First off, I played that video and my rattie was on my lap...she wanted to know where that squeaky toy was! Then when Lucifer started barking, oh my...she was going to find that other dog that was obviously playing with HER toys. It doesn't appear aggressive to me, mine is very vocal when she plays, and she loves to play rough.

Anyway, I taught drop it by having some high value treats handy. When your dog brings you something in his mouth, present the treat so he has to drop the toy (if he wants to eat the treat!).  Grab the toy before you actually give the treat. When he's dropping pretty consistently when you present the treat, give the command as he drops it. My command is DROP IT, but you could use anything you like.

Good luck, and I am very envious of your dogs tail! I love tails on ratties.

There are 2 schools of thought as far as I know on how to teach your dog to drop or give and they both work, but one is not so politically correct because it is force training where you pinch the dogs mouth and he drops whatever. This has been used for retrievers for years and it does work and no it does not break the dogs spirit or cause permenant damage. Now the other way is to give the dog a reason to drop the toy, I use tiny small treats I ike chicken hot dogs best small pieces so they are gone fast and play can resume or training.

Scott

Well, you've gotten your advice.  I just want to tell you that I watched the videos and they were a hoot.  I love the big ball -- and who is the dog that was just taking it all in? 

Another great way to teach a dog to drop the ball is to have another ball in your hand when he brings the original ball back to you, and say "drop it" ... or "give" (I use "drop it". When the dog drops the ball, reward with a treat, pick up the ball and throw the other ball... keep repeating.

If you train this with a tennis ball, the dog will be less likely to try to play tug of way with it. Once the dog responds to the "drop it" command with the ball, then you can play with the stuffed toys and even play tug-o-war. But I would not encourage playing tug-o-war when you are trying to teach the command.... otherwise it may confuse the dog. (just my opinion)