Stones!

[Notmybag]

How do I get the puppy to stop eating stones (gravel)?
I am supervising outside at the moment but can't forever!

Mine grew out of it. Can you cordon off the part with stones?

Muzzle training and get her to wear one if you can't supervise.

If you are going to use a muzzle to break this habit please use the basket type so the dog can open it's mouth to pant, drink etc.

Sorry this might sound obvious but I have known a dog die because my boss (a Vet) advised this and the numpty owner used the fabric type that kept the dogs mouth shut tight.

Teach the ‘leave it’ command really early.
Do you use a clicker? Easy to train this.

My lovely boy had to have 4 teeth out last summer as he caught stones that children threw to him on a beach (I wasn’t with him and not my children). Luckily he didn’t choke.

Once mine had learned ‘leave it’, he stopped picking them up altogether. Useful for rotten food/ sheep poo/ children’s toys/ other dog’s toys too.

You could try spraying the gravel with a dog deterrent or something that smells unpleasant (dogs hate citrus). It would need respraying after rain, but hopefully it will only take a day or two for the puppy to stop eating the gravel.

Good luck and have fun with your puppy!

I definitely want to train him out if it rather than muzzle (he is constantly supervised at the moment)

Reassured that some of you think he will learn the 'leave it' command!

How does a clicker work with training?

Lots of great YouTube videos on clicker training. Try Kikopup.

I used a clicker to train my springer to not beg for food, go to his bed when the doorbell rings, wait to be told to ‘take’ his meal, lie down in his bed at family mealtimes, keep feet on floor, bark and ‘quiet’ as well as sit, lie down and a few cute tricks.

He remembers all of it at age 7 and I only needed to use the clicker to train the initial commands.

I am extremely consistent though.

Mine does know the leave it command which is great but I think until they can be relied upon, muzzle training is very useful.

It's cheaper than surgery when they've got a blockage after eating something dangerous.