Hi
Kas is my 2 year old not my puppy and yesterday he went to his first 'puppy' class!!
Although he is good with other dogs ,Kasper gets 'selective deafness' when he meets other dogs.The last time I let him off lead(apart from over the enclosed field near my house) was about 10 months ago.He had been doing ok and then saw a dog in the distance...so he ran!! By the time I got to where the other dog was .Kas had seen another dog in the distance and ran...and so it went on.Luckily it was my usual morning walk and so ended up with about a dozen of the usual people we meet searching and after an hour someone found him!! The most worrying thing for me was his attitude....he really seemed TOTALLY unfazed..not even a tail wag!
So ever since when out he stays on an extending lead....but I've never been happy with it because I feel he's really missing out.
So yesterday I phoned and chatted to a couple of trainers....and found one who was very helpful.I explained he was good at walking on lead etc but had no reliable recall and so she suggested we go along to the puppy class '2'. She siad it wasn't just for pups but that they did a lot of work off lead...OMG!!! .
So last night we went and after 1/2 hour on lead basic training  the dogs were gradually let off in a carefully controlled situation until by the end ALL the dogs(I would guess about 20) were off lead.I must stress she had stipulated that the class was only open to dog freindly dogs and that the newbies(me and Kas) were closely monitored.By the end of the lesson he was coming back to me when called and sitting while other dogs were loose.
I now have hope that Kas will be allowed off lead at some time soon...I am not a novice dog owner but have NEVER come across a dog like Kas..NOTHING motivates this dog..not food,not toys, not praise.And hence training has been HARD work.He is not affectionate and although I love him with all my heart its very hard to say I feel theres no bond on his behalf....humans are simply there to provide!!If he had been my first elkie I'm not sure I would have had another...but my other boy is the opposite.
My biggest hope is that not only will he be able to have free exercise but also that we can build a bond and work as a team....fingers crossed for me and Kas.  
Archer

I wish you all the best.

There is nothing like that magical bond between you and your dog.  It's something very special and let's hope you achieve it with your dog.

Did the trainer suggest any ways in which you could motivate your dog?

She tried very hard...she suggested food,squeeky toys,balls,etc etc. Nothing works,...the only time Kas will work for bait is in the show ring but then I think he would stand without the bait...thinks its more a case of habit than working for food.
Archer

Have you tried tying a toy to a long rope/lead, or using a ball on a rope attached to a lead and running with it dragging behind you.  I have seen this work with a Dobe that was not at all interested in toys, if they do take the bait make sure you let them win until you get a good grip from them.  It took a lot of (and I mean a lot) of very short sessions but she did eventually tune into it. 

Some dogs just don't know how to play and this method can make them think, yes, this could be fun.

Good Luck
Sandra

Hi Sandra
Yep tried that!! Just to explain how 'unmotivated' he is...when at the park last year a squirrel walked in fromt of him(about 10 ft) sat down,looked at him and then walked off.Kas just cocked his head and looked  totally bewildered...now most dogs would have at least tried to investigate...not my Kas!! 
Archer

What does he do for his normal tea/dinner etc.  You could try using his dinner as a motivation.

Are there certain items that he is not allowed/forbidden to have?  You could use them in a positive way if so.

Hi Nikki, now on my 7th Elk and only the last one is toy orientated, all but one is interested in food, the exception, you will not need to be told, The Sod of course. Never let him off lead except in my own field but he does come when called so I think there is hope for your Kas, mind you there is not that much to distract him except neighbours waving gifts of carrots and then the noise is so bad I can't tell if he hears or not. Think it is always best to go back and start from square one if you have a problem, start the training over again.

Hi Archer, bet you couldve cried seeing him running about free in the hall. Dont take this the wrong way, but it does help to know even experienced folks like yourself can have difficult dogs. Now hes enjoyed his liberty maybe free running will motivate him. :)

Hi Liberty
it was really good to see him loose and interacting with the other dogs last night...by the end of the session he was exhausted but I know he enjoyed it.Really looking forward to next week...I'm hoping that he will eventually realise that coming back isn't so bad .
Archer

Hi Jackie
Thats exactly what I thought ...back to basics and hope for the best.It is so frustrating when Asa is soooo good off lead and I can't let Kas go play aswell.
He really was good last night ...he even went out of his way to avoid a dog that took a dislike to him.
Nikki

Hi Labmad
dinner gets eaten IF he can be bothered.He eats maybe every other day and even thats an effort!Saying that he looks good on it.
Food is just not an issue with Kas...very unusual for an elkie.
Archer

Hi Archer, good luck, we are just starting to let Leo off the lead, he doesnt run after other dogs but if he finds something to sniff he doesnt want to come but food persuades him usually, he loves his toys at home but hes totally not interested in them at the park, far more interested in the grass.
I now know why you were worrying about when to let Frankie off the lead tho

Hi Archer,

This type of class sounds like a great idea. Is it a just a local club that you go to? If anyone knows of something like this in the Surrey/Berkshire regions please could they post the details :)

Thanks

I must I agree,its a wonderful idea.I've never been to  a training class like this one before.It was well organised and supervised and they do agility,ringcraft etc aswell...so guess I'll be busy!!
Archer

Good on you!

I must admit I couldn't begin to imagine what you are going through as I have a very food orientated lab who will do anything for a piece of sausage! 

Godd luck to you and I hope you enjoy your classes.