05/19/2026
(Picture is AI generated 😉)
One of my favorite things is when somebody buys a puppy bred by me, raises it for 2 years, then messages me in full panic mode saying:
“Birgit, I think something is genetically wrong. He has no food or toy drive anymore.”
Then they send me a picture…
The dog is 40 pounds overweight, laying on his side like a stranded walrus surrounded by 472 toys, 19 chew bones, 7 tug ropes, and enough treats to open a small convenience store. 😂
Meanwhile the dog gets winded walking to the water bowl.
And people are like:
“Do you think it’s genetic?”
NO SUSAN.
The dog isn’t low drive.
The dog is on permanent vacation. 🤣
Now before people get offended, I’m not jumping on anybody that wants to spoil their pet dog with toys and treats. Have fun. Love your dog. Buy him a teddy bear collection for all I care.
But when we’re talking about WORKING dogs, things are different.
Drive comes from value, anticipation, and engagement.
If the dog has unlimited access to toys 24/7 and snacks raining from the sky every 12 minutes, eventually the ball becomes part of the furniture and the tug toy means absolutely nothing.
Think about it this way…
If somebody handed me a filet mignon once a month, I’d be excited. I’d hear angels singing.
But if you threw 10 steaks at me every day while I’m laying on the couch built like a retired sea lion wearing sweatpants with an elastic waistband, eventually I’m gonna look at the steak and say:
“Ugh… put it next to the others.” 🤣
Same thing with these dogs.
Some of y’all got toy baskets in every room, Amazon delivering chew toys daily, and enough tennis balls laying around to host Wimbledon.
Then you wonder why the dog isn’t acting like a maniac over a Kong anymore.
The dog isn’t genetically weak.
He’s living at an all-inclusive resort with room service. 😂
