We have a 9 week old lab who when we bring in the yard to do her business eats or tries to eat everything…. Grass, dirt, leaves, small pebbles. We try to play ball or with a toy and she gets mouthfuls for dirt and grass instead of playing. Is this normal puppy behavior ? How do we train her to stop or stop it. We are telling her “ leave it” and we pull the stuff out but it’s not enjoyable and I’m scared she will get something that will cause her harm. We are very overwhelmed!
Hi Kiw. Been a few post covering this one. Well worth a look. They put everything in the mouth. It's normal, so is feeling overwhelmed. Start on a lead so you have more control. Leave is a good one to train.
My pup is 17 weeks and still does this. I’ve always used a leash on her outside, and I’ve taught her “leave it” since day 1 on getting her at 7 weeks. it’s hard because dogs don’t know how to generalize, no telling her “leave it” by one plant doesn’t mean she’ll understand it furball plants. You have to use the command on every item. It takes time but eventually your pup will get it. Sophie passes right by stuff now that she was drawn to before, but with fall coming she’s now distracted and trying to eat leaves. I’m not too concerned over grass and leaves if she has a few. Rocks mulch and branches are a no no. mid lesve it isn’t working, try giving her a toy that’s shaped like a stoic to carry outside. I do that with Sophie so we can leave our yard for walks and then she doesn’t try to eat everything on the way. I use a rolled rawhide free type treat that’s like a log. She carries it everywhere and if she drops it, I just toss it a foot ahead of us and she picks it up again, or have your pup carry their favorite toy. If they have something to carry they are far less interested in everything else outside.
