Luna77 Posted December 23, 2011 Report Share Posted December 23, 2011 Hello there, I am new to this forum. I recently rescued a 1 year old female BC that is deaf. I am finding it hard to get her attention, especially when she is focused. I walk her 3 times a day with a light weighted backpack (until I can get up to running/jogging condition for her). 2 walks are about 1 mile each and the last walk is about 2 miles. I play fetch and tug with her and train basic commands. She is not treat/food driven at all, in fact I am not really sure what drives her. She loves to play with my Aussie and my youngest Pyrenees but that doesn't help when I try to train her. So what I am looking for help/suggestions with: 1. How do I get her attention and keep it if she is not treat driven? 2. How do you break anxiety induced OCD behaviors. She is not my first BC but she is higher energy than my previous one. Thank you so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrecar Posted December 23, 2011 Report Share Posted December 23, 2011 You mentioned that you play tug with her. Does she have a high "play drive"? I actually use play as reinforcement as much as I do treats. For example, I'll use a ball or a tug immediately after a desired behavior is performed, as a reward. I have found play to be a better motivator than treats for some dogs. I brought home a deaf Dachshund from the shelter where I worked. Of course you need to utilize touch or a visual with a deaf dog. So, using a yardstick, toy fishing pole or other similar device with a toy strung on the end is helpful, since you can wave it in front of the dog to get its attention. The toy on the end serves as a nice lure as well, if the dog is play driven. I'll let others advise you regarding anxiety and OCD behaviors, since Hannah is my first Border Collie mix (Border Collie/Aussie cross). ETA: I actually taught Hannah to heel using a frisbee as a lure and reinforcement, and the results are that she whirls around smartly to my left side--rather than going from my right and around--with zero wasted effort. It's like a game to her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luna77 Posted December 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 23, 2011 She does have a high play drive. We have only had her for just over a month so I am still learning about her. I am trying to figure out what is her absolute favorite toy and I will try that as her reward. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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