Increasing food motivation?

Hey there,

I’m looking for any help or suggestions on increasing my dog’s food drive/food motivation. Is it even possible to increase a dog’s food motivation?

A little info about my dog, she’s an Australian Cattle Dog, Border collie Mix. Her personality is very shy, submissive and sometimes fearful. I’ve had her since she was 8 weeks old and she’s been that way since the day I picked her up. Shes now 4 years old. She is incredibly athletic and active we do lots of hiking, running, swimming, etc. She is toy motivated when it comes to playing fetch. She will basically fetch anything doesn’t matter if it’s a ball or a plastic water bottle, she will fetch it.

So my question is, how can I give her more mental enrichment. We live in Northern Canada where it gets down to -40 degrees Celsius some days and there is just no way I can give her enough physical exercise. I’ve tried puzzle feeders, lick mats and everything else like that but she just has no interest in them. I’ve tried all sorts of high value foods and treats and that doesn’t seem to peak her interest either. She will take treats from my hand but she won’t work for it. She also has no interest in playing with toys inside the house either she ignores them completely or acts fearful of any toys when inside the house.

I just fear that she is so bored some days and not getting enough mental enrichment. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!