[demonbrat711]

So I have a 7 month old morkie(yorkie/maltese mix) I play with him a lot we play with his toys too... but I have a ball for him... and the problem is every time I throw the ball he runs after it and then just lays down and starts chewing on it.. I want her to bring it back to me and I have tried everything lol he just won't bring it back and I have no idea why.. so if you have any ideas polease let me know:)
Thank you

[simplebowman]

I have a dog that does the same thing, except he runs back and runs by you, then starts chewing on it. What you need to do is whenever he does give it to you, you reward him even if it isn't the same activity. So when you do throw it, he'll think he gets a reward and bring it back.

[carolbcac]

I agree with bowman above. The dog will already chase the ball, so start training the retrieve backward--work on teaching the dog to give you the ball on command. Vary a treat reward with "trading up" to a toy he likes even better. Once he gets the hang of this part and realizes it's fun, he may be able to connect the two and begin retrieving.

[demonbrat711]

OK, but the thing is.. he doesn't even pick up the ball lol... he just runs after it and lays down and chews on it lol... so how can I get him to pick it up and bring it to me.

[froggy7]

Start by offering him the ball with the command "Take". Give him a treat each time he does that. Then you work on "Give", so that he gets rewarded for giving you the ball. Once he does those two reliably, then you start putting the ball on the ground by him and ask him to take and give. Eventually, you put the ball further and further away, until you can throw it and he will run and get it and bring it back.