“Treats Don’t Work for My Dog!”
Sometimes owners say they’ve tried training with treats in the past, but it didn’t work. ”Nothing can distract him…he won’t eat the treats.”
Treat refusal from a dog who is typically happy to eat usually means he’s overwhelmed and the situation is just too hard for him.
For example, Bowzer is very scared of the lawn mower. His family wants him to feel better about the mower so they hang out on the porch and offer food whenever the mower passes. Even though his favorite tuna fish is held right by his mouth, Bowzer only watches the mower and won’t eat.
This is a great plan, but Bowzer’s food refusal means he’s learning to be scared of the mower instead of learning it’s okay. With each session, the fear becomes a more permanent habit.
Moving farther away from the distraction is usually enough to help the dog relax and learn:
Instead of going inside Lowe’s, try just outside your car in the parking lot.
Practice across the room instead of right next to the visitor/child/vacuum cleaner.
Cross the street before walking past the park.
REMEMBER: the food refusal we’re talking about is a dog who is otherwise eating normally at home, but won’t take treats in other situations. If your dog is refusing his meals at home, please schedule an appointment with your vet.
