My 14 month old GSD does not seem to have enough drive to complete a complicated track. Do you have any ideas for me?

Hi Ed,

Please help me with a problem with my 14 month old GSD. You have kindly responded to my e-mails in the past and through your DVDS and articles I have gathered a wealth of information.

I compete in working trials and part of the nose work test is for the dog to locate and retrieve small articles hidden in a 25 yard square. This test may be performed directly after a 1,000 yard track on stubble, grass or plough on which the dog must indicate a further three articles. Therefore this means the dog must display drive to overcome any fatigue to find the articles. I have been spoilt with my previous dog that had huge levels of drive to overcome any physical tiredness. Due to illness during the first six months my dog didn't receive as much training as I'd like, the problem seems to be a lack of drive and concentration. A thrown ball/ bite roll/piece of hose in play is sometimes chased and retrieved with average enthusiasm or sometimes the dog seems disinterested and distracted. If he does retrieve it I make a fuss and play tug of war but even then he seems half hearted and unsure. He is still very immature but please help if you have any ideas how I can work at this, if he's not interested now with no pressure or fatigue any competition success will be impossible and when I buy a dog I can't bring myself to part with it.

I look forward to your reply and carry on producing excellent DVDs and articles.

Yours sincerely
Simon