Training A Dog Who Is Way Too Excited About Food

[Guest jschwe]

We've had Superbird for a little over a year now, and we've given him some basic training but I want to start teaching him some other things. Mainly because it's so cold outside lately and he's getting serious cabin fever, I thought it'd be good for us both. The problem I have with him is that he is SUPER food motivated. As soon as he sees that I have a treat he goes bonkers. He basically just keeps throwing himself into a sit/lie down and back, hoping to get a treat. Anyone know any tips for getting him to calm down enough to think for two seconds about something other than food?

[Time4ANap]

Maybe try some clicker training. Lots of good info on it if you search the site for that term. Good luck!

[Sambuca]

Positive reinforcement classes may be beneficial.

[brianamac]

I second clicker training! Our food obsessed hound has transferred his 'food obsession' to 'clicker obsession'. He learns everything much faster with the clicker and is more interested in us (+clicker) than the treats. It has really helped in training.

[jetcitywoman]

Clicker training but also:

 

First step: work on impulse control by teaching "wait"

 

I can empathize, though. Capri is also extremely food motivated and if it's something she really, REALLY wants, she will flip through her repertoire of tricks at racing greyhound speed and all I can do is fall down laughing. I swear I can hear the circus calliope music when she does that. It's very challenging to reward a sit when she popped out of the sit and into a down then a rollover before I can say "good girl". Clicker really does help with that. Oh, also try using food treats that are closer to the boring side, and tiny so that he doesn't get quite so excited.

[philospher77]

My rattie is VERY food motivated. What I have done is to back off on the treat value. If she will work eagerly for kibble, why use steak which makes her absolutely crazy? I hold off on that for high-distraction times. And I sometimes start off with a few rounds of "find it", so that she gets some of her initial energy out and starts concentrating.

[Guest jschwe]

Thanks guys! Looks like I will have to start clicker training him. And to those who suggested trying less interesting treats--if it is edible, and I am holding it, and it looks like I might possibly at some point think about offering it to him, he is interested. If I make eye contact with food in my hands he puts his butt right to the floor. Although considering when I got him I had to keep him leashed during meals to prevent him lunging for my food, I suppose I can't complain about sitting down!