Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Dogs (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=417)
-   -   Pom pup not interested in treats! (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=103219)

  • Jun 21, 2007, 01:56 PM
    AllenS
    Pom pup not interested in treats!
    I have tried numerous different treats and such to try and Train my Pomeranian, Gizmo, but he just doenst seem interested in anything!
    No pieces of turkey, no pieces of bologna, no actual dog treats will catch his attention.
    He just sniffs it and looks at you.
    I've even tried little pieces of cooked chicken from my meals and he still has no interest!
    He'll eat his puppy chow but beyond that he's picky!
    Ive never known a dog to NOT like table scraps or any human food at all though I don't feed the table scraps or human food any how. Maybe once or twice ever 3 or 4 months.
    He'll look at me when I say his name so he's aware of his name, but I can't get him to do the " come" command because I can't bribe him with treats.
    When he does act interested he'll walk a few steps, but still never gets close enough for me to say he actually came to me. Though I still praise him for doing it half way.
    He's not skiddish and loves going outside, but he's sooo darn resistant on the leash.
    He will not walk on a leash period.
    I've hooked the leash on I'm and he's always content with walking around the house ( supervised of course) with it attached to his collar, He'll even do his business out side.
    But as soon as I pick up that leash he just stands there he won't budge a paw!

    I've been using a beleivable and soft tone with him, not getting frustrated just a bit shocked as my huskies weren't nearly as hard ot train as this little tyke.
    My huskies angel and wysper, both came to me without me even having to say there name I just said " come here," or "come on girl!" and they'd prance right over.
    Gizmo on the other hand just stares at you. Lol
    Im not asking for criticizm as I've already been chewed by some one on another forum for not doing my training to theire 'liking'
    I'd just like some help pleeaaase. Lol
    As said before, He knows his name, he just doesn't know the come command, as he's not interested in treats or toys at the moment.
    Should I give him some time?
    He doesn't even follow me at this point like many pups do. He'll explore the house but as soon as you call him over he looks at you and stands there staring.
    Any help or feedback is appreciated!
    P.s.
    Sorry it sooo long!
  • Jun 21, 2007, 01:58 PM
    alkalineangel
    Have you tried peanut butter, my dog can't resist, it's the only way I can give him meds... they make little peanut butter balls as treats..
  • Jun 21, 2007, 02:02 PM
    AllenS
    No I haven't tried that. Thanks! Ill try and get some when I get my check!
    I forget how much dogs love p/b!
  • Jun 21, 2007, 04:15 PM
    labman
    I was first taught not to use treats when training a dog, and have been slow to make use of them. I rely heavily on ''Good dog!''. I never forget them or run out. Try calling ''Gismo, come!''. Then clap your hands or slap you thighs while keeping up a happy patter. At the first sign of movement towards you. Give him a ''Good dog!''. Keep them up until he get to you, then pet him, ear scratch, butt rub, belly rub, whatever he likes most. If you can't get him to move any other way, try bouncing a ball. Being given the ball will be his treat.

    If getting out in front and coaxing him won't get them moving on leash, try dropping back behind him and running back past him in baby steps while calling ''Go, go, go!'' in a happy, excited voice.

