Steve, usually I am standing still. Getting her to go after a ball or bring it back really isn't the problem - very eager to do both - will actually sprint back to me if I crouch down. The issue was getting the ball back from her. That is when she would shy away.

But the whole reason I was experimenting with 'fetch' was that it was good exercise. Yes, we go to parks but not necessarily every day. Walks are a bit of a challenge and, to be honest, are more "training" in practice than exercise. She likes to pull me. So, I've limited them to short frequent walks (2-3 10 minute walks) with lots of food - getting better, but again, in my mind, I'm thinking she's thinking, "What exactly or how exactly do you want me to walk with you, lady!" So not just pure fun or exercise but learning.

She is a much better puppy when she is tired! So just looking for options in that way, but sort of bumped into a training bump with 'out'.

But that does bring me to your point, Anne, of mental exhaustion. Maybe I should focus more on exhausting her mentally - hiding toys etc. Maybe even the short, frequent walks are good, too.

This just seems to come in waves - got it, got it, doing well....wait, what do I do now?! So thanks for your help...

And I'm sure I've conflicted my dogs, my kids, my husband (for sure him!) and others plenty of times, just being sensitive, I suppose.

Sprinting back to you when you crouch down is along the lines of what I'm getting at. She's enjoying chasing and getting the ball, now you want to show her that its fun to bring it back to you. Your not worried about a chewy grip or anything so if she'll play two ball or run back and spit it for a treat, go ahead. Keep moving while you play so she's interested in you and don't try in the beginning for perfection. When she's running towards you show her the other ball or treat,make it exciting so she'll drop the other ball and go after the bait. Pick up the first ball and keep going.

The idea is to make the interaction with you whats fun, not just chasing the ball.

The out doesn't have to be a conflict if it's done as part of a game. The conflict can come in if your trying to reward with a lesser item of value then what the dog has.
Body position can also play a part in creating conflict with soem dogs. You don't want to bend over the pup?dog when it brings the toy back to you. Squat, kneel, sit on the floor or a chair and let the dog come to you.

Soooo much better these days!!! Thanks for all your suggestions.

I started using two balls and kneeling for her to come back to me - roaming the yard - talking with her the whole time. We both enjoy it.

This morning one of the balls went under the fence and was out of her reach. I let her have the one I had and tried to get it, but couldn't. I'd almost swear she was laughing at how ridiculous I must have looked. She then dropped the ball, I picked it up and threw it again. She came back and dropped it again. We did a few more tosses. Tremendous progress....but I'll probably go back to playing with two balls this afternoon. In a few days, I may even try using the out word again!

But now a different dilemma.....I'll start a new post.

 Quote: Lisa Harvey

Soooo much better these days!!! Thanks for all your suggestions.

That's GREAT!