Yes, they are both predictable, Haha.

He taught in steps.  The dog may have known how to hold the stick and naturally hit the ball when it was thrown.

That’s how I think he did it. I think the dog naturally held the stick and would shake its head. Then the owner worked from there.

Sounds likely. Then just replace the stick with a plastic bat. I've seen numerous dogs carry all kinds of sticks, branches, etc. home and so to work from there would probably be easier. But getting him to swing to throw the ball I thought was the cutest... he seems to really like it.

FWIW

He had fun.

I think they both were having fun! (* CHUCKLE *)

FWIW

They were.