Yes! My girlfriend's puppy was having this problem the first two weeks after she adopted her. It was a major concern after throwing up about 4 decent sized pebbles one night. One month later and she has not consumed any more, but still occasionally puts them in her mouth.
First, puppies put everything in their little mouths. We initially just tried correcting through 'No!' and removing the rock. Did not help. Then we just started feeding her more - she came to us a little skinny from the shelter. This almost fixed the problem. We switched to re-direction techniques - replace the rock with a toy - and this has worked much better.
Get this under control - surgery could be in your pup's future if a blockage or perforation occurs from ingesting rocks. Good luck and have fun with your pup!
Anne Vaini Webboard User Reg: 07-14-2005
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Loc: Wisconsin
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Quote:
Get this under control - surgery could be in your pup's future if a blockage or perforation occurs from ingesting rocks. Good luck and have fun with your pup!
Well said.
When walking your pup and he starts to put his head down, walk faster and use food a toy to encourage him to walk very quickly with you.
Otherwise, control the environment (sweep off a cement run or wooden deck... etc)
Brad . Martin Webboard User Reg: 09-14-2005
Posts: 587
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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I had this problem as well. My girl would chew large pieces of gravel like I chew gum! I was worried about broken teeth. An e-collar really took care of this for me. I had her wear one for a few days here and there paying close attention to her while outside as to not even let her get another rock in her mouth. Then on day four I put her out alone and watched through a window. As soon as she wrapped her mouth around a rock I nicked her with the collar. I had to do this only twice (on a low setting too btw) and problem solved! Redirecting is a good idea too but then there's always a chance they might go back to their rocks at some point.
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Puppy eating rocks
#106162 - 05/09/2006 02:16 PM 
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