even though rocks can damage their teeth, gums, and digestive systems, dogs much chew and swallow these earthly items for a kind of reasons. These tips can help prevent or end this damaging behavior then your frump lives a goodly life .
Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks?
Rock feed can be the result of a medical, behavioral, or psychological problem .
When a frank repeatedly eats non-edible objects compulsively, it could be due to pica, an eating disorderliness that generally emerges because of a nutritional insufficiency in their diet. other dogs may have undiagnosed medical disorders like diabetes, parasites or worms, or tumors. Puppies may bite, chew, or accept rocks in search of relief from teething trouble.
Of course, dogs may besides chew on rocks because they want to draw your attention. They could besides be anxious, annoyed, or frustrated .
“ They ’ re going to explore their universe and they ’ re like human babies, ” said Mindy Tusko, pawl flight simulator and owner of Pawsitive Results Training .
Some dogs and puppies are attracted to rocks out of curio, as tasting different objects allows them to better understand their environment. Smell can besides play a character in that attraction, as rocks may have been marked by other animals or have food remnants on them .
It could fair be that your andiron is tired of the same everyday, toys, and activities that they are involved in, tied if you think they should be adequate .
“ Boredom is a large problem, ” said Tusko, “ One of the reasons that we do find dogs are eating rocks is because [ they ] have nothing else to do. ”
Since dogs are highly intelligent and need both genial and physical stimulation, they need to be constantly challenged. Dogs get bored with their chew toys the lapp way human children do, so rotate chew toys and introduce new ones .
How Can I Get My Dog to Stop Eating Rocks?
basic obedience train is the crucial first dance step to stopping this dangerous behavior. Teaching dogs and puppies two significant basic commands, “ leave it ” and “ drop it, ” is the foundation of successfully destroying this habit .
“ Those [ commands ] are so highly beneficial, ” said Tusko. “ It could be life-saving for the dogs. ”
Using the “ drop it ” command teaches dogs to safely release the rocks from their mouths. The “ leave it ” command reinforces a substance abuse of not eating rocks in the first place .
“ Proper education needs to start pretty much immediately from the clock time you get the puppy, ” said Tusko .
When you see your four-legged friend munching away, tell them to “ drop it ” in a calm but firm tone. The same goes for when you see them interest in getting their snouts near rocks, just use “ leave it ” alternatively. If you yell and startle them, it could prompt them to promptly get rid of the rock by swallowing it. then redirect their attention with a play or a treat as a reward. You can besides use physical or verbal praise to reward dogs in summation to or alternatively of treats. Hugs, belly rubs, compliments, and pets tell your pet that they made the correct choice .
“ Your love and affection is a very high reinforce for a dog, ” said Tusko .
When dogs understand these commands, they will have an easier time ignoring or dropping rocks. It ’ ll besides make it easier for you to avoid serious health problems and expensive surgeries .
In accession to basic discipline, increasing casual exercise and playtime will prevent boredom from playing a function in your dog ’ randomness rock-eating habits. Try going on longer walks, or playing fetch or tug-of-war together .
Rock-eating may besides be a supplication for attention, so build in some bond clock time with a shared bodily process. As all dogs require both genial and physical stimulation, frank sports like Agility or Herding can give them positive outlets to funnel their energy into. Training together for a program like Canine Good Citizen ( CGC ) will help them master basic obedience lessons and give them more of the attention from you that they crave. Contact your local AKC club to get started in chase sports or train classes.
If your dogs are spending time with you outdoors, they may chew rocks out of boredom or to draw your attention. Providing them with a chew toy outside can help occupy their fourth dimension and fight off boredom. Dogs with a inclination to eat rocks set free in the backyard or cad park besides need to be supervised at all times .
What to Do if your Dog Eats Rocks
If you have a rock-chewer at home, make an appointee with your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian can perform a physical examination to determine if your chase has an fundamental health circumstance or nutritional insufficiency. If the demeanor stems from a health circumstance, your veterinarian can recommend special diets, medicine, or advice .
once any checkup causes are ruled out, it ’ mho time to focus on solving behavioral issues. Try any of the tips above and consult a pawl flight simulator for obedience classes. If it ’ mho pica, your pawl will have to work through specialize educate with professional behaviorists .
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