Kenzi is outgoing, biddable and fun to work with but has been a bit different than my other two dogs. They're natural retrievers. Throw it they bring it back to throw again. Simple, easy, natural.

Kenzi is a hoarder - grab and collect as many toys as you can and lay on the ones you can't hold in your mouth (it's really quite funny watching her try to figure out how to put two ultra balls in her mouth!). Shell tug as long as you're holding onto it, but if she wins, she hoards. So we've done the two toy routine for a while now so she'll come back to swap with me. It works, but my goal is having her come back to play with me as opposed to just looking for another toy. If I was a better trainer I'd have probably had this figured out long before now, but since I'm still learning it's been a slow process

I'd been noticing that she'd run along side the other dogs and try to instigate chase and play when she had just one toy in her mouth. She wanted to have some interactive fun. They never payed any attention to her because they were much more interested in playing fetch.

So as I was doing a train and play session with her yesterday she came near and butted me in the leg while she had her squirrel in her mouth. I said "yes" grabbed it and tugged with her. She loved it. And it seemed to click. Bring it back to me and it's playtime! She repeated it a few more times with gusto. Tonight I took her out and it was pretty much the same. With one squirrel she'd bring it back to play instead of hoarding it.

I feel kind of like we've turned over a whole new leaf. It's going to be much easier using a toy reward with training if she's ready to really interact instead of just owning the toy reward!!

That is awesome!

I have a hoarder too. With him I'm not sure if he is wanting to own the toy, or if he just wants me to quit throwing it.

He acts a little bit exasperated after about the 3rd time he brings it back and gives me a look that seems to say "Hey lady, im not going to keep getting it for you if your just gonna throw it again" LOL


He also isn't comfortable with intense games of tug. He likes me to pull on his toys a little bit, and to play gentle keep away, but if I actually tug on it he gives it right up and acts like he is in trouble.

Yay!!!

 Quote: Jennifer Lee

He also isn't comfortable with intense games of tug. He likes me to pull on his toys a little bit, and to play gentle keep away, but if I actually tug on it he gives it right up and acts like he is in trouble.

I think part of Kenzi's issue has been that she didn't feel comfortable instigating a game with a person. She is a lover and wants everybody to be happy with her. She is a really submissive run up to someone and belly flop type dog. Her whole attitude was like - wow, I can do this and it's fun!!

Loki is the same way.

He likes for you to pretend you want to take his toy away and will instigate that game, but the second I apply any real pressure he drops it and acts all apologetic.