dog is over energetic & doesnt play fetch

Question
my dog is a yellow lab and is 8mos old, male not spayed/neutered.  I've tried several time to teach him fetch but all he does is pick the toy and run away from me.  He knows how to sit and lie down, but most of the time he jumps on people and still loves to nip & bite. What would be an effective way to teach him how to fetch and to pay attention?he's so hyperactive, the last time i brought him to the vet while driving on the high way he jumped from the car and we played tag at the center of the highway! Your advice will be much appreciated.

Answer
The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

To avoid such dangerous games again, put the leash on before releasing him from the car.  He needs to be secured in the car, in a crate in the back or a harness.  Training him to ride on the floor and keeping the leash on him is OK too.

Consistently is very important in correcting jumping and other problems. Quickly correcting him each and every time he jumps on somebody is very important. He must never get the affection he wants. A number of things have been used. One of the most gentle is to grab his front paws and hold him up. The traditional knee to the chest or step on his paws are fading from use. As part of the the trend away from negative methods, just step backwards leaving his front feet to fall to the floor. After a few tries, the dog may just stand there looking confused.

Young Labs, which I know best, and other puppies tend to very bad about biting. You see a litter of them, and all the ones that are awake are biting another one or themselves. I am not even sure they realize that when they are alone, if they quit biting, they would quit being bitten. At 3 to 4 months they are getting their adult teeth, and it seems they spend every waking moment biting or chewing. One thing you can do at that stage is to knot and wet a piece of cloth. Then freeze it. The cooling will soothe the gums. Only let the puppy have it when you are there to watch it. I maintain a Lab's favorite chew toy is another Lab. Otherwise they settle for any person they can. They keep hoping to find one that won't yelp, jerk their hand away, and leave.

You just have to keep on correcting them, hundreds of times, not dozens. Provide sturdy, safe toys such as Kongs and Nylabones. Avoid things they can chew pieces off and choke on them. Keep them away from electrical cords. Crates are essential for most young Labs and other dogs.

For fetch, throw something.  He will chase it down and run with it.  He will make attempts to get you to chase him like dogs do with each other.  When he gets near, call him to you, and pet him.  He will keep trying to engage you in tug of war.  Wait until he is ready to giv it to you, and then give the command 'Give''.