Hates toys?

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#1
I recently adopted a Walker Coon Hound from a local shelter. I was told that she is about 3 or so, and is wonderful in almost every way. She sits, downs, and comes when told (her recalls are a little shaky when lots of distractions are around, but good with nothing to make her ADD). I keep her in a crate when I am at work and she seems to enjoy a place of her own.

Now is the problem, and it may not be important. She doesnt seem to notice her toys, not one of them. She wont chew on a bone or even put anything in her mouth that isnt food. Ive never seen this before and dont know if I should worry. I guess its the new father thing :)

Also, her squirrel drive is amazingly high. I say squirrel because she doesnt chase my roommate's cat, any other dogs, or anything. She pulls and pulls on her leash and collar when she sees one in the park, but is otherwise good on her leash. What can I do to make her less aware of the squirrels and more likely to want to stay with me. I always keep lots of treats with me and reward when she stays and I try to put myself between her and the squirrel and treat when she doesnt pull, but she will spit the treat out as soon as she takes it. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!
 

BostonBanker

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#2
I'd give her some time. When I adopted Meg in February, she had zero interest in toys as well. My mother told me I should name her Fern, because she was just like a plant in the house - just kind of there.

She is now a toy maniac. She plays constantly with squeaky toys and balls, chews on her nylabones, and will play tug as long as you'll keep going. I'd suggest trying some really appealling toys, like stuffed kongs or marrowbones, to teach her how much fun (and how tasty!) objects like that can be. You can also make yourself look like a complete idiot by "playing" with the dog toys yourself; that's how I got Meg into them. I'd talk to the toys, toss them in the air or from hand to hand, pet them, etc until she seemed interested.

Good luck with her - it sounds like you got a fantastic dog!
 
L

LabBreeder

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#3
Being a coon hound she's going to want to run after furry wildlife. :) It's in her blood to hunt, tree and wait for the kill. I don't know how you could get her to NOT do what's in her blood.
Recall will get better with time. She may, or may not, end up liking toys alot. She's 3 y.o. Maybe a good hard chew toy or something sturdy and animal like that squeaks. Something that looks like a squirrel perhaps. :)
 
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#4
She may not have had toys when she was a puppy, so she doesn't know what to do with them now. One of my dogs is that way....she has absolutely no interest in toys. As for the prey drive, as a hound, it's in her nature, but if you want you can get her to the point that she'll ignore prey while walking. I'd teach leave it....if you search the forum you should get training methods for it.
 

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