What i found worked with Heather who is also not food motivated (unless its pepperoni) was to use a really happy voice (not too high pitched) and give lots of praise.. also putting in the task well done. such as *good job Heather, Good sit* and so on. Pyrs i have found do like to please, and the more verbal praise you give the more they enjoy it.. not to say they will do it every time you ask though.. grin ..
Heather was donated to me when she was 3.5 yrs of age. She was in Missouri, and i had just gone back to my home state to visit my mom. My service dog died the very next day, and i was in shock, however because i need medical alerts from a dog it was an immediate search for my next one. I have been training my own service dogs and helping others train theirs for golly, 30 some years now. so i was on the immediate search for my next MASD. I went to evaluate Heather, and in trying her out.. when i reached down to pet her for a job well done.. she winched.. she had never been touched for doing some thing GOOD.. apparently their trainer had told them not to touch her unless she was being corrected.. POOR DOG.. she soon learned that my hands on her meant she was loved. and not a correction.
so lots of praise verbal and petting.. and watch her reactions to these to see which one she likes the most.. some times i go a bit overboard, and then i get a look from Heather of embarrassment. . so i try to remember to tone it down the next time.. other times.. i get lots of waggy tail and a happy look from her.. which in turn is MY praise for a job well done..
Josephine Morningstar & Heather, Grt Pyr MASD
Native American in New England.