in that?

Slobbers,
Mango

Astrid Keel said...

oh my dog! what a great tutorial! I wish my ear flapped that way too. :)

Lorenza said...

Hi, Fiona!
Thanks for sharing your techniques. Now, I just need a park to practice them!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

Wow Fiona...I can only catch raggy dolls. You catch balls REAL good. You are also very well behaved. My Mommy says if I would just listen to her instead of chasing squirrelies and birdies then I could be "off leash" too. It is sooo hard...

Happy Smileys!
Dory

bichonpawz said...

WAHOO! Great pics of the ball game!!! Love your technique....we won't talk about that one little mistake! Wish we could play with you!! Hugs from Chloe and LadyBug the NY BichonFrises

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

I'm impressed...

It is so NOT on my list of things I do!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

koko said...

Hi Fiona, thanks for the ball catching 101. Those are great techniques and you are really good at it. It seems so much fun...

xoxo

MJ's doghouse said...

well fiona good catch...i sometimes run to the ball...and tell mom...here it is..come and get it..and walk away...i will go after sticks in the water though...just not those darn balls..cuz humans are not so smart...i found that when i returned the ball....they threw it again...geez...get it yourself next time...that is how i feel anyhow..but good for you

Checkers & Chess said...

you actually caught the ball Fi and took it back to them! WHOA...I "fetch" it then make them chase me for the privilege of throwing it again! Good job girl! But please don't give my daddy any ideas about me dropping the ball once I get it!

The Oceanside Animals said...

hello fiona its dennis the vizsla dog hay i --- oooooohhhhh ball!!!! ball ball ball!!!!!!! ballllllllll!!!!!!!! ok bye

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What fun!! And you looked absolutely beautiful doing it.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Java

Abby said...

Hi, Fiona...

You are quite the expert...Thanks for the great lesson...

I love the catch in mid-air...

Abby xxxooo

Moose said...

Ha! This might not work for labbies either! Moose has no idea that he is a retriever ;-). We agree on the ear flappage though, definite cuteness points! We wanted to thank you for your generous donations to the labbies. I picked a sort of bad time to post it with the holiday weekend but hope that yours will be the first of many! Thanks so much and scrathes to Fiona!
Moose + Dana

Brind'Amour Clumbers said...

Wow, that was really something. Your focus abilities are magnificent!

Wiggles,
Brind'Amour

Elizabeth said...

Fiona, you have cool skillz.
Buster would like to play with you.
But you have longer legs than he does.
His Mum is English but lives in New York.

Doby and Lola said...

Fiona-
We are really bad at the whole ball chasing-fetch thing. We usually go and get it and then just sit down and chew on it. Mom and dad always laugh. All that running must make you pretty tired! Anyway, you look really good at it!

-Doby and Lola-

Nancy at the Farm said...

You're a born teacher! You should have classes! BOL!

Love, Dozer, Dottie and Cooper

Daisy Dog said...

Excellent form!

Heather and Pumpkin said...

I think that ball is the size of my head!

xoxo
Pumpkin

Taffy said...

Hey Fi! I used to fetch but at 10, it is not on my top 10 any longer. You, on the other hand, are great at it. I think it is ok that your mom throws like a girl...she catches the perfect shots of you instead!
Love and hugs,
Twix

Mason Dixie said...

Looks like you and I could have loads of fun in the yard with balls. =)

Unknown said...

HA! Ha! Fiona - it's easy to see that you're a pro! :-) Great instructions - and you looked like you were having an awesome time!

My human also can't throw to save her life - that's why I'm so thankful that they got that long plastic arm thing otherwise I would never get to chase anything!!

Slobbers,
Honey the Great Dane