We have just got a German Shepherd puppy who whenever he is let out in the garden constantly eats mud and stones. We have to follow him everywhere to ensure he doesn't swallow them (which he does do if you're not quick enough). Any ideas on how to stop this would be most welcome as he is driving us crazy.

LOL :)
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Monty has a taste for gravel and mud, usually just after i have brushed him!!
Sam x

Can it do him any harm?

Be careful with the stones as if swallowed could cause major problems with the stomach blockages and also broken teeth. Try and distract him when he does it with one of his favourite toys and when he is caught doing it say a loud 'NO' so he learns he should not be doing it ! It will take time but he should learn !

Lucy

We follow him round and take this out of his mouth and say NO among other things, but that seems to make him do it more.

He is still a baby and still learning lots on new things all the time !!Give him time !! :)

Lucy

I'm no expert but would say that he probably does it more when you take it off him as he thinks it's a game - my pup does this too. I've discovered the best way to deal is to divert her attention by making her sit for a treat. I used to shout NO and try and take it off her, but this sent her into a frenzy with the result she'd think stealing things she wasn't meant to have was the most exciting game ever and do it as much as possible! From experience with my pup I would say, remain completely calm and try to divert his attention onto something else (whatever works - treats, toys, a game etc.) On the other hand I think eating mud/stones is fairly normal puppy behaviour and you might have a difficult job stopping him completely - especially at this very young stage (but definitely try to relax about it as the more attention you pay it the more he'll keep on doing it).

Hi
I have had my pup for 4 months now and the problem I have is that whenever she goes in the garden without her lead, she keeps discovering fox's and cats mess which, If i don't get to soon enough she will eat! She isn't that interested in mud. I really don't know what she finds so fasinating about it either cos she isn't bothered with her own. Would this be normal?
This is why i have to put her on a lead these days which I don't like doing as it is her garden. I have also noticed that it is a new FAMILY of fox's that visit my garden every morning.

Hi,
Yes, it's normal (though to us totally disgusting!) for dogs to like cat and fox poo. Cat poo is (I'm reliably informed) still very high in protein, and cat food is generally particularly pongy - dogs love it both first and second-hand . Often they will only roll in fox poo (bad enough) but if they eat it, worm the dog more frequently than you would otherwise - foxes are invariably wormy and will pass this on to your dog. Also try to discourage the foxes from entering your garden, as they will be spreading mange mite wherever they go, and if your dog catches that it can be a b****r to cure.
:)

Thank you Jeangenie, That is a great help.