Having a border collie puppy that isn’t motivated by food can definitely present challenges when it comes to training. From personal experience, I learned that you have to get creative with your reward system to keep the dog engaged. Since Tilly isn’t tempted by snacks, I found that using play and praise became my primary motivators. For example, incorporating a favorite toy or a quick game of fetch after simple commands worked wonders. This approach helped build trust and enthusiasm without relying on typical food rewards. In addition to toys and attention, mental stimulation is key for a high-energy breed like a border collie. Puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience training tasks kept Tilly’s mind busy and satisfied. It’s important to keep sessions short but frequent since these dogs excel when training is consistent and varied. One important tip is to be patient and persistent. Non-food motivated dogs might not respond instantly as treat-rewarded pups do, but they can excel in their own way when you discover what truly excites them. For Tilly, social interaction and problem solving grated higher on her reward scale. This experience taught me that understanding your puppy’s individual personality and preferences is crucial for successful training. With a bit of creativity and adaptability, even a food-indifferent border collie can become a well-trained, happy companion.