Eating everything outdoors

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1year old Chihuahua.  He attempts to eat all sorts of "stuff" when we walk.  Grass, twigs, dirt, leaves, paper... I try to get it out of his mouth quickly but sometimes I don't get there fast enough.  If I say drop it sometimes he will.  I'm worried he may get sick from something.  Any suggestions on how I can get him to stop this behavior.  Should I be worried.   Thanks judy

ANSWER: Hi Judy,

I think most of the problem of your dog trying to eat things during his walks is immaturity, so this behavior might lessen as he gets older.

It's very good that he knows the "drop it" command, but teaching your dog the "leave it" command can help since you'd be teaching the dog not to even attempt to pick something up. You can read about teaching the "leave it" command here:

http://life.familyeducation.com/dogs/pet-training/47471.html
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/teaching-your-dog-to-leave-it/page1.aspx

A dog quickly learns that picking up a foreign object or a non-food item will gain the owner's attention. The attention provided by the owner can be rewarding and reinforcing even though the reward is unintentional. Scolding, chasing and punishment can be rewarding for the dog seeking attention.

Boredom or lack of exercise for long periods of time can play a major role in a dog's interest in chewing on non-food items. A dog with little to do in his day will "explore" and chew on foreign objects.

Depending on how much time your dog spends alone during the day, this problem might be linked to either boredom or lack of attention.
The easiest treatment for your dog's behavior is to provide adequate mental stimulation for him. Taking your dog out for a good long walk twice a day will help tire him out, provide companionship and diversion. After all, a tired dog is a good dog!

If it seems that your dog might attempting to eat things in order to gain attention in your presence, it is best to ignore the dog if it already has something in its mouth. Any reaction, including chasing, yelling, or physical punishment will be regarded as rewarding by the dog. The best time for intervention is to divert the dog's attention BEFORE the dog approaches an object it intends to pick up. For example, instruct the dog to perform some previously learned command-response, and then reward him through petting or food. Supervision is the key!

You can also try to reduce the dog's appetite by feeding lesser amounts more often, and by adding fiber to the diet to promote a feeling of fullness.

Enrolling in a training class or do some fun in-home training to enrich your dog's life and give him the opportunity to gain attention for the right reasons. Plus, you can learn useful commands to use with him if he picks up an inappropriate object!

Best of luck!
Patti


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for the quick response.  He does know "leave it", "drop it" but sometimes he is soooooooo fast or I miss it.  We take several walks a day.  We play and train every day.  I'm working on "come"  while on the lease.  I'd like to advance to off lease but I'm nervous about that yet.  I don't really have any enclosed area to practice.
 Thanks again for your suggestions.  Judy

Answer
Hi Judy,

I know how fast a small dog can be, but you've got to be quicker! Don't take your eyes off of him, since you know he'll take whatever opportunity he can find for an unscheduled snack!

You might also try using a head harness, such as a Gentle Leader or Halti instead of a neck collar when walking your dog. Usually these collars are used to prevent a dog from pulling on the leash, but because a head harness is worn on the head, similarly to how a horse wears a halter, it may give you more control over your dog when he tries to eat things, since you'd be controlling his head more. Your dog would need a period of time to adjust to wearing a head harness.

If you're having trouble getting your dog to listen, and can't get him to stop picking up everything and everything, then you should consider the obedience training I suggested in my original message. Sometimes working with a trained professional is the best solution.

Best of luck,

Patti