Since finding this forum I have spent many hours reading threads from as far back as a few years ago. I have also been digesting the E-books that are available. What a great resource!

I have a 2.5 Y.O. GSD that I am trying to find a motivator for.

In the past I have been blessed with having dogs with good ball, toy or food drive. This GSD that I rescued a year ago is a great playmate for my Rottie and a great running partner for me. She has decent obedience that was established through corrections followed by praise and she obeys well off lead even at a distance. I would like to start tracking with her.

I cannot get her to play with a tug or to fetch a ball. She could take or leave food treats even when I withhold her food for a day or so, which I hate to do because she is so thin. She has prey drive, but only when it comes to the real thing. I have not been able to dupliacate it no matter how hard I try with fury toys on strings, fishing poles, etc.

The only time she shows any real vigor or vim is when I throw the ball for my Rottie. She will then compete with him to get the ball and harrass him until he drops it. Once she has it for a few minutes she'll let it go a trot off no longer interested until he wants it again. If she is by herself and not competing with the Rott for the ball, she won't show any interest in it, no matter how I try to tease her. Same story with tugs.

Advice, please

Some dogs just don't have it.

I assume that you are withholding all forms of play and interaction with your other dog before attempting to get play with your dog?

Anne has the right of it. It's there, or it's not. But, as a last ditch, you may want to search for a animal pelt. A squirrle or rabbit will do nicely.

Tie this pelt to a STRONG cord. Parachute cord or some such. If your GSD loves the real thing, this is as close as it gets for a simple solution. It may be that your GSD just doesn't have the "spark." She'll still make a wonderful pet!

Luck!
-Jim

 Quote: jim thomas

It may be that your GSD just doesn't have the "spark." She'll still make a wonderful pet!

Luck!
-Jim

Yeah, that's what I tend to think. She is already a good jogging partner and pet. Maybe more is not in the cards, but I'll continue to hope.

By all means, Eric, do keep working with her! It is NEVER a bad thing to work with your working breed dog. Makes me wish my Maltese was up for jogging! *laugh*

Luck!
-Jim