work with dogs that aren't really food motivated? Thought it would be an interesting topic for discussion... I've been thinking about this b/c
I've got one in my Saturday class naturally! I find it's much easier to work this type of dog in private lessons because you can bring in toys, and
other "life rewards" that the dog finds motivating. In a class situation, it's much harder to use a toy, or going outside as a reward b/c it
disrupts the rest of class.
What I usually do first of all, is bring different stuff in as there's usually some food that will float a dogs boat - just a matter of finding it. If the dog is toy motivated after class I'll demo how to use a toy as a reward. If the dog isn't a crazy player or doesn't need to fetch I will have them use the toy during class & see how it goes. I also will use leash/collar pressure as negative reinforcement. I think that's pretty much all I have in my arsenal....
The dog in my current class is a great dog - 6 month old wheaten, likes people, can take or leave food/toys, but LOVES other dogs. Owner's done a great job working with him at home and as long as there are no other dogs around he responds to praise, petting, & food. As you may guess, he loves coming to class because he's around other dogs, but getting his attention is not always easy. I've been showing her how to use other dogs as a reward when she's outside (she has neighbors with dogs that can help her) but not the most practical thing in class. The owner has tried a variety of yummy food that my dogs would die for (liver, chicken hearts, lamb lung). Occasionally he'll take something, but usually he just sniffs it and goes "that's nice, but do you see that Golden over there?!?" Not really toy motivated either.
If you have suggestions I'll take 'em, mostly curious as to what other folks do when you get a dog like this in class....
What I usually do first of all, is bring different stuff in as there's usually some food that will float a dogs boat - just a matter of finding it. If the dog is toy motivated after class I'll demo how to use a toy as a reward. If the dog isn't a crazy player or doesn't need to fetch I will have them use the toy during class & see how it goes. I also will use leash/collar pressure as negative reinforcement. I think that's pretty much all I have in my arsenal....
The dog in my current class is a great dog - 6 month old wheaten, likes people, can take or leave food/toys, but LOVES other dogs. Owner's done a great job working with him at home and as long as there are no other dogs around he responds to praise, petting, & food. As you may guess, he loves coming to class because he's around other dogs, but getting his attention is not always easy. I've been showing her how to use other dogs as a reward when she's outside (she has neighbors with dogs that can help her) but not the most practical thing in class. The owner has tried a variety of yummy food that my dogs would die for (liver, chicken hearts, lamb lung). Occasionally he'll take something, but usually he just sniffs it and goes "that's nice, but do you see that Golden over there?!?" Not really toy motivated either.
If you have suggestions I'll take 'em, mostly curious as to what other folks do when you get a dog like this in class....
