How to Prevent My Dog From Eating Rocks

Dogs instinctively scavenge for food; therefore, they may ingest a variety of items that can potentially harm them, including pebbles and rocks. Eating rocks can break a dog's teeth, hurt the inside of their mouths and cause intestinal blockages that can be fatal. There are several steps you can take to prevent your dog from eating rocks.

Instructions

    • 1

      Go through some basic training exercises with your dog to help him learn the "leave it" command. Use a tennis ball for this training. Place the ball a few feet in front of your dog; when he attempts to get it, say "leave it" in a firm, loud voice and pick up the ball. When your dog responds to the command properly, reward him immediately with a treat or favorite toy. After this training, you can use the "leave it" command when your dog attempts to pick up rocks.

    • 2

      Shake a can filled with coins or use a spray bottle to startle the dog away from rocks when he tries to ingest them. Do not let the dog see you shake the can or use the bottle because this will develop a negative association with those objects.

    • 3

      Use a bitter apple spray on rocks in your yard; dogs and other animals do not like the bitter taste and will not eat or chew objects with bitter apple or other bitter flavors such as lemon juice. If your dog associates the bitter taste with one rock, he is more likely to leave all rocks alone.

    • 4

      Take your dog out for a 30-minute walk every day; dogs that become bored are more likely to chew and eat rocks. Keeping your dog active and engaged can help prevent him from eating rocks and prevent destructive behavior at home.