This Girl & Her Ball.

In case you didn't know, this girl here is obsessed...with tennis balls. I think probably more than half of my photos of her include a ball in her mouth or nearby somewhere!

But why would I want to stop her? Look at how happy she is with that ball!

Really though, that ball is her kryptonite. So whenever we go out anywhere I try to bring a ball with me. With Ziva a ball works better than treats, but don't try and fool her. It HAS to be a tennis ball or she'll snub whatever silly ball you try to replace it with. Forget about those hard rubber balls I tried to introduce because they would last longer. Instead I'm stuck hoarding tennis balls like a maniac! And I have to take them away when we're done playing or else she'll pull them apart into tiny little bits.

"Bit maker, that's me!!"  ~ Ziva

Recently I went for a trail run with Ziva, and just in case we saw another dog I like to bring a ball to redirect her attention. It works like a charm! She'll watch me and maybe just cast a couple glaring glances at the other dog as we or they go passed. 

On this particular trip we didn't see anyone else which is always nice, but whenever she's giving me good eye contact I'll hand her the ball to carry for a while. It's kind of a fun back and forth game that we play and it keeps her engaged with me while we are out and about.

What's your favorite training tool 

for when you are out and about?