Puppy not interested in treats

[CAROL OTTO]

So far, we have taken him out right when he gets up and right after he eats and have had success in potty training. We are rewarding him with a "good boy" and rub as he is NOT interested in any of the puppy training treats (4 different types) that I have tried. Any suggestions or just try treats later and continue doing as we are? He is just 8 weeks old. 

[Adrienne Farricelli]

If the praise and rub makes him happy, you can stick to that. It is a bit odd for a puppy to not be interested in treats. What i notice, is that when they are very young, they often don't see well the treat or have some trouble focusing. Their ability to track small objects especially if the treat is tossed or placed subtly may not be fully developed. They may also struggle with quick hand movements or low-value visual stimuli. What i have noticed is that after a few days, these puppies are better able to see/grasp them. I sometimes practice tossing the treats on the floor in the kitchen so that they hear the sound and the movement attracted them. 

If you still struggle, your pup may be overstimulated or stressed and this can suppress food motivation or make it harder for them to focus enough to notice or value the treat. Furthermore, young puppies have tiny mouths and developing taste preferences. If the treat is too big, too hard, or unfamiliar in flavor, they may not know what to do with it. Using soft, smelly, and pea-sized treats (like tiny bits of boiled chicken) usually works better.

I think with time, your pup will become very interested in treats!

Keep me posted, 

Best,

Adrienne