Thanks to the people who replied to the bark chip munching problem. He now seems to be going off them follwing your good advice. Unfortunately, he now has developed a liking for horse manure!! (he by the way is a 13 week old Springer Spaniel). Will this do him any harm? I am following the advice as was given for the bark chips and I do try to alter direction if I spot it before he does,

Also, when we meet any one on our walks or friends come to the house he gets so excited he has a little pee. Is this OK and something he will grow out of or is there something wrong with his bladder? He is the first Springer I have, having had GSD's before and I find this strange as the GSD's didn't do it. He is otherwise a delightful puppy, full of fun and has been exceptionally clean toilet wise since the day we bought him home:) We love him to bits and he has changed our lives completely (for the better).

My mother in law has always had springers and they have all been wee 'ers when excited - that includes every time they saw us coming to visit. Guess it may be something the breed do.

With regard to the manure - well it's best to distract them and discourgae the eating by having a toy or something more exciting for them to be lured away from it with. Our has a tendency to eat horse manure at the moment - so we are trying the tactic. I think it is not something to worry about, other than being anti-social. Think I read they do it to get extra nutrients. Um... nice!

Nikki

Springers (one of my breeds) are also known as Sprinkler Spaniels in this house - for a very good reason ;-) Most will grow out of it as their confidence increases, it's a puppy way of appeasing and adult dog.........

My ESS 'sprinkled' every time someone came to the door or we met someone when out until he was about 7/8 months old. Whenever someone came round we took Oscar outside to greet them (to save my carpet!). Had a few embarassing moments when people would approach him in the street when he was a little puppy and he would wee all over their shoes! :-D

I don't think it is necessarily breed specific (Sprinkling that is!), in my experience Border collies and Golden retrievers do it too. It is just where the dog becomes excited and loses control of their bladders. (Some dogs do it as an act of submission too.) Most grow out of it, but i have heard of one or two dogs who carry on doing it.

Horse manure will do him no harm, but you may find him grow to 14 hands high and develop steel feet!

LOL John:D