I logged on tonight to see how your session went, sounds like you had a good time and made some progress.

First off I would strongly recommend you get some sort of collar/harness that Alex cannot get out of. My golden retriever who is normally a good girl got out of her collar one time and lunged toward another dog. I didn't want that to happen ever again so I bought her a martaindale colllar. It has a regular collar in the front put a chain in the back, it is not a choke chain and never chokes the dog. What it does it tighten so the dog cannot pull out of the collar. If the dog pulls it tightens but only to a certain point. I high recommend it. The picture here is not very good but I wanted to show you what I was talking about so you know what to look for should you choose to get one.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...=1122614747891

I have never met a dog who didn't like food, the key is you need better treats. People food works the best, I use turkey hot dogs, some people use string cheese, boiled chicken you need something that Alex will go crazy for and do anything for. Keep trying different things until you find the best treat ever!!!!
Once you find this treat then you can teach her to GIVE the ball. To teach her to Give you the ball, you have to offer her the treat and save give. When she gives you(my Golden drops it on the ground so I can pick it up with the chuck it) the ball give her the treat and give her the ball right back and do it again. When she gets it and starts giving the ball up then randomly give it back sometimes throw it for her. Continue to give her a treat so giving it to you. Think of it as a trade for the ball, if she won't give it to you then hold the treat in front of her nose and say give again. It's important to remember dogs don't english so just by saying give she doesn't have clue what you want. You could say smile and get the same result. You are teaching her what Give means.

I might also suggest you do your training at Alex's house, the park has to many distractions.
Sorry this is so long. Keep up the good work. This dog really needs you.
Gina