From: Christine Grosso <rottypal@...>
Subject: Re: [NEswissies] more puppy questions
To: NEswissies@yahoogroups.com
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 11:07 PM

That's the one (and only?) advantage of a winter puppy (if you live in the North): most of the rocks are covered up until the goobers are mature enough to not want to do that!        Not sure how common it is for them to eat dirt and rocks, although I have known a couple of Swissy pups who did that.  I understand that dirt-eating can be a symptom of some kind of nutritional deficiency, but I forget what; maybe ask your vet about that.        Rocks can be really, really bad for them--if they are just the right size they can get lodged in their intestines and require surgery.  I would 1) sign up for pet health insurance without further delay; 2) teach "leave it"; and 3) be out there with her with a fully-loaded bottle of Bitter Apple spray and spray every rock she tried to chew.  BUT...the trainers on this list may have other and/or better suggestions.  Good luck!   Tini --- On Wed, 6/17/09, jaclynlozach <jaclynlozach@ yahoo.com> wrote: From: jaclynlozach <jaclynlozach@ yahoo.com> Subject: [NEswissies] more puppy questions To: NEswissies@yahoogro ups.com Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2009, 8:55 PM My 12 week old puppy loves to chew/eat anything and everything. I know it's common for puppies to eat dirt, rocks, sticks and so on, but is it normal for them to do all the time. 90% of the time she would rather lick dirt and chew rocks than play. Is this uncommon? We try to distract, discourage, and praise when she leaves it. Any suggestions? or is there anything I should be concerned about? Thanks.