Pro Training Tip--Chapter 2

Some dogs do not respond to food training for a variety of reasons. Sometimes dogs are over-stimulated with food rewards and can’t concentrate on anything but the food.  In this case, discontinue the lure after just a few times and go to a reward rather than a lure.  Sometimes the dog has food available at all times or just isn’t motivated by food.  In this case, you might want to try feeding once or twice a day, picking up the bowl after 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes, the food being offered as the reinforcement just isn’t that enticing to the dog.  If your dog doesn’t respond to the treats you are using, try a “higher value” treat, such as sliced and microwaved hot dogs, string cheese, cooked/cubed chicken or dehydrated liver.  If that doesn’t work, you may have to find, by trial and error, what is motivating for your dog.  Sometimes it’s a ball, a stuffed animal or a squeaky toy.