Increasing drive Questions

Hello, I recently rescued a 3-5 year old female Malinois from the meat trade in China. She is sweet with very low drive and I am having a challenging time getting her toy drive up. I've only had her two months and she is coming along well training wise. Any tips on how to increase toy/prey drive? I am working with a trainer and they have given me some tips, but I'm always open to new suggestions. I've always had high drive Mals, so it's just a learning curve for me. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

You could try using a flirt pole so that she has to chase the toy. Also you could try the two people trick - throw the toy between the two of you until her interest is really peaked then include her in the game.

However, don't try to force. Some dogs do go against breed expectations and if she simply doesn't get it, or doesn't want to get it, value her for the sweet girl she is.

I don't mind if she ends up not having a toy drive, but she does show interest and carries them around the house so I'm thinking it's just because she has never had toys previously and doesn't know what to do with them. She will chase toys outside, but doesn't pick them up when tossed... she just runs after it and pounces on it then runs back.

I've been researching flirt poles and haven't found any that had good reviews for adult dogs. Do you have any brands your recommend? If not, I can always make my own. I'll definitely try to using two people as well.

I'm hoping to eventually find a sport that she shows interest in for the mental stimulation, but if not she will just remain a great exercise partner. Thank you for the advise!

I got my Belgian one when he was a pup because that is what the breeder had. Look on Amazon for them. I am going to have to order one for an adult due to him outgrowing his. Here's the link for one that I am looking into getting.

https://www.amazon.com/Flirt-Pole-D...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

I'd go down the route of making your own. Very simple to make up.

You could also try agility with her if she's not interested in playing fetch. Agility stimulates both the mind and body. It may be something she'd like

Poor girl probably lost all interest in play during those dreadful days in China. I'm sure that her true Mally temperament will win through in time. I like trick training for building confidence in new adult dogs. As all of the training is done in such tiny bites, and you are showering praise and tiny treats on any successful moves towards your goal, dogs find this very rewarding, and respond with enthusiasm.
There is such a variety of moves and tricks that you can teach them, that they don't have chance to get bored. It is easy to shape, for example, touching an item to holding it, and then to carrying, retrieving or tugging on it. The possibilities are endless.