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If you’ve ever watched in dismay as your dog munches on bugs, sticks, or leaves, you’re not alone. Many dog owners have experienced the same bewildering behavior. But why do some dogs seem to eat everything in sight? Here’s a closer look at why this happens and what you can do about it.
1. Instinct and Evolutionary Behavior Dogs are descendants of wild canines that needed to be opportunistic feeders. In the wild, they would eat whatever was available to them, from small prey to plants. While domesticated dogs have more varied diets and are less reliant on scavenging, some of these evolutionary instincts still linger. For some dogs, particularly those with a high prey drive, this behavior can manifest as eating anything they come across. 2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation Just like people, dogs can get bored, and boredom often leads to undesirable behaviors. If your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they might resort to eating random objects to entertain themselves. Chewing on sticks or leaves can be a way for them to pass the time or relieve boredom. People do the same sometimes. 3. Nutritional Deficiencies Sometimes, dogs eat non-food items because they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet. For example, if a dog is missing essential minerals or vitamins, they might seek out unusual items in an attempt to supplement their diet. Eating dirt, for example, can be a sign of a mineral deficiency. 4. Exploratory Behavior Puppies and young dogs are naturally curious and use their mouths to explore the world around them. This exploratory behavior is a normal part of development, but it can sometimes lead them to eat things they shouldn’t. They’re essentially “sampling” their environment as they learn about it. 5. Medical Conditions In some cases, eating non-food items might indicate an underlying medical condition. Disorders like pica, which causes dogs to eat non-food substances, or gastrointestinal issues can drive this behavior. If your dog is persistently eating unusual items or seems to be in discomfort, a visit to the vet is recommended to rule out any health problems. 6. Attention-Seeking Dogs are keenly aware of how their behavior affects their owners. If a dog notices that eating strange things garners a lot of attention (even if it’s negative), they might continue to do it just to get a reaction. This behavior can be more pronounced in dogs that are seeking extra attention or interaction. Any attention is better than no attention. This requires training intervention aka teaching them to do nothing. 7. Anxiety and Stress Anxiety and stress can also lead to compulsive behaviors in dogs, including eating non-food items. If your dog is feeling anxious or stressed due to changes in their environment, routine, or household, they might chew on or eat strange things as a coping mechanism. Often displayed at ripping on grass without eating it. In human behavior this is called stress eating. What Can You Do About It?
My new puppy/dog doesn’t like the collar
Let’s start this off with a story from the Homefront of two human puppies: when I was in second grade in Germany, I had a friend who lived on an Air Force Base back then. I frequently went home with her after school to hang out and play. One afternoon, she and I decided to go to a bigger and more exciting playground in the housing area on base. Off we went. After a short while, we lost orientation because pretty much every apartment building on base looked the same except for the building number on it, and there were playgrounds by pretty much every building except for the one we were looking for. We realized that we were lost. Two little German kids who didn’t speak a flick English, couldn’t remember the building number my friend lived in, didn’t know what street she lived on and which way to go. Great job. We were frightened. I remember a nice lady grabbing us by the hand, leading us around the housing area past every building, trying to help us find our way back. We eventually found our building, but it was already getting dark. Two little human puppies, who had no identification on them and weren’t able to communicate where “Home” is. Do not let that happen to your four-legged puppy. One of the essential early lessons in a puppy’s life is getting used to wearing a collar. Though it might seem like a small detail, this step is crucial for their safety and well-being. Safety First: The Importance of a Collar The primary reason for getting your puppy accustomed to a collar is safety. A collar is a fundamental tool for identification, especially if your puppy gets lost. It allows others to see that the puppy has an owner and can even hold an ID tag with your contact information. In emergencies or accidental escapes, a collar significantly increases the chances of your puppy being safely returned to you. Aversive Reactions Are Normal When first introduced to a collar, puppies might react with confusion or discomfort. It’s common for them to scratch at the collar, trying to figure out what’s new around their neck. This scratching is simply a reaction to something they’re not used to, and it’s a normal part of their adjustment period. Aversive reactions, such as temper