    Do not put off. The younger you start, the easier it is. Just remember, although very young puppies are very quick to learn, you must keep sessions very short, only a couple of repetitions at a time.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 04:59 PM
    AllenS
    :D thank you so much! I'll go and try that asap! I never thought about that, so no treats?
    I understand the concept yes, and it must work well, but why no treats? Possibly for the fact that they'll think every time the come or do something they'll get fed, and eventually notice that you're not giving them treats any more after they've mastered the trick, and decide not to come any more?
    I could see that being a problem lol
  • Jun 21, 2007, 06:00 PM
    rottie lover
    Mabe something is bothering him! You should go to the nearest vet and ask or it could just be a puppy thing if he even is one! My advice to you would be that he needs to spend more time with you, that way then you could teach him everyday to learn command's that way he could get used to it! :) ;) hope you liked my advice and hope you try it[IMG]cute dog in the background[/IMG]
  • Jun 21, 2007, 06:04 PM
    AllenS
    Oh no worries there he spends almost every waking moment with me lol
    He sleeps on my pillow at the top of my head. Nice and warm on cool nights I suppose lol!
  • Jun 21, 2007, 06:18 PM
    labman
    Much of what I know about dogs, I have learned from a dog guide school. The others that I am still in contact with from the early 90's all swear we were told dog guides couldn't have treats because they were taught not to eat while working. There has been a lot of turnover since then, and the current school staff swears it was never their policy not to use treats. I just dug out my original Puppy Training Manual. In bold face type, ''Do not give tidbits as a reward for good behavior.'' Hummm, did I somehow interpret that as no treats in training? I skimmed through the current version, and that statement isn't there, but neither is anything about using treats. At the 2 day training seminar we attended last fall, we were instructed to bring treats, and we made extensive use of them. One of the reasons I put so much stock in what the school tells me is that they are constantly trying new things and keeping what works, and discarding what doesn't. The new manual is loose leaf and maybe when I get my new puppy late this year, I will get some new pages explaining using treats in training.
  • Jun 21, 2007, 06:23 PM
    AllenS
    Ohhh I see.
    That does make a lot of sense actually. I was just curious though. Thanks for that reply =]
  • Jun 21, 2007, 09:22 PM
    bushg
    [QUOTE=AllenS]oh no worries there he spends almost every waking moment with me lol
    He sleeps on my pillow at the top of my head. Nice and warm on cool nights I suppose lol! I'm not a dog trainer, but maybe he spends too much time with you and if he had a break from you say for an hour or two, a couple times a day, then maybe he would be wanting attention and might be more receptive to you and your training. "just a thought ".
  • Jun 21, 2007, 10:09 PM
    grammadidi
    I have two dogs and I use their dog kibble as a treat. They love it, so they have no idea what they are missing! :) Some dogs respond well to treats and others don't. One thing that I have used with some of the smaller breeds (although it works well with larger breeds too!) is to run away while calling the pup. I still subscribe to a lot of the older methods of training, so some may disagree here, but my preferred method of training a younger dog to come is to use leash and collar with a gentle tug while calling them excitedly as I run backwards in front of them. If I call a dog to come and they don't, usually I will go to them, hook my index fingers of both hands into both lower sides of the collar, call out "Gizmo, Come!" excitedly, then scamper backwards myself, gently pulling them along (this is NOT as a choke or angry pull, but like a game) and praising them the entire time. As soon as I get to the location I was when I first called them to come I release the collar, put the dog into a sit and say, "Good come!" with lots of smiles, use the release word (OK) and pat them and give lots of positive praise and fun while repeating "Good come!". The object is to SOUND excited and happy and LOOK excited and happy, while gently guiding them to do what you asked so they want to come the next time.

    You should really work at seeing exactly what does get your dog's attention. Some dogs like a whistle, others like a clicking noise, and others just don't give a darn. Those are the ones who think they own you. :) Also, watch Gizmo and label what he does. For instance, if he just happens to be coming towards you, say "Gizmo, Come!" just as he is arriving, then rub and pat him excidedly with "Good come, Gizmo!". He'll get it after a bit.

    Hope this helps.

    Didi
  • Jun 22, 2007, 05:20 AM
    pompano
    I know a treat that is perfect for your dog.Try Hills Science Diet TD/Small bites.Itis a food that is good for small animals teeth,and they love it.Use it as treats,And keep feeding her the food she is currently on as her meals.Not giving treats is your choice,but some dogs do better if you offer a reward.Especially poms,which are totally different than labs.My border collie hates a leash,and I don't force the issue.His breed is not meant to lead,they herd.Maybe your dog would prefer being carried,perhapa a stroller, or just in your arms.:)
  • Jun 22, 2007, 09:34 AM
    AllenS
    Bushg :
    He doesn't literally spend every waking moment with me :P
    He gets his alone time at least one hour every day when we got to the store or to visit my father. And now to think of it... he does act much more interested when he hasn't seen me for a while.
    Thanks much!

    Gammadidi: Thank you so much for your feed back! I will deffinately try this! There was a lot of useful ( and what seems to be helpful) information in your post! Very much appreciated!

