I have recently received my Dildei/Booth Schutzund Training Through Drive and am excited about learning a motivational method rather than the "trick and jerk" I have been taught. Had a few questions though before I get started. First I know I read something in the last few months about not playing "two toy." Can not remember where I read that and can't really remember what was said. What are the benefits/drawbacks to building foundation drive work with 2 toys rather than one?
Second--I have 2 dogs that by their pedigree should have good prey/play drive but neither will pick up or even chase balls on string, rags etc. They will chase another dog chasing a ball though. I got both as young adults so maybe they have never played before?? I have one dog with excellent play/prey drive. The book recommends building drive by tying out the less motivated dog and playing with the motivated dog in front. Is there anything I need to be careful of? And can I put both less drivy dogs out at the same time?
As I first learned about drive training on this board I would be very appreciative for any feedback. My goal for all my dogs is basic obedience, AKC style--with the possibilty of SchH work down the road.
Thanks,
Mary

If your dogs are *not* motivated by the toys but love to chase another DOG chasing a toy, then tying out would probably be counterproductive. The dog on the tieout would probably only focus on the active dog, not the toy itself. Do these dogs play together, hang out together all the time?

These dogs occassionally run together. I turn them out in the yards by two's (I have found 3+ of them together is an explosion waiting to happen). They are worked separately in the evenings and "roadtrips"--to the park, Petsmart etc--are also individual. All are crated by themselves at night.
Mary

Since your main goal is AKC obedience, it's no big deal if your two dogs don't like the "traditional" toys that sch folks use. Do they have a strong desire for food, squeeky toys, tug of war? Anything that the dog really likes can be used as his reward and you'll still get the upbeat obedience. You can keep trying to develop the prey, and it will probably improve, but if there is a stronger motivator that they naturally like, just use it instead.

Lee,
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I sure wish your training club was a lot closer to me
One of my girls was previously taught not to play tug, chase or chew on things. The other got bowled over regularly by her much larger litter sister for months when playing. The sister actually broke my dogs shoulder. When I bought her she was limping, vet said it was pano. It was later reviewing the xrays that a fracture was found.
I really don't want to give up before I get started. I think if I could develop their play drive I would make their obedience much more fun.
Mary