Not all dogs love treats (how to intrigue dogs that don't pay attention)

Does your dog have problems focusing? Maybe he/she has problems with doggy obedience because your at-home training class is boring. If you want your dog to start learning obedience and tricks faster you have to place yourself in their shoes and realize that not all dogs love treats. Most dogs do love treats and they will never take their eyes off of the piece of food in your hand. In fact, they will do anything they can to make you hand it to them including drool all over the floor. With other dogs that is not always the case. They have other things to worry about, like the neighborhood squirrel, the people walking near your yard, or maybe even that wet slobbery tennis ball.

So, what do you do then? How do you train them? Well just like humans, dogs have different preferences. So you need to try other types of rewards. Some dogs value playtime over food, some dogs value praise, and physical contact. If you have a dog that won't focus on the treat in your hand try two things: 1 Let them get their energy out, especially if they are young sometimes they just need to run around first or sniff the room for any new scents. Let them get that out and they will likely focus better. 2 After that test them for what they like best. Try this setup... Have someone hold your dog. within view of the dog set down a couple of different types of treats (make sure some are smelly), a couple of toys, and lastly, sit down. Make sure every item is spread out. Then have the person release your dog, see what they go to first and which they stay at the longest. That should give you clues to what they like the best. It might not be their all-time favorite but at least it is a starting point.

Now what?

If they go to food: Pay attention to which food they go to. Maybe you're just using the wrong treat.

If they go to a toy: Try replacing the treat in your hand with a toy. Give it to your dog every time they make progress to your goal. Then repeat. (it might be helpful to have a bunch of the same toys for backup) After a good training session let them have the toy and play with them a bit longer.

If they go to you: They just want your love. Whenever they make progress reward them with lots of praise and petting. Make sure they know that you are enthusiastic about them learning. Then after the training session maybe give them a good cuddling session too.

If you try this let me know how your next doggie training session goes, or let me know of any cool tricks that you taught them. Until then have fun training and good luck.

Photo by Filip Mishevski on Unsplash