My dog eats rocks. What can I do?

Hi Ed,



I finally got to read the Q&A on your web site and realize you are an expert on canine behavior. So I am going to ask for your advice on my German Shorthaired Pointer.



He is a wonderful soul "after" I took him to behavior training. "Before" he did not respect me as a pack leader, for good reasons as I had no idea I was supposed to be one, and small dogs have attacked him before when he was a puppy. When he was an adult, he would bark and go submit a small dog. He would also nervously bark at other aggressive bigger dogs, but he would run to me when the other dogs charge after him. "After" our training, he totally respects my space and me. He does not attack small dogs anymore; he is not nervous around other dogs and is much happier. Also, instead of saying "No" to correct him 10 times a day, now I only use "No" in emergencies because I only teach him with positive reinforcement (praises and petting).



But there is a deadly problem remains he swallows rocks when excited. He has a raw diet, lots of exercise and love. He does not seek rock out to eat. The problems originated with people - me specifically. When I first got him, I didn't know better and use rocks to play with him. He loved it more than balls or any toys. I would throw (small) rocks into the water and he would go after it (never catching it as they sank). Then he would dig big rocks from the lake/river and give them to me. Sometimes he even uses his nose to roll the rock from a hill into the water - self-play. On occasion, when he is really excited, he would swallow the rock (usually round and smooth ones). Well, this went on for 4 years until he was 6 and swallowed a big one that earned him a surgery.



Since then, I taught him not to play with rocks. I use treats (trade) to lure him away, I use a firm "No Rocks," and if all else fails, I will grab his collar and move him from "the rock of the moment." That's the same time I took us to behaviors training. All seems fine and we have gone everywhere hiking and camping. I noticed that he wouldn't touch rocks when I am around (the first rock he swallowed he was with another person). However, if someone else throws rocks (kids by a river, etc.), he would run over to play and participate - like we used to play. I would have to physically take him away (sometimes not possible when he is in the water), or I can just walk off and he will follow after a minute.



Well, he swallowed another rock this year. He died for almost a minute in surgery (from the anesthesia) and came back. After many complications, he is back. Not only did I not know where he swallowed this rock, I didn't even know he did! This is like a self-reinforcing behavior. In conjunction with putting a muzzle on, I still would like to train him to "hate" rocks. So that he would not want to touch them or play with them whether I am around or not. I think he may swallow a rock if he had it in its mouth and I approach him.



Out of frustration, I presented him with a rock, and then say, "Do you want it?" When he showed interest, I stuffed it in its mouth (my hand holds the rock tight so he can't accidentally swallow it) and near the throat. (I know this is not positive reinforcement but I was not thinking straight). He struggled a bit. Then I put the same rock on the ground and kicked it (he was on leash). He didn't want it. I did this a few times and he seemed not want to touch them (but then only when I am around).



(1) Did I do something bad and confuse him more?



(2) I need to know a proper technique as the last thing he needs is to be more confused. And he just can't go through another surgery.



Any suggestions?
Very Concerned Mom