Playing Fetch Nicely?

Question

How can I get my dog to play fetch nicely? He brings the toy back but he pounces on me as he does it. Also when he wants to play he tries to force himself in.

I would like him to bring me the toy and sit nicely and when he returns the toy after i have thrown it i don't want him to jump on me.

Answer 1

NEVER respond when he is trying to force himself on you.
Ignore him completely or you will have an obnoxious dog that never leaves you alone. In this case, even saying no and putting him away from you is rewarding the behavior. He wants attention, even negative attention is better than none.

You start the game. Get the toy and call the dog. Make him sit. Throw the toy. (Don't throw the toy until he sits) When he brings it back, don't take it. Make him drop it by you. Say over and over "drop it" until he does. This is a "cause and effect" kind of training. Nothing happens until the dog does what you want. This can take hours or days.
DON'T TAKE THE TOY! EVER!
If he drops it briefly then makes a grab for it before you pick it up, turn your back. Ignore him.
The toy isn't thrown again until he drops it and leaves it alone.

Answer 2

You have to be consistent in saying NO. Always reward good actions with something like a dog treat.