Strange dog

[Albino]

What treats, specifically, have you tried?

Many dogs dislike biscuit/wheat-heavy treats like dog cookies. My Peke refuses to eat them. I don't blame him. He's a carnivore by nature. So, whenever people tell me their dog doesn't like treats, about 98% of the time, they're referring to cookies, biscuits, etc.

To this day, I've never really seen a healthy dog refuse a fresh piece of boiled chicken, liver, beef, lamb, duck, ham, etc. Have you tried real meat? If not, do it!

Also, re: potty training. Your plan sounds absolutely fine to me. That's how Giselle is potty trained, more or less. I release her into the yard every few hours and bring her back in about 20 minutes later. That's how she was raised at the race track, and that's how she understands potty training at home. No big deal

Re: general behavior: Okay, honestly, your dog sounds perfect. She doesn't wander, she doesn't chew, she isn't hyperactive. She sounds wonderful! However, if you want to engage her in something exciting, consider taking her for a jog or entering obedience/agility/flyball/herding classes. Shelties are awesome awesome dogs. You will go far with her once you understand what does and doesn't motivate her

I've tried soft treats, cheese, meat, random table scraps, chicken liver, all that stuff most dogs love. My other dogs will do ANYTHING for a piece of turkey. The only thing she's shown even a slight interest in are the little alphabet cookies you buy by the pound at Petco. She'll at least take one and put it in her mouth, chew it, but will then spit it out and just stare at it. She's also a picky eater with her regular food. It has to be the kind you get at costco, and I have to put it in a cup with some water, and nuke it in the microwave until its warm and stinky before she'll even TOUCH it. She's just picky.

Okay, good ^_^ Whenever people talk about house training a dog, they always mention how you should keep them on a leash, train them the word, all that stuff, and to never leave them unattended cause you won't know if they went or not. According to some people, my method of house training is very bad, but she's pretty impossible to train the traditional way.

I guess I'm just so used to dogs like my german shepherd and my other mutt who CONSTANTLY need to be amused and entertained. Really, Lyra is pretty low maintinence compared to those guys. xP

I do take her for a daily walk, but I would really like to teach her some minor agility(it would have to be light, because of her limp), though I have no clue how to teach it. I definately look into joining a class for it though, it would be great fun for both of us, I'm sure.

[Twisterdog]

Sounds like a nice mellow dog to me. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Many times we tend to project our human emotions onto dogs ... "She must be bored!" ... when actually dogs have much simpler needs. She is probably just secure and content.

Your housetraining sounds perfectly fine. Whatever works. I have known several dogs that will not "go" if anyone is watching them.

[New Found Newfoundland Fan]

Well, Albino, for the majority, I would certainly agree with the replies you've received. What you may perceive as "sulking" or "boredom" is likely just your low maintenance dog content with it's pack and lifestyle.

This isn't a guaranteed diagnosis though. You didn't mention any veterinary regimens or health concerns (with the exception of the limp), which could play a significant factor. Perhaps the dog doesn't like eating because of teeth issues, or bad digestion? The dental situation although doesn't appear entirely plausible, since you've obviously attempted to feed sustenance with a good variation of textures, ingredients, and even temperature

If you're unhappy, or concerned with your dogs average behavior, perhaps it's the home or environment that generates it. Have you exposed your pet to different habitats, or does she generally remain in a generic vicinity? Does she respond unusually, or atypical to foreign environments? How does she react to changes in her home; rearranged furniture, visits from new people and animals, lawn maintenance? Does she have trouble socializing with strangers or with your other dogs?

If things like this bother her, she may just have a confidence problem, which could be the answer to the 'going' issue.