eating dirt

Edgars walker · 11-15-2005, 08:55 AM

We have an 11 week old mini golden doodle, just the cutest thing around, who is learning quickly to go outside whenever he needs to do his business. Two things though are causing us some problems.
1. He loves to eat the dirt in our flower garden, not wolfing it down like he is hungry but a small mouthful, chew well and swallow. Is this a problem or do we just let him?
2. He knows we will take him outside when he barks at the back door, so now when he feels like going out to play he also barks at the back door. Any suggestions?

Btw he is crate trained , or in the process, and doesn't mind at all being in the crate, his requests to go out to play are in the evening.

Thanks for the help.
Steve

zookeeper · 11-15-2005, 09:53 AM

Our pup loved dirt at that age as well. We didn't let her out unsupervised at that time and so when ever she wanted to eat the dirt I would say 'yuk' and divert her attention by playing with her. She stopped the behaviour fairly quickly. Also make sure your pup is getting enough puppy food so he's not just looking to fill the empty spot in his tummy. I'm not sure why the second problem you mention is a problem. Your pup likes being outside and is saying 'hey, let's go out and play!' Make sure he's getting enough exercise and, if you can't take him out just then, have a favorite indoor toy handy to distract him with. Just what I would try. It might help.

Edgars walker · 11-15-2005, 11:19 AM

The only real problem with it is we don't know if it is a "hurry I have to go now so drop whatever you are doing" or a " hey lets go play" so since we are in the middle of trying to train him it means everytime he barks at the back door we need to quick get shoes, hat, coat and mitts....
Steve

zookeeper · 11-15-2005, 11:32 AM

LOL oh ya - hadn't thought of that. That could be a hassle. I'm not sure if there's a solution to that problem but maybe someone else will have one for you.

11-15-2005, 08:55 AM	#1 (permalink)
Edgars walker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mildmay, Ontario Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	eating dirt We have an 11 week old mini golden doodle, just the cutest thing around, who is learning quickly to go outside whenever he needs to do his business. Two things though are causing us some problems. 1. He loves to eat the dirt in our flower garden, not wolfing it down like he is hungry but a small mouthful, chew well and swallow. Is this a problem or do we just let him? 2. He knows we will take him outside when he barks at the back door, so now when he feels like going out to play he also barks at the back door. Any suggestions? Btw he is crate trained , or in the process, and doesn't mind at all being in the crate, his requests to go out to play are in the evening. Thanks for the help. Steve

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11-15-2005, 09:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
zookeeper Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 125 Rep Power: 62	Our pup loved dirt at that age as well. We didn't let her out unsupervised at that time and so when ever she wanted to eat the dirt I would say 'yuk' and divert her attention by playing with her. She stopped the behaviour fairly quickly. Also make sure your pup is getting enough puppy food so he's not just looking to fill the empty spot in his tummy. I'm not sure why the second problem you mention is a problem. Your pup likes being outside and is saying 'hey, let's go out and play!' Make sure he's getting enough exercise and, if you can't take him out just then, have a favorite indoor toy handy to distract him with. Just what I would try. It might help.

11-15-2005, 11:19 AM	#3 (permalink)
Edgars walker Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mildmay, Ontario Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	The only real problem with it is we don't know if it is a "hurry I have to go now so drop whatever you are doing" or a " hey lets go play" so since we are in the middle of trying to train him it means everytime he barks at the back door we need to quick get shoes, hat, coat and mitts.... Steve

11-15-2005, 11:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
zookeeper Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 125 Rep Power: 62	LOL oh ya - hadn't thought of that. That could be a hassle. I'm not sure if there's a solution to that problem but maybe someone else will have one for you.

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