tantrums or excessive fussing, might occur as your puppy gets used to the collar. These reactions are expected and will generally subside as the puppy becomes more accustomed to wearing it. Patience is key during this phase. Avoiding a negative response and providing positive reinforcement will help your puppy accept the collar more quickly. Understanding Puppy Behavior: It’s Not Just About ‘Liking’ It’s important to remember that attributing human emotions to your puppy—such as saying they “don’t like” the collar—is a form of anthropomorphism. Puppies don’t experience discomfort or dislike the same way humans do. Instead, they’re simply adjusting to a new sensation. Puppies are naturally curious and may initially find the collar distracting or uncomfortable because it’s an unfamiliar feeling. Over time, as they grow accustomed to it, they will stop fussing and the collar will become a normal part of their daily life. Tips for a Smooth Collar Introduction
By understanding and addressing these early challenges, you’re setting your puppy up for a secure and happy future. Happy training! Hey there! Dealing with peeing issues in dogs—whether it's submissive peeing or peeing out of excitement—can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can manage and reduce these behaviors effectively. Let’s break down how to address both submissive peeing and excitement peeing in dogs, so you can help your furry friend stay calm and dry. First off: Understanding Submissive and Excitement Peeing Submissive Peeing: This occurs when a dog urinates as a response to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or submissive. It’s a natural reaction to situations where the dog feels they need to appease or show deference. Excitement Peeing: This happens when a dog is overly excited or overstimulated. Puppies, in particular, may pee when they’re very happy or excited during playtime or when greeting people. Strategies for Managing Submissive Peeing
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with peeing issues, feel free to send me an email.  Hey there!
So, you’re diving into dog training—great choice! But before you get started, there’s something crucial to consider: is your entire household aligned with the training plan? It might sound like a small detail, but getting everyone on the same page can make a significant difference in how effective your training will be. Let’s break down why consistency matters and what to do if your family isn’t quite on board. Why Consistency is Essential Here’s the deal: dogs need consistency to learn effectively. If different family members give your dog mixed signals, it can lead to confusion and slow down the training process. Here’s why being on the same page is crucial:
If your family isn’t completely aligned with the training plan, don’t worry—there are ways to address this. Here’s a strategy to get everyone working together:
Sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, there might be differing opinions or approaches to training. Here’s how to manage those situations:
Good luck with your training journey! If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, feel free to reach out to me. That’s a question I hear often and quite frankly, the answer is “That is your own personal preference”. I always tell my clients that it is up to their discretion if they give their dog permission to be on the furniture. That being said, one important factor is permission. As long as your dog knows and understands that the couch belongs to you and they are using your property at your discretion, there is nothing wrong with letting the dog on the furniture. Problems arise if that is unclear to your dog and your dog sees it for granted to use your belongings or even assumes ownership over certain spots and areas around the house. Why is that? Dogs are animals; they have no real sense of sharing resources, especially if they think those will give them some kind of advantage (couch= high perch) or have a lot of value to the individual; contrary to some TikTok videos, sharing is not in a dog’s DNA. From day one, dogs have to compete against each other; they compete with their litter mates for the best teat on their mother while nursing, and then they compete against each other while eating puppy gruel (ever seen a video of a litter of puppies eating gruel? You think you are watching some kind of gladiator games). They compete against each other for resources; they do not understand the concept of abundance. In the animal kingdom, it is always the survival of the fittest. The one who controls the resources is basically in control of everything. The mother dog controls the “milk bar,” and when she’s had enough, she will just get up and walk away. She makes the rules. If you do not set rules for the house and give allowances without limitations, your dog for sure will. So, it is absolutely ok for you to allow your dog on the furniture as long as you set the rules for it and your dog does not become possessive about these. When you tell your dog to get off the couch, your dog needs to get off the couch promptly. No questions asked. If you are having problems with establishing rules and boundaries around your house, feel free to reach out to me.  |
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