Policing a yard debris eating puppy

buddydobe · 06-27-2008, 05:07 PM

Ok, I've had a rough week with my pup that involved tummy problems. I initially thought it was from "garbage gut", but looks like it's tapeworm. If you want to know more about that check out this link:

Sick Puppy: Help, I really need a pep talk

My 12 week pup seriously wants to eat everything he can when he's outside. He's allowed in 2 areas that have been gone over with a fine tooth comb, but he still finds all sorts of things. He eats leaves, sticks, twigs, bird poo, tries to eat stones, dirt clumps, palm tree stalks, seeds etc...To keep him from doing it, I'd have to police him constantly. My question is how much do I police him with eating things outside? Should I not let him eat anything? It would result in almost constant "No's". Any suggestions on this would be super helpful!!!

Many thanks!

**JenTN** · 06-27-2008, 05:16 PM

I got Bo at 12 weeks, and he is still not allowed outside unsupervised- though at 6 1/2 months, the "everything in the mouth" is slowing down. At first, I was bending down pulling crap out of his mouth all the time- sticks, rocks, walnuts, pine cones- you name it he ate it. A lot of people thought I was overly cautious and paranoid, but having lost a cat to bowel obstruction complications, I refuse to let him digest anything that he shouldn't as much as I can avoid it.

**dobermansrule** · 06-27-2008, 05:23 PM

yes, constant policing while outside, unfortunately. I wouldn't let him eat anything that is not food. Dogs will be dogs, but we have to watch the young pups extra close.

What we did was bring ours outside in the yard but with favorite bouncy toy or something to keep his mind off of yard things and on the toys. Either that or he was on leash with us while outside for a while until he became more reliable.

gracieface · 06-27-2008, 05:33 PM

agree with dobiesrule, keep some outside toys to occupy him. also start teaching "leave it" when he goes for something on the ground- it takes time but they do learn it. Practice inside, using food- show it to him, tell him leave it,cover with your hands, show him, cover if he goes for it, when he does leave it when uncovered, give him a reward. Make it a fun game.

dobesanddragons · 06-27-2008, 05:37 PM

You police him constantly if you know that is how he is, train him as to what is allowed, this means extra work for you now, but puppies are extra work to turn into well behaved adult dogs you have to put in a lot now, some you have to put in way more than with others. Depending on how severe it is, I would use a long lead so you can control the behavior if he is a doggie vacuum. He is probably just bored and curious and seeing what he can see, tasting his world. Redirection, praise, toys, etc. these things work well. Instead of just saying no all the time, think of redirection, their attention span can be easily switched at this age using special treats, voices, toys, bones, etc. Have a lot of toys out there for him to play with, make some outside toys only. Play games with him outside. Make yourself interesting, play recall games and such. Teach him fetch using two toys. Maybe put a shallow small plastic pool out for him to play in with some toys. Blow bubbles.
I do know some people use basket muzzles on their dogs for the yard. But I find the approach above works for me much better with pups, as most puppies are naturally curious and like to eat things they shouldn’t. They need to be supervised. Doberman puppies have died from eating things they shouldn't, it is a serious matter, from socks, pantyhose, even a ton of grass clippings became an emergency situation with one pup I knew, these things are not good for them and it is our job to watch and protect them.

Also, socialization is very critical at this age, I can’t stress this enough, make sure you are getting him out and about everywhere with you, for instance at the bank, pet supply stores, getting your oil changed, short car rides, puppy kindergarten classes, etc. at least one new place a day, more on the weekends. What are you doing for socialization and mental stimulation?

dobesanddragons · 06-27-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddydobe

He eats leaves, sticks, twigs, bird poo, tries to eat stones, dirt clumps, palm tree stalks, seeds etc...!

Sago palms are poisonous. And sticks can get lodged in their teeth and mouth. Stones can be dangerous. Just watch him carefully.

Linda H · 06-27-2008, 05:56 PM

Babies pick up things and put in their mouths, puppies just skip the picking up things step. It is natural for them to want to chew and taste everything. Some are worse than others. Parker scared me pretty bad about three or four times with the things he swallowed before I could stop him or behind my back. It does get much better with age. Plus with age they have just about tasted everything

zeus and me · 06-27-2008, 06:11 PM

well.........my silly pup eats poo of almost anything he can find. bird poo.....cat poo from the litter box....horse poo.....and just last night I had him out for a last call potty.....it was dark and I saw little bits of something on the driveway.of course zeus was eatting it! I thought it was spilled dog food....I went over and picked one up...held it twords the moonlight.....nope! new poo! from the goat! I was worried about all his poo eatting and even spoke to my vet about it.I was wondering if he could get worms from eatting horse poo.......my vet said no. either way I worm zeus every month lol! he doesnt eat sticks or rocks or anything like that......and thankfully no dog poo either! but I feel like I am forever telling him to get out of the litter box! silly puppy! poo is yucky!!!! lol!

**errica** · 06-27-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dobesanddragons

Sago palms are poisonous. And sticks can get lodged in their teeth and mouth. Stones can be dangerous. Just watch him carefully.

I second the stick think. Apollo got a hold of a twig and managed to get it wedged between his top teeth, against the roof of his mouth. You don't know fun until you've tried to restrain a strong, stubborn puppy and pry twigs out of his mouth with a large nosy Doberman trying to stop you from taking twigs away from her friend.

**Jenny** · 06-27-2008, 06:33 PM

I stand outside & watch him when he's out for potty or play. Even in the house I am taking things away. For some odd reason - Vader loves to steal polo wraps and run through the house with them. Silly puppy.