Stop being possessive

so Marley starting to become really possessive with sticks on our walk, he used to fetch them every time I threw one and drop it when I tell him. But lately he's become terrible runs from me when I ask him to drop it, jumps up like a lunatic, and he seems to just want to chew them (which I try to stop) he's also a lot harder to get back on the lead if he has one, I've tried distraction that works sometimes, how do I stop him being possessive? He's not like it with anything else bones etc, just sticks and I know he enjoys me throwing them he usually goes on the hunt for the perfect stick, I also love playing fetch with him but it's hard work now!

Emma ask him to leave the stick using a level and even tone and have a treat handy
soon as he leaves the stick alone give him a treat and plenty praise

It sounds like he's fully in control here! I would stop playing with sticks out on walks until you've got it back in your control a bit more. Play fetch in the garden, stopping when you want, and also not playing fetch sometimes, even if there is a stick there. Also, only throw the stick for him when he is giving you the behaviours you want, in other words that he's brought it back and dropped it when you asked, then waited patiently for it.

If you throw it when he's being manic, then manic is what works. He's only doing what he thinks will get him what he wants!

Spot on Liz! He isn't listening to me at all now, still play fetch in the garden with his fav teddy and he brings it back and drops it at my feet every time it's just sticks, thanx for the advice I'll try what you've said, he's become manic fair play! Thanx both

Hes probably seeing it as a game emma

Yh I think so! He was great to begin with now he hunts for a stick and once he has one that's it he's not interested in anything else, think I'm going to stop and just play more in the house see how he gets on

Agree with Liz, also how old is he now as it could be the start of the teenage phase

He's just over 5 months he's great with everything else it's just bloody stick he goes into manic mode lol!!

In that case Liz's advice is excellent and make sure everyone who handles him understands the game plan

Yep will do thank you!