Resource Guarding - So Much for Progress

First don't be harsh on yourself you are doing fine, remember he is still a pup and learning.
 
Something you can try, get a toy or ball throw it and when he gets it say drop to him, You might have to gently take it out of his mouth then pick it up and throw it again. Soon he will learn.
 
I found this to be good with my dog everytime I threw the toy he would chase it, then when he had it I would call him back gently take it out of his mouth and say "drop it" at the same time. This is how he learn't.

I have an update. Shippo dropped-it for me a few nights ago when he picked something up in the house he wasn't supposed to have. I was so pleased... Weeee! *Dances around him* I just have to keep working with him every day on this, and I know I can get it down! >^_^<

Xerxes was on the hunt yesterday and found an injured bird.  I told him to leave it and he complied...but only because there were squirrels in the area.  I was still pretty proud though.

I've also had only limited success with "leave it".  Zoey and Roxy were beating each other up if a piece of kibble hit the floor so I started working hard on "leave it".  Now when a kibble drops on the floor and I yell "leave it", Zoey sits perfectly and looks up at me and Roxy makes a dive for the kibble (her nickname is Ms. Piggy Pooh).  Oh well- at least there are no more fights!
 
The other day Tanker found a cookie on the road while we were walking.  I told him "leave it" and reached into my bag for his treats, but he valued the cookie more and wouldn't give it up- he managed to swallow it. 
 
So, I know just how ya feel- sometimes I feel like I'm beating my head against a brick wall, but it really is two steps forward and one step back.  I'm sure we're making progress- and you are too- but its just not 100% yet. 
 
 

in addition to trading, do you often give the original object back plus something else? this seems to really make an impression on dogs. Hey, they think, if I drop it on command or leave it, I'll get it and something else!
 
You can buy quite a few commercial treats that are very tasty, healthy, and stand up well to living in pockets. I think all puppy owners should always have some treats in their pockets at all times, just in case. Try the treats at    [linkhttp://www.aplaceforpaws.com/treats.html]http://www.aplaceforpaws.com/treats.html[/link]

Cheetah- I know this is OT,  but I noticed you changed your avatar. When is Shippo annd Evee gonna be in it? Just wondering, Shippo is so danged cute.