Most dogs will do just about anything to get their paws on a treat. However, if your dog doesn’t seem interested in treats as a reward, you might be struggling to train them. Dan’s Pet Care trainers have occasionally met dogs who don’t really care about food-based rewards. These dogs aren’t impossible to motivate, though–they just require a little more thinking outside the box.

If your dog isn’t food-motivated, don’t give up on training. We’ve got a few tips to get your sessions back on track!

Is your dog really not food-driven, or is something else going on?

Before deciding that your dog really doesn’t care about treats, it’s important to rule out other factors first. Consider these reasons why your dog might be acting uninterested in treats.

Your dog is never hungry

Are you overfeeding your dog? Over half of all dogs and cats worldwide are struggling with obesity. If your dog is already too full, treats won’t be as exciting as they should be. Be sure to discuss your dog’s calorie intake with your vet, and stick to the plan they recommend. If you’re offering treats throughout the day, there should be a corresponding decrease in mealtime calories. Don’t let your dog talk you into feeding them too much. Just like in humans, obesity in dogs causes a host of serious health problems and can seriously decrease your dog’s lifespan.

Your dog can’t focus

If your dog is distracted during training sessions, they may be too confused to focus on getting treats. Make sure to train your dog in a space that’s away from other pets, noises and stimuli.

Your dog isn’t feeling well

Loss of appetite can signal underlying health problems in your dog. If there have been any changes in your dog’s eating habits, you should discuss possible causes with your vet. Related health conditions might include:

• Liver, kidney or stomach problems

• Painful teeth or gums

• Stress or anxiety

• Cancer

Measuring your dog’s daily food intake is a great way to help your vet troubleshoot any concerns.

Your dog defines “treats” differently than you do

If your dog doesn’t like the treats you’re using, they’ll be sure to let you know. Some dogs are pickier than others, and it’s possible that your dog is a bit of a connoisseur. Make sure your dog treats contain ingredients your dog loves, and that they aren’t stale or contaminated. Visit a local pet store in Long Island or Brooklyn to load up on high-value, delicious treats.

Your dog has caught on to your tricks

Do you offer treats in order to “trick” your dog into doing things they hate? Maybe you toss a dog biscuit into the pet carrier and then cart your pet off to the vet. Or maybe you’ve hidden a pill in a dog treat one too many times. Unfortunately, your dog might be suspicious of your treats if they’ve consistently been followed by unpleasant surprises.

What can you use to motivate your dog besides food?

Every dog is different, and some dogs are simply not driven by food. The key to successful training is to find out what motivates your dog and tap into its power. What could your dog be craving besides food?

Praise and attention

Some dogs truly live to please. Speaking enthusiastically to your dog might be all they need to stay motivated. You can also try petting your dog, scratching their head, or rubbing their belly.

A favorite toy

If your dog is attached to certain toys, you might be able to use them as rewards. Letting your dog play with the toy for a short time can be an excellent substitute for a treat.

Exercise

If your dog just can’t get enough walks with you, you could use a short walk as a training reward. Just make sure to keep training sessions short, so that your dog isn’t too tired to enjoy their excursion.

Want your dog to train with the experts?

If you’ve been trying to train your dog and hitting some roadblocks, it might be time to call in the pros. The professional trainers at Dan’s Pet Care can help you and your dog overcome obstacles and reach your goals. Dan’s Pet Care also offers a full range of pet services to our Long Island and Brooklyn clients, including dog walking, pet sitting, pooper scooper services, and much more. Call us today at (516) 551-1613 to get started!