How can I train my dog if they're not interested in food? That's a question I'm often asked, and before we get to the how, we need to look at the why! A dog not really wanting to take food is something I've experienced from time to time. I'm covering the top ten reasons why a dog might have low food drive and not be motivated by training treats as a reinforcer.

In this episode you’ll hear:

  • About my experiences with dogs not interested in food.
  • Why singleton puppies might have low food drive.
  • The impact of a dog’s anxiety or fear.
  • Why highly stimulated or over aroused dogs might not take treats.
  • That a dog’s disinterest in food might be a sign of pain or discomfort.
  • About the importance of good food hygiene for dogs.
  • The impact of too little activity on a dog’s food drive.
  • Why to consider your dog’s value for the treats you are using.
  • What’s important about the way you are presenting treats to your dog.
  • How overfeeding dogs can lead to disinterest in training treats.
  • A test to try, but consult with your Veterinarian first!
  • That food refusal can become a reinforced behavior for dogs.

Resources:

  1. DogsThat YouTube Channel
  2. Podcast Episode 179: Help For Dogs Refusing Treats: Case Study With Training Plan
  3. Podcast Episode 90: Premack, Dog Training and Transfer of Value
  4. Podcast Episode 218: Puppy Development Stages And Your Dog’s Behavior
  5. Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation
  6. Podcast Episode 203: Reactive, Unmotivated and Fearful: Finding Resiliency For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 1
  7. Podcast Episode 204: Dog Behavior And Diet: Recovery For This! Beyond Dog Training Part 2
  8. Podcast Episode 252: The Raw Feeding Guide To Training Your Dog With All Forms Of Treats
  9. YouTube Video: 15 Ways To Exercise Your Dog
  10. Podcast Episode 92: Avoid This Big Mistake When Feeding Your Dog
  11. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube