Would be grateful for any tips on training my 9 month G Retriever dog.  He is not in the least bit food motivated and hence this makes training very difficult. We attend a training group where all the other dogs will do anything for a treat, whereas Paddy just isn't bothered. At times he will do his training beautifully but this isn't dependent on treats and at other times he just switches off - he certainly can't be bribed with titbits!!  Have tried using a favourite toy, but this only works for a very short while.  Has anybody found a magic training aid for this type of dog?

What titbits have you used?  Have you tried liver cake with lots of garlic :d :d  I do know your problem though my young boy although loves food and his toys, doesn't seem to get that excited about them at obedience and just plods along and does his own thing on the heelwork bit!

Agree about choosing the treat to taste. My herding sheltie is too busy to bother much about most food (inc liver cake), but we eventually discovered that she'd do anything for a smidgin of cooked turkey.

Yes, starvation.................... ;)

Seriously i think you would find his food motivation increased if he only EVER got fed in return for work;

If you provide 2 meals a day regularly like clockwork I expect he never sees the need to exert himself.................

Agree, and also don't forget to not feed him before training...

Are you using commercial titbits? I find these are just not good enough  - they need something like chicken, sausage, liver etc.

John Rogerson has written an excellent little booklet about how to get your dog to play with retrieves etc in mind. There are lots of really good ideas in it.

Sometimes you have to be inventive - for instance, my friend's beardie was keen on food but not toys, so we used a fluffy zip up pencil case and stuffed it with food - he had to play/chase it and show interest in it, and eventually bring it back, to get his food rewards ;)

Do think about the JR booklet, I can't think of his address just now but a google should find it...

Lindsay
X

http://www.johnrogersonassociates.com

That's the one ;)

Lindsay
X

OOH.... Lesley that sounds like my beardie ......good tip Ill give it a try!!

My dogs will work for food that has a strong smell proper sausage (not hotdog)
chicken,lamb,turkey tried liver cake but seemed to upset their tum a little.

Roni