Hmmm... So you want to teach your dog to fetch a BALL? Well...so did I. But I found out Major doesn't fetch balls. He runs after them and chews on them if they are plastic, or ignores a tennis ball.. He is not starting to retrieve. It could be an age thing, he is 7 months now. But...you also might want to try different toys. Major still won't fetch balls. But he will occasionally fetch sticks, and, if he is 'in the mood' he will fetch a knotted rope toy. That's basically how he learned to fetch..with that toy. I guess this is what I did. I threw it and threw it until he brought it back to me. (again, toy/age thing) Then he would lay down and start chewing, and I'd pet him for a couple minutes. I never offered food, because than he would be so distracted by it that he wouldn't even chase the rope the next time. I just petted him and let him chew it for a while. Then I threw it again and he would go get it, and bring it back to me(usually) Hope that helps somewhat!