Spaniel Retriever Training Question #1

[scfundogs]

I have two Cockers, both do very well with "here" in various environments
(still using long line just in case). They've been clicker trained and I've
incorporated a spaniel whistle for the last couple of months. They seem to
understand what's expected of them via verbal & whistle command. "Here" is
one of the original commands we started teaching them at 8 weeks and have
been proofing ever since (they just turned a year old on Friday).

I'm running into problems when training with dokkens. The dogs, no matter
what kind of treat I have, don't want to bring their catches back. They'll
either lay down with them or try to run off to a "safe" place, away from us.

The fetch is great, their enthusiasm incredible and I don't want to do the
wrong thing when trying to correct this problem. Other than constantly
reeling them in is there anything else I can do to teach them that bringing
the birds back to me is a good thing? I'd hoped that repetition would show
them that bringing the bird back gets treats/praise & the chance to fetch
again but I can't seem to overcome their desire to keep their prizes to
themselves.

--
Tara