Try initially running away from him when he has the ball, then engaging him in a little tug with it (but letting him win) when you get it back. I also think it helps, when training fetch, to always end the game before they get tired or bored, and put the ball away after. That way they're excited to see the ball and resume the game next time.

@@wildmeadow_windhounds9004 Thanks, I definitely will give the run away then tug thing a try. I was spoiled because the first one I had actively played keep away with a ChuckIt Frisbee and that was super fun.

@@michaelmcalpine2891 Or, if your pup isn't interested in fetch, try making a flirt pole. Most silkens go crazy for the chase games.

Congratulations! Which breeder are you getting your puppy from? The off leash thing is very much a risk vs. benefit decision you have to make for yourself and your dog. There's a big group of us in OH that hike off leash with silkens, and the dogs get a lot out of it. I think a lot of old school sighthound people are just not comfortable with off leash, and that's OK too. Silkens are typically pretty easy to train to recall (they're "biddable" sighthounds) and tend to stay close unless zooming or pursuing prey, unlike some sighthound breeds who naturally range and are more independent. When they run, though, they run fast and far. Mine all have excellent recall that I regularly and heavily reinforce but also strong prey drive. We stay well away from roads for that reason, and when we hike off leash, I chose locations carefully and they wear Garmin GPS collars just in case they range out of sight.

Kirsten thank you so much for your insight and reply! We’ve been waitlisted with Imperial Silkens down in Florida. Her one girl charity is being bred hopefully this winter! We’re super excited though and as avid hikers, we’d love to follow suit and have our silken off leash provided that their recall is strong. Something I will most definitely work on as early as I can. The breeder j it’s this as well and will hopefully chose a puppy considering that element as well.

They are awesome! I love my silken boys!

Hi Nadia! Flynn is from WindnSatin in Cincinnati, OH. She has a litter on the ground, sired by Flynn's brother. No idea if the pups are called for, but you could ask. There are a couple of sables. Also, Flynn may be bred at some point next year to a bitch from Sigil Silkens in IN. If you're interested, they have some information about the plans on their website and I'm sure would appreciate your inquiry. But just an FYI! If you're really particular about color, you might be waiting a while for the perfect silken. Breeders usually match pups to owners based on temperament, and sable is pretty uncommon.

Sprinters > endurance athletes is certainly true, but I think many silkens would enjoy trail runs like you describe if conditioned to it. I would say 2 of my 3 would probably really love jogging with you.

Distance runners, one of the sledding breeds would have been a good fit

Flynn weighs 30 lbs.

@@wildmeadow_windhounds9004 thanks for the info, he's awesome!