Suggestions for basic training a dog that...

Doreen · 02-01-2010, 06:25 PM

I am looking for ideas to use for basic training for Coco since she is not food driven. I don't know what she is driven by! I'm telling you, this dog is A.D.H.D..... I can't seem to teach her anything, LOL. She does what she darn well pleases, when she feels like it.... almost like having a teenage girl, LOL LOL.

KeeperBoy · 02-01-2010, 07:27 PM

Toys? Rubs? Keepers isn't normally food motivated but will work for a peanutbutter kong or freeze dried tripe (doesn't smell as bad as fresh, thank goodness).

I don't think many boxers are like this, but border collie people sometimes say more work is the best reward for some dogs because they just love to use their heads.

Doreen · 02-01-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeeperBoy

Toys? Rubs? Keepers isn't normally food motivated but will work for a peanutbutter kong or freeze dried tripe (doesn't smell as bad as fresh, thank goodness).

I don't think many boxers are like this, but border collie people sometimes say more work is the best reward for some dogs because they just love to use their heads.

How do you keep repeating commands with a kong?

KeeperBoy · 02-02-2010, 07:29 AM

I keep it in an open plastic bag in my pocket and he gets a lick or two of it when he gets rewarded and then it's back in the pocket. I've also put PB in a pastry bag and squirted it in his mouth. It is difficult, but it has worked really well for us.

Doreen · 02-02-2010, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeeperBoy

I keep it in an open plastic bag in my pocket and he gets a lick or two of it when he gets rewarded and then it's back in the pocket. I've also put PB in a pastry bag and squirted it in his mouth. It is difficult, but it has worked really well for us.

in your pocket, that must be a small Kong, LOL.

I just don't know if that would even motivate her. She likes peanut butter, but doesn't go crazy over it. I think she might snub it if she has to work for it, LOL. She is a real stinker! We truly believe this is why the people got rid of her. Good thing she is a sweetie, that is how she roped us in when we went to visit her for the first time, LOL.

JoeV · 02-02-2010, 09:06 AM

try freeze dried tripe, my dog will do anything for it. if that doesn't work, does she love anything like tennis balls, favorite frisbee, maybe a brand new toy from the store (let another dog play with it first so a new smell is on it) try things like that...

Doreen · 02-02-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeV

try freeze dried tripe, my dog will do anything for it. if that doesn't work, does she love anything like tennis balls, favorite frisbee, maybe a brand new toy from the store (let another dog play with it first so a new smell is on it) try things like that...

do you have to go to a specialty store for freeze dried tripe?

bruinsBoxers · 02-02-2010, 09:22 AM

Have you tried different people foods ? Dried liver , dried chicken , cheese?

What you could try is to schedule short training before she eats so she may be more motivated since she should be hungry .

No toys that drive her nuts ? No type of play?

I know for Titan some rough play would get him excited and ready to work , he loved that being his reward .

Doreen · 02-02-2010, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruinsBoxers

Have you tried different people foods ? Dried liver , dried chicken , cheese?

What you could try is to schedule short training before she eats so she may be more motivated since she should be hungry .

No toys that drive her nuts ? No type of play?

I know for Titan some rough play would get him excited and ready to work , he loved that being his reward .

she loves to play alone with her chew toys, she very rarely wants me to hold them or pull on them with her. She doesn't do rough play either... she is one wierd boxer, LOL.

People food, she has to sniff and think about if she wants it too.... she is just not into food. guess that is how she keeps her girly figure, LOL.

JoeV · 02-02-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doreen

do you have to go to a specialty store for freeze dried tripe?

You could find it at private pet shops... probably won't see it at petco or petsmart. Do you have any around where you live? I know there is one in North Brunswick called Katie's Pet Depot that would have it. The Hungry Puppy in Farmingdale has it. Really any smaller type private will carry it. I've tried the Dr. Harvey's freeze dried brand, it is really good. I also buy the tripe frozen from our food supplier and mix it into some of her meals b/c they say it acts as a digestive enzyeme for better nutrient absorbsion. The type of tripe best for pets is green tripe.
Also a good web site is www.petfoodirect.com they have a lot of good stuff on there.