mojo eats rocks

[DonnaB]

Hi.
I'm DonnaB from New Brunswick, New Jersey. I have a 11 1/2 month old Golden Retriever. He is my third golden and I admit I am a Golden Retriever junkie. I got Mojo when he was 6 months old from a breeder. She was selling him because two of his molers had not come in and he would not be the show dog she was hoping for. He is a stunning dog and has a sweet disposition. Mojo is very smart and a great retriever. The problem is he eats stones/rocks. I thought he stopped this behavior two months ago but the doggie day care found him eating the stones in the yard. It was unbelievable how many rocks he passed. He vomited so I took him to the vet and he was x-rayed. They were still some stones in his colon. The vet said he will probably pass them and seems to be doing that okay. The vet also said I should muzzle him outside. How can I stop this behavior? He loved the daycare but I am afraid that they will not supervise him enough. I love my boy and don't want him injured.

[Carol]

Oh my goodness. Wonder why he does that? Because of a feeling in his mouth or missing nutrient in diet? Wow hope someone has an answer for you.
Welcome to the forum. Nice to have you here.
I love Goldens as well. Have known many. Wonderful dispositions.

[natalieandweiley]

my mums border collie did the same thing it seemed to be when he got excited he has stopped now well i think he just grew out of it i dont really have any advise apart from keep your eye open and praise him when he doesnt eat stones and dont make a fuss when he does as he could start doing it to get attention!! i have a 6 month old rottweiler and he will do anything to get attenton his best is when i am sat on the sofa and if i ignore him he will jump on and sit on my knee!!

[sailsanf3]

I think I saw a show on this with the dog guy on tv. He got one of those dog backpacks and walked the dog at least an hour a day as well as using balls as a distraction and praise method. My parents had a springer who chewed rocks. We had tons of balls in the yard and house so he always had a toy to bring to us instead of rocks. Another thing; we have a 8 week old golden puppy who we've named the paranha. I went to the goodwill and selected out twelve stuffed animals and some baby toys for her so she will have something handy when ever she feels the need to bite or chew. One of the toys is a Gumby. The green clay animation guy. My kids are fighting with Saphira for her gumby. You might want to try toys lots and lots of toys and play with them with your dog then treat him when you're done show him that playing with the toys is good. A little stuffing flying around the house or yard is better then a visit to the operating table at the vets.

Hey, good luck and please let me know how things are coming along. Diane