My pointer has been playing with a Boxer.  The boxer loves to be chased with an object in his mouth.  Now, my pointer enjoys running around the backyard with an object trying to get us to chase her.  I have to admit it is very fun to watch...  But, my question is could us chasing her a bit, even though it is playful, cause problems with the whole retrieve/give and other commands?  Even though it is so very cute, I don't want to start mixing messages, and I suspect this behavior could. 

I'm not a gun dog trainer, but since I'm the first person to see your post, I'll give you my opinion anyhow. This is based on my own observations of my own dogs for a lot of years. I am of the opinion that most dogs are intelligent enough to be able to understand two games. My own Lab, for example can play tug of war with me or (in her younger days) run and play the game you describe. She can also bring me something and "give" when I ask. When any of my dogs play tug of war, I can at any time say, "OK....give" and they know the jig is up....time to switch games. LOL. You can use different commands and/or change in your tone from silly play growling (or whatever you do) to a more serious, matter of fact, enough, game over, time to bring that toy and give.

Hope that gives you some idea. It works for me.

Carrie

I would say that it would be best to teach your dog to retrieve and "give" first. Get that under way before you do too much of the other. I just thought of that. I tend to forget sometimes how I went about things. Then in the same session, make a point of showing the difference by switching back and forth a few times. With my little Chi mix boy, he really gets into the tug game. My goodness, he is soooo ferocious, shaking his head back and forth and growling....grrrrrrr...LOL....all fun and games. Then I can say, "OK Jose, enough.....give." And he stops, lets go and steps back in anticipation of my throwing the ball again. He's actually my best retriever. LOL.

Carrie

I'd agree. Sparky loves nothing more than to chase around with something in his mouth, while the girls say they are "coming to get him", but the minute the tone of voice changes slightly, and he is told to "give" (if it's a tuggy game) or hears "leave it, play again" (if he is running off with a football or something) he does. It hasn't affected his normal retrieve, and it's great to see that tail up so high! It also means he can now walk past other people playing ball, and although he desperately wants to join in, and looks over longingly, he will now "leave" the ball and walk past. We were advised to teach "leave" and "give" early, before playing these games, and it's worked for us, though we still have to practise it every day, too.
Tracy