Hi Heather,

I have the same problem as your boyfriend, Eric, with his dog like I do with Roo. Except that I didn't get Roo when he was 10 weeks old, I got him when he was six months old. Right now he is not a puppy, but a young dog who is going to be two years old in Aug. He loves to observe people and animals, but he doesn't care about playing with them. He had met several dogs, but he doesn't show much interest to play with them.

What you describe about Eric's puppy is almost identical to Roo's personality. I would make Roo very hungry and make him work for his food. I have never had a dog who doesn't show much of drive. He is more interested to see what things are going on than what I'm trying to teach him. I have tried very hard to make myself very exciting. I have tried to manipluate him with his toy and food. He would be like looking at me then glance at something else. I have worked with him very hard on his focus and being attentive.

When Mike S and Alyssa explained everything, I'm like ohh yeah.. I can see where I have made several mistakes with Roo. I took Roo to OB class when he was approximately 7 months old and the instructor basically told me to wait patiently for Roo to look at me then click and reward. I would do that everytime he glance at me, but he doesn't really care. Until Cindy said that if her dog does that to her, she would put her in the crate right away! I was like.. Ohh.. Wait a minute... Maybe I could use the crate to take all his fun by looking at other peopel and dogs.

I will be right back... I need to go home.. I m not done with this. BRB. Sorry!

For about a week I have started to change how I deal with Roo. I started to crate him more often and every times he looks at other people and animals. I have brought a small carry crate where I can carry with me everywhere. He will be going to his repeat basic OB class next Thursday. I have planned to bring it with us! I don't know how effective that is yet so I gotta wait and see.

What seems to be helpful with me in my training is to keep treats everywhere you can think of and crate the dog more often. Hide some in the bathroom, hide some in the bedroom, hide some in the hallway, living room, and dining room. I would ask him to do something when he does it, then I would surprise and reward him. It seems to help somehow, but not enough. Roo used to think he gets treat when he is in the kitchen or being outdoor. I try to practice it everywhere and surprise him.

A few days ago, I asked Roo to watch "me" when a neighbor cat was chilling outside at the front door with open door. We have a door gate and what is amazing. He was watching the cat until I put a foot on his butt and signed "watch." He turned around and looked at me. I rewarded him with treats that I have in the hallway. I used that as practice for distraction. I signed "sit," and he sits. He didn't glance at the cat for a good one minute. I believe that we are making some good progress. I really hope so..

Hopefully it helps. I wish Eric a good luck with his puppy.

Just a thought...

Try whispering when you want to engage or train.

It sounds silly, but I have been experimenting with my two dogs (can't help it), and I found out Hambone is more responsive to me and engages longer when I whisper " Are you ready? Yeah? Good boy!" It is a forceful whisper kinda like exhaling while whispering.

Very loud enthusiatic "Good boy! Good job!" while up close is too much for him and will shut Hambone down in a heartbeat.
Lucy is more responsive to a louder but softer whisper, "Are you ready? Yeah? Oh, good girl!" Almost like not exhaling at all when speaking.

And I keep whispering during the training. When I end it, I say "All gone. Good job!" in a normal voice, but sing song, give a free treat to both, show my empty hands and end it.

"Nope" normal voice but upbeat.

When I work Hambone farther away, of course, I have to increase the volume but the theory is same.

It is an idea.