Target items

[Tammy & Gracie]

We have been to two beginning agility classes now. Gracie is doing very well. However, she seems to tire of her "target" treats quickly (Food treats or toys). Short of carrying a dozen different toys to class each week, any suggestions about how to keep her attention and keep her excited?

[Tammy & Gracie]

Well, I first used treats the instructor gave me. Then she suggested that Gracie might do better with a toy and she gave me a fuzzy toy. I thought that was great since Gracie is not allowed stuffed toys at home, she destroys and then eats them. Last class, I brought a new special "agility" toy I bought,. It worked great for a while than Gracie wanted another toy she spied elsewhere in the room. I do have a small sample tube of that natural balance stuff. Maybe I'll try a combo of that and toys next week. I mainly need to up her excitement level, I think... So you switch up food treats in a single session?

[Kim Williams]

Hi Tammy,
I like to use different levels of treats. In the beginning, I used cheerios for low level, and chicken for higher levels. I even used a VERY special treat for the teeter. She knew she always got that special treat for the teeter and would run to the teeter no matter what we were doing. Now, I like to mix up what I use for treats to keep her guessing. As far as toys, I have a leash that she can also play tug with. I have found Parris to be more driven by food, but I would certainly use both if Gracie resonds to it. Keep us posted.
Kim and Parris