Help!! - Boxer Eating Mulch

Bellas Mommy · 05-12-2009, 11:57 AM

Ok Im not sure if this is the right spot for this question BUT Im gonna try...Ok so we just re-did our flower beds and layed all new mulch down..NOW I have a little boxer who wont stay out of the mulch..she is actually eating it!!! I didnt notice it till when I couldnt get her to come in from going "potty" what she was actually doing. I went out and got her and there she was laying down in my flower bed having a good ol meal...she than came in and puked 4 times....she seems to be ok now as she is sleeping like a log..but what suggests do u guys have to stop her from eating it..I have told her no, a ZILLION times...the mulch cant taste that good! I did take her food away so she can let her belly settle..and for dinner Im gonna boil her some chicken and rice...till tomorrow. Any suggestions..?

bruinsBoxers · 05-12-2009, 12:13 PM

Hopefully it is not coco mulch , that can be toxic to dogs .

The best thing would be to take her out on lead and give a verbal correction and re direct her when she goes for the mulch . This will take a while for her to learn but it will eventually help . And she may need some refresher courses now and then .

Or you can put up some temporary fencing ( like chicken wire ) and keep her out of the mulch that way .

daisy'smom · 05-12-2009, 01:18 PM

The trainer I took Daisy to taught her the "leave it" command. I can get her to leave anything alone(except cats) using the "leave it command. How we taught Daisy was with a super high value treat like hot dogs or chicken. She threw some on the ground and when Daisy went for it she pulled her back and said in a stern voice "leave it" then she picked up the hot dog and pinched a little off and gave it to Daisy with lots of praise. Daisy caught on really fast. Now if she gets anything I don't want her to have I just have to say leave it and she does. It is an important command to teach if just for their safety. Your dog is younger so it may take a while to teach in the mean time I think the temporary fence is a good idea.

whitedaisy · 05-12-2009, 02:01 PM

Did you get a new puppy?

Spyglass Sally · 05-12-2009, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisy'smom

The trainer I took Daisy to taught her the "leave it" command. I can get her to leave anything alone(except cats) using the "leave it command.

That's great! How old was she when you did that? Buddy's a little over 4 months and starts obedience this month. I'd love to add that one to the list.

daisy'smom · 05-12-2009, 06:18 PM

Daisy was 13 months old when I got her. I am sure with a pup it takes more patience and time. Be very careful with the trainer you use. There are lots of bad ones out there. Found that out the hard way.

KeeperBoy · 05-12-2009, 06:26 PM

Leave it is one of the most important commands there is. We started it with Boo around 4 months. Honestly though, she is just now starting to really get it. Keepers has a great leave it with everything but food.

I think chicken wire is a great idea, since you probable won't be out there 24/7 to say leave it.

Bellas Mommy · 05-12-2009, 06:48 PM

Yeah Im gonna get the wire or some fencing for it..we want her to know she can potty without us out there with her which we are just now getting her to get...so Im gonna go get the fencing or wire for it..she will get it...

JOHNPETER · 05-27-2009, 08:13 PM

hi guys NOW I have a little boxer who wont stay out of the mulch..she is actually eating it!!! I didnt notice it till when I couldnt get her to come in from going "potty" what she was actually doing..thanks

Mesquite451 · 07-31-2009, 05:12 PM

ROFL.... boxer puppies do such crazy things.