Hi everyone, I have a 12 month old English chocolate female. Since she was a puppy she eats everthing, ive talk to vets and other Lab owners and they all say the same, "its a Lab thing" What Im at my wits end about, is the grass eating. Its not just the blades, its the ripping out and eating the roots and dirt, making a hole in the lawn. Ive tried everything to stop her but have been unsuccessful. She had a couple time where she was constipated it was mainly grass in her stool. I fear it may become a more serious issue. I'm at the point I want to get her a cage muzzle to wear when she goes in the backyard. Oh, Its only in our backyard. Ive never seen her eat grass anywhere else. Does anyone have any ideas, tricks, suggestions on how to break her of this. She knows leave it and drop it like a champ, but not when she has that grass in her mouth. Also, is it horrible to put a cage muzzle on her for her safety. Thanks for any info!
Hi Beccilea, this sounds really hard for you. Pippa has written an article on why dogs eat grass, here, that might prompt some ideas for you. But as it's only at home I wonder if this is partly a habit, or a bit of boredom even? Is sectioning off a part of your backyard that doesn't have grass in, for her, to try to break the habit, an option perhaps? Sammie
It's certainly a Lab thing. My girl doesn't do it, but our breeder friends are constantly working to discourage their 6 from doing it. It comes down to supervision. A bit like toilet training - vigilance is the key. The second your girl starts, a sharp 'No. Leave it'. Be consistent. Labs aren't silly. She'll get the message. It'll be a giant pain for a while but it is a habit you can break.
Pulling up or digging up stuff, mainly to play with, then eating it out of boredom is a very common behavior in young labs. My own 9 month old lab has recently started pulling up the odd plant and running round the garden with them, so I am having to go back to supervising her more closely and not leaving her out there alone for more than a few minutes. It is frustrating when you think you have got to the grown up sensible stage, but it will pass if you supervise her more closely for a few weeks. Interrupt the unwanted behavior, distract her with treats or a game, or bring her indoors . In my case I’ll need to move the plant pots too!
