Dog advice

[Boddie]

My dog refuses to give up its toys.

If I throw a ball, or stick, it does not bring it back and ofter teases me by dropping it, then collecting it and doing one as I get close. Even on the settee it grasps its toys and is very protective.

Any advice?

[galanthus]

Let's be honest, if you had a large glass of gorgeous red wine wld you give it to your dog to play with ? No you wouldn't, he's just appreciating his gifts I can see he would be too cute to resist tho.

My dog does the same as yours a lot of the time, he seems to need us to attempt to steal the toys from him but not to actually take them. Tho I suppose at least he does let us throw them incessantly for small periods inbetween. Try breaking eye contact by turning your head and ignoring him when he's darting at you with it, works with ours. Reverse psychology as per small children lol.

[Kymba]

Your dog is showing his position of Top Dog to you.. It is a show of dominence.. he has it to do as he wants with it and will only let you have it once he has finished with it as in your eyes at this time you are further down the pecking order..
Ignore him and dont make eye contact and you will resume Top Dog status and he will do anything to get you to take the Toy eventually dropping it near you and walking away..

[naturelover]

kymba you took the words out of my mouth,yes he is showing you he is the leader of the pack, ( and i dont mean garry glitter )and what kymba says is correct.

[agrumpycow]

Are all of their toys available all the time?
Some animal behaviourists recommend having toys kept out of reach and giving one at a time. By controlling when and what the dogs plays with will also establish you as 'leader of the pack'.
Must admit tho, I've never tried this. My two mutts are pretty good at sharing their toys with each other and me.
Cute pup by the way

[Gaina]

There's a lady called Jan Fennel who some people don't like but I do. She is very much like Monty Roberts (who I'm also a great admirer of) in her methods of dog training as she 'gets in their heads' and has learned their language. I highly recommend you check out her books.

[coasty]

Although no expert my comments would be,,,

1, There should be dogs toys which he keeps all time and you dont play with. and there should be toys like fetch toys frisbee balls etc that you keep and bring out at play time.
2, If he doesnt release after fetching then ignore him completely he craves your attention, if you just chase him to get them back you are playing his game. You must make him play by your rules.
3, I would also say I dont think its a good idea to allow dogs on sofas etc, this just reinforces the idea he is equal to you.
4. Keep trying I am sure you will get there remember you make the rules. At all times you must be the dominant one