    Pompano:
    I've always found that treats work much better with my dogs in training them. I', deffinately not saying Not using treats, won't work, Just using treats has always worked well for me.
    So Could I find Hills Science Diet (HSD there.. lol) in my local grocerie store?
    Here our grocerie store(united) caries quite a bit of dog foods, and dog toys.
    I'll check that out asap.

    Also, he loves being carried He always puts his front paws on my shoulder and looks behind me, watching as people go about their business. Its just after a while it gets a bit tiresome carrying the pup. I was hoping he'd enjoy the leash so he can go for walks with my huskies and I. but we'll have to see what will happen! Lol
    No training outside today though! Its pouring rain!
    Lol thank you so much for all your feedback hopefully ill get him up and leashing soon!
  • Jun 22, 2007, 10:47 AM
    labman
    I think most of the Science Diet products are prescription items from the vet. The different products are often a good fix. Science C/D from my vet put a stop to my one puppy's UTI's. I don't think you will find any HSD products in a grocery store.

    DIDI's running away is a good trick.
  • Jun 22, 2007, 02:23 PM
    AllenS
    Thanks much labman and bushg!
    Gizmos acting cute and perky now lol
    I left him on the floor while watching my fiancé on the computer and he (gizmo) keeps running from one side of the bed, trying to get up, then runs to the other side of the bed.
    I decided to try the come command then.
    I leaned over the bed and patted the side of the bed and called " come gizmo!" and when he'd walk over even if it wasn't right beside him I gave him lots of praise ( good boy! You did a great job gizmo! etc. etc.) He deffinately enjoyed the emence ammounts of attention. Though he only came to me possily 3-4 times with looots of calling, I do believe its great start for now lol.
    He got lots of scritches and butt ubs for that! ( he loves getting scritched on the low of his back!)
    Hopefully he'll get the hang of it.
    Practice makes perfect and puppies need lots of practice!

    [edit] Also, instead of letting him on the bed while he was trying to get on I waited until he quit trying and attempting to jump on and then let him on the bed ( about a minute or two after he quit) Is this good? Since he quit begging and trying to get on I figured it would be a good time to let him on. =)
  • Jun 25, 2007, 11:52 PM
    AllenS
    AHA!
    Well, I managed to get Gizmo to come when called WITHOUT Treats! Thank you lab man so much for your help, and for every one else who gave me advice =)
    It really didn't take that long at all. I had let him out today and he came back in and was so excited, jumping around, twisting in circles ( like I've seen many poms doing before) and yipping happily. He learned to run to the door after he finnishes his business all by himself. Though he hasn't quite got the concept of going ot the door when he needs to go potty. But hey! I got him to come to me when called!
    yay!:D
  • Jun 26, 2007, 03:19 AM
    labman
    We always are happy to see reports of progress. Remember my suggestion of praising him and putting him out anytime he gets near the door.
  • Jun 26, 2007, 10:44 AM
    AllenS
    Quote:

    Labman:
    ... putting him out anytime he gets near the door.
    By that, do you mean literally any time i see him near the door? If so, then I'll do that. If you meant something else, please explain! :D
    I tried to get him to litely scratch the door when he wanted back in, he did it for a second and stood there waiting lol.
    one step at a time though =)

    Bushg: My pom just only recently started doing that. For a lil' while i was beginning to wonder if he would ever begin to do cute stuff lol! Have you noticed their odd technique for turning in circles? Gizmo only moves his back legs to move in circles. The most cute (but peculiar) thing! He also does a 'dance' too. He'll run in circles and jump with his back legs as he's doing it. :P
    Poms are so energetic! Lol
  • Jun 26, 2007, 01:03 PM
    bushg
    Lol allens , your dog acts a lot like mine. It is nice that he is young so that you can train early. Just keep at it he will learn.
  • Jun 26, 2007, 01:09 PM
    labman
    Years ago I had a soft, sweet little Lab that I am not sure she realized she was allowed to ask to go out. Sometimes it looked like ''Why did you wait so long to take me out?''. At the same time I was playing a video game where if I got too close to the door, I popped out it. Aha. The next time Daisy walked by the door, I praised her and took her out. It only took a couple of times before she realized I was taking her out every time she got near the door. I think I have used it on some additional puppies. I occasionally find questions from people whose dogs haven't seemed to know to go to the door.

  • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:00 PM.