How to Bring Back the Food Motivation. Presented by Yvette Van Veen

CEUs: PPAB 1.5, IAABC 1.5

Most professionals know that scared dogs turn off of food. But what about the other dogs that snub food? Do you find that some dogs are better “shapers” than others. That they are more “food motivated”? Do you ever notice that some dogs are snubbing food when they are excited to go out the door? Do dogs suddenly turn off food during training sessions or middle of classes? What about the “toy motivated” dogs or the ones that simple would rather be reinforced with something other than the treats in your hand?

There are many reasons why dogs lose their foodie nature. Not all involve fear or illness. Learn when and why dogs loose the food motivation so you can help the clients who think their dog isn’t motivated by food. Bring back the foodie in the dogs you work with by addressing the issues that are impacting their focus and performance.

Learning Objectives

• Food as a primary reinforcer - it’s an excellent motivator
• Dogs are scavengers.  They eat all sorts of nasty things…so why would they turn away from chicken?
• Is there a “not motivated by food” dog?
• Learn the many - many reasons why dogs snub food.
• Learn how not to turn dogs off food.
• Learn strategies that bring back the foodie.
• Supplementation (positive reinforcement) versus deprivation.  No you don’t need to starve a dog.
• Why is it important to pay attention to a dog’s desire to eat.

About The Presenter

Yvette Van Veen

Yvette Van Veen has two decades of experience training dogs, lives and works in London Ontario. She offers both group and private sessions. She has worked extensively with formerly feral dogs. Yvette’s writing has been a long-standing feature in Ontario’s newspapers, currently appearing in the Toronto Star. Her life is shared with her son Jordan, her formerly feral dog, “Kipper the ex-crotch ripper”, border collie, “Karma” and Icarus the cat. You can reach Yvette at info@awesomedogs.ca or follow her at:  https://www.facebook.com/londondogtrainer/