Eating stones

dannyboy · Graduate

Eating stones

iluska · GAL Treasurer

Viv, the excellent dog trainer may be able to provide assistance as to the behaviour and what can be done to minimise the dog for eating stones ... Hopefully she will read this article.

CAROLE ROBINSON · Old Hand

I think it is a "puppy thing" - my Rosie used to try and swallow anything, particularly small stones, pieces of wood, rubber, bottle tops, pieces of paper - the list is endless. Mostly, they sick up the indigestible things, but stones are a different matter and can cause problems. My advice would be to supervise closely and keep her well away from the stones. If you can teach her "leave it" then you will have greater control over what goes into her mouth. On the bright side - they do grow out of it!

bluesmumanddad · Master

Found another forum had a thread on this. It seems to be a puppy thing. Some of the deterrents suggested include curry powder mixed with water in a watering can and sprinkled over garden stones

http://www.champdogsforum.co.uk/board/topic/66768.html

dannyboy · Graduate

Thanks for the advice guys!

It really gave me a fright this morning when I saw the size of the stone that Mallaig brought up. I knew that it could be serious if not stopped, the link on the other website really gave me food for thought ( thanks Manda) and we will be taking all precautions to stop her eating any more. Hopefully she will grow out of it!

Thanks for help

Tracey

Viv · Old Hand

iluska wrote:

Viv, the excellent dog trainer may be able to provide assistance as to the behaviour and what can be done to minimise the dog for eating stones ... Hopefully she will read this article.

Thank you Iluska. I'm flattered at your use of the word 'excellent' - Blushing.

However, dogs eating stones is a serious issue, puppy or not.

Are they stones found in the soil or are they stones that are used on the driveway and other places. If so, reduce or eliminate access to such areas.

If they are stones dug up what you could do is provide the dog with a 'treasure trove' - a section of your garden that is an area filled with good soil and sand (large enough) that you bury treasure in, such as chews, chocolate drops, toys, treats for the dog to find. Change the treasure regularly to maintain the dogs interest. You may find that once the dog has the idea, he won't go else where to dig and will only try to find stuff that is more interesting than a stone and that he can ingest safely.

I don't know anything about this dog, but it could be that he needs more mental or physical stimulation. Clicker work may be useful.

Cheers,

Viv

dannyboy · Graduate

The stone's that Mallaig is eating are ones dug up from the back garden. We have limited her access to the back door and make sure we are there when she goes out. I try to give her plenty of things to do ( chews, training treat ball, toys) She is taken up the braes everyday and allowed to run free,she also plays all the time with our other lurcher Flynn. I do have a clicker in the house which I used with Flynn when we first got him, I have not done anything with Mallaig. I will need to refresh myself with clicker training and will see how we progress.

Thanks for your advice Viv

Tracey

Teresa · Enlightened One

daisy has picked up the habit of bringing in, and eating, bits of concrete that neil has used for some building works in the garden.

we manage to grab her when she comes in so she hasn't actually ingested any yet. silly girl hasn't realised that, when she's got something naughty, she rushes past us at such a rate of knots that it's obvious she's nicked something !! we get time, then, to retrieve it from her.

is she missing a vital mineral?

Viv · Old Hand

daves_mum wrote:

daisy has picked up the habit of bringing in, and eating, bits of concrete that neil has used for some building works in the garden. we manage to grab her when she comes in so she hasn't actually ingested any yet. silly girl hasn't realised that, when she's got something naughty, she rushes past us at such a rate of knots that it's obvious she's nicked something !! we get time, then, to retrieve it from her. is she missing a vital mineral?

No, not necessarily, she could just be inquisitive in something new and wants to investigate it. If you are worried about her mineral intake, have her checked over by your vet, but I'm sure her diet should be adequate, unless she's on a special diet.

She sounds like she'd have fun with a food ball and other mentally stimulating toys.

Viv

Teresa · Enlightened One

thanks for that Viv. i shan't worry now......her diet is normal and her appetite is fine. she doesn't do the stealing concrete every time she goes in the garden so it could be that she's a bit bored - will make sure we play with her to distract her next time.