Our puppy (almost three months) loves to eat rocks, sticks, leaves, brooms, pretty much anything that isn't actually food. We can't even let him off his leash in the back yard because all he will do is eat up a rock and then run from us while he tries to swallow it. This is frustrating especially when he needs to go out to do his business and gets distracted by all the "tasty" debris in our back yard. I know that we can't just allow him to do this because it is very possible that he will choke on something and seriously injure himself. Does anyone have any suggestions on how we can break him of this habit so that he can be a happy puppy who can run around our back yard without a leash?
puppy will not stop eating rocks, sticks, leaves... anything!
- Thread starter jennimon
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Cami
Boxer Insane
Perfect time to start teaching a few commands.
Leave-it, drop it or similar can be taught and used in a variety of situations including the one you are describing.
Arm yourself with something that will be hard to resist (tasty treat or favorite toy). When something is picked up or even preferably before, you offer up goodies instead. Praise and reward for doing the right thing (leaving item alone or dropping it once in the mouth).
Leave-it, drop it or similar can be taught and used in a variety of situations including the one you are describing.
Arm yourself with something that will be hard to resist (tasty treat or favorite toy). When something is picked up or even preferably before, you offer up goodies instead. Praise and reward for doing the right thing (leaving item alone or dropping it once in the mouth).
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You pup could get seriously ill from this behavior, so I would try and nip it in the bud. As Cami suggested, you need to teach him to drop it and leave it. When allowing him to go out unattended, you could try using a basket type muzzle. It will prevent him from picking up anything.
Good luck!
Good luck!
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