Encouraging pup to use treat dispenser

[melb100]

Morning all!

We've been given a few treat dispensers (rolling ball with holes, and a kong gyro) by friends/ neighbours. Trying to make lunchtime feed more interesting (and last longer):

• half kibble and half normal wet food in bowl as usual
• half wet food on licky mat
• half the kibble in one of these toys.

She loves the licky mat but the kibble toys are more tricky. Tried modelling playing with it but then she just looks at us to move it again for the food to magically appear. Tried putting peanutbutter on it so she moves it with her nose but somehow she can hold it perfectly still while licking off the PB.

At 3.5 months is she too young to understand that she can get the treats out herself by moving it? Do we need to wait until she's a bit older? Leave her alone with it and see if she figures it out eventually?

Or how have others encouraged a puppy to play with one of these type things?

She's very quick on the uptake in other training games but this seems beyond her. Possibly as she knows that if she sits long enough the magic sky human will come along and help her get the food out...

Picture reward: sad bath dog


All thoughts appreciated as always!

 

[JudyN]

Oh that face! Have you a dispenser with a large/adjustable hole to make it easier? And a hard floor, so it will roll more easily? I think I'd start by training her just to touch it with her nose, giving her a treat when she does, then asking for a firmer touch, so it moves. If you put a really stinky treat in, maybe she'd stick her nose right up to the hole and move it in the process.

But just treat it as an ongoing game - if the penny drops then great, but it's not a problem if it doesn't.

 

[Buddy1]

Tried modelling playing with it but then she just looks at us to move it again for the food to magically appear.

Sounds like she’s figured out the perfect way to use the treat dispenser – clever girl!
We had a similar experience when I bought a treat dispenser for the dog. He is very food orientated, but was totally uninterested. He just stared at it as if trying to release the treats by mind control However, hide some treats in the garden for him to find and he’s in his element.

 

[melb100]

Well in the end we just waited another week to try again and she seems to have figured it out! Now we can have up to 15 minutes "peace" (AKA relentless banging and rolling of the treat dispenser across the kitchen floor) while she eats.
Also today she finally worked out how to eat a frozen carrot instead of just staring at it in confusion or toss it around her bed. Such a proud parent.