May 17, 2011
I am thinking about a new training method for my dog who lacks an enjoyment of toys. What are your thoughts?
Full Question:
Hi, I have a question regarding a training method I have been thinking about.I have a GS almost 5 months that is highly motivated with food. He does not have a toy drive as yet. I have tried different things to build his toy drive with little success. His interest is very short if any. I'm hoping that someday he will begin to enjoy toys. I have heard and read, that sometimes dogs tend to suddenly enjoy toys later in life.
My question is this, can I use a kong filled with treats as a motivator as seen on the Building Drive DVD instead of the orbee ball? I train him using treats for heeling and he does great. If I were to hold a kong with treats in it as you would a toy for heeling, and reward with this, will it be bad in the future as a motivator?
Will this backfire on me in the future?
Has anyone done this?
Will it teach him to love the kong with or without treats in the future?
Thank you for your time,
Jose
Cindy's Answer:
Jose,
Many times dogs don’t show prey drive because it has been squished by the handler – this means the handler has been too hard on his dog and the dog doesn’t want to play.
With that said there are some dogs who lack prey drive.
Dogs who have had hard handlers are the dogs who may show prey drive at some future date – dogs who lack prey drive are not going to magically have it appear. It’s a genetic issue not a maturity issue.
As far as adding food to the Kong – I would not do it. It is going to create a situation where the dog is distracted by the food and not want to come back to you. I am not a KONG fan. I don’t like them nor do I sell them.
Many times dogs don’t show prey drive because it has been squished by the handler – this means the handler has been too hard on his dog and the dog doesn’t want to play.
With that said there are some dogs who lack prey drive.
Dogs who have had hard handlers are the dogs who may show prey drive at some future date – dogs who lack prey drive are not going to magically have it appear. It’s a genetic issue not a maturity issue.
As far as adding food to the Kong – I would not do it. It is going to create a situation where the dog is distracted by the food and not want to come back to you. I am not a KONG fan. I don’t like them nor do I sell them.
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