I agree with the others. Find something that is motivating to your dog. I have an 8 year old retired conformation bitch that started agility when I got her at 5 years old. What a struggle! She liked the game, but was pokey slow (wouldn't break from a trot) and seemingly unmotivated/uninterested. I tried making it fun for her, but she couldn't care less about toys and shut down quickly when I used too much praise. Ironic. Anyway, food is what turned her around. I turned my polite, quiet little Sheltie into a total food shark. And I used it to my advantage. Racing me to a target or through a straight tunnel was FUN! because there was food at the end. I also removed my start line stay for her because it was stressful for her to sit and wait while I walked away. Often at trials on the release she would turn around and leave for the gate. Now, we start off running together. It has definitely increased her desire to play. So if your dog seems to enjoy the game, don't give up. Just modify your training. It's so worth it to see that moment when it clicks with the dog and you can see the "this is great" expression on their face.
