How to get my dog to do tricks without treats & like more toys?

Many dogs never play with toys. Try some puzzle toys or a treat ball. He'll be rewarded when he figures out how to get the hidden treat. Sometimes playing with a ball or stick in the yard will get them interested. If Ollie isn't a toy dog, he may get more fun out of going for walks with you or learning cute dog tricks. Find an activity that you can enjoy together and he'll be happy spending time with you. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ollie.

Many dogs have trouble letting go of the ball when playing fetch! :) I would suggest playing the game with two balls for now. Throw one, then when he brings it back, throw the other one for him. Most dogs will drop the one in their mouth when you bring out the second ball, and will chase the one that you throw. Pick up the first ball as he runs away to chase the second one, and continue to repeat this so that you always have a ball waiting in your hand to throw as soon as he gets back. Over time, many dogs will get into the habit of dropping the ball when they come back to you, so that you may not need to use both balls forever.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You need to continue to practice. Not continuing training will undo all that you have accomplished. Practice daily. Practice off leash with longer sits and holds. Sign up for a more advance obedience class. The more you practice and say his name the better he will be. Sadly there is no magic fix, some dogs need to be pushed. Start small with the peanut butter to be sure it doesn't cause an upset stomach and gradually increase the volume over time until the kong is filled. There are also other recipes online for things to fill up the kong. Good luck!

Sometimes dog just like their old worn out toys, just like with kids. If he doesn't want to play with the new one and only wants the old one then let him play with the one he likes. The only reason I would take it away is if it will harm him. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Try this. Let him see the treat. Then give him the command with no hand signals. He may move through all the tricks that he knows but as soon as he does the correct one, give him the reward and repeat the trick, something like ‘good sit’. Some dogs will not perform a command without a reward. Sometimes this is because they are young or easily distracted. This may change as they get older. Important thing is to remain positive and encourage the desired behavior. Best of luck.

Hi there. Brody sounds like a very normal dog :) Very often, we humans overestimate how rewarding our dogs find praise and petting... most dogs think these are okay, but not much to be worth working for. And that's okay! We expect payment for doing our jobs too, not just a pat on the back from our boss. There is no harm in continuing to use treats to reward Brody when he does what you ask. If there is a specific reason you need to work up to working without treats (such as for formal obedience competition, or something similar), this can certainly be done - but it's a lot of extra work, so honestly I don't usually recommend it for my pet dog students. Just keep some treats handy around the house and in your pockets, and pay Brody for a job well done.

It's a dog thing. Most dogs are incredibly food motivated. Start by trying to get Noble to do a command when you are just around the house or out for a walk. Give him lots of praise for performing the command. Continue using treats when you are in a training session. As he gets older, he will be less dependent on treats for positive reinforcement.