Dog Community

Board dogs??

Posted : 3/5/2006 10:24:14 AM

I can't figure out why my female has all the sudden (past 2 months) started eating sticks. The other day while I was at work they decided to destroy part of the legs to my great great grandmothers antique dining room table. And needless to say there were just bits of wood left over they had eaten the rest but I am pretty sure it was predominantly my female, she's the only one that eats sticks outside.
Anyone else ever have a dog that eats sticks?
Is there any way to get them to stop? I just changed their food so I am going to see if that helps... I wonder if she is missing something, that perhaps I could supplement??

Two cents appreciated!

glenmar

Posted : 3/5/2006 10:41:45 AM

I'd crate them when I'm away. You suspect, but don't know for sure it's your girl, so I'd put them BOTH in crates when you leave. Swallowing chunks of wood isn't great for them. And I'm sure you don't want the furniture destroyed. Likely, yes, they are bored and have too much freedom.

cakana

Posted : 3/5/2006 1:08:03 PM

My two labs do the same thing (outside only, fortunately). One just likes to pick them up and carry them around. The other likes to gnaw on them or shred the bark off of them. It's definitely a boredom thing for them and I keep an eye on them to make sure they're not eating them. I agree with Glenda - I'd keep them crated when you can't be there to watch them.

He is The Boss

Posted : 3/7/2006 10:48:08 PM

I would be careful about even letting them play with sticks outside

[linkhttp://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2005-03-10-fetch_x.htm]http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2005-03-10-fetch_x.htm[/link]

Wysteria Berkhoff

Posted : 3/9/2006 8:19:26 PM

My misfortune is that if I crate my younger one (I saved him from a kennle when he was 7 months old and I think he might have spent all his time in the kennles) because he is absolutely terrified of being left alone in his kennle! He has some of the worst anxiety. He bounces off all sides of the crate and tips his water within the first couple hours of being alone, then has no water for the rest of the day (even if the water is on his cage vs. sitting on the floor). When he is out of his cage he does a lot better. He isn't as anxious and he is much better when I get home. Usually they don't do anything it was just this one particular day where they were home for more time then they ever had been alone. Needless to say they go to a dog sitters (my mother in law) or to work with me since then, I was just wondering if they might be missing something in their diet....but since I switched them off just Evo they haven't been doing the whole stick eating thing[&:] I don't get it?