My dog is taking rally classes. At home, she runs like a bullet but in class, isn't motivated. She won't engage with me anymore unless we're playing with toys. Help?

Dear Cindy,

My blue heeler is a challenge as I am a first time dog owner. She's 18 mos and very alpha. I'm getting burnt out trying to figure her out.

I'm in a rally class and can't get her motivated. She crawls through the course, but when I play with her alone, she runs like a bullet. She has a lunging problem so I started using a dominant collar. She won't engage with me anymore unless were training at home with toys. When I'm in rally she ignores me and I have to drag her through the course. She and I have come a long way but I don't know how to make things work with her.

Please help!

Sincerely,
Marlene