Accepted Answer

Hi KJ,

It is possible your dog is trying to eat the rocks to obtain a mineral that is missing in his diet, but many times that is not the case. If you are not feeding your dog a high quality dog food, you may want to switch to one such as the eagle pack brand. He should also be taken to the Vet to determine if there is a medical condition that may be causing this. He will need to see the vet anyway due to the fact that worm eggs can live in the soil and is on rock which might carry parasites which may have infected your dog.

It is likely to be PICA, which is the consistent ingestion of non-food item. With Pica behavior, your Vet will probably want to run blood tests to be sure.

You can read about it on the following websites. They also offer ways to combat and curb this behavior.
http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/herdmed/applied-ethology/behaviourproblems/picabeh.html
http://www.pet-tails.com/LPMArticle.asp?ID=327
http://www.pedigree.com/dogsandpuppies/adult+dogs/behavior/facts+about+dogs/Canine+Pica.asp?CSID=475
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/29/AR2005092902646.html

It is a frustrating condition for dog owners to deal with so I understand your frustration as well. Suggestions to help curb PICA include increased exercise, distracting treats, non-scolding when you discover the behavior. To curb PICA does require closely observing your dog and stopping the behavior before it starts, which may be hard, if you are going about your normal daily activities around the house or yard. If it is practical, you might try leashing him to you so he will always be where you can observe him easily and stop him before he starts and hopefully this would aid in her recovery as he realizes it is not acceptable behavior. You might try an area that is contained and put a close meshed bottom or clear that area completely of stones or have a concrete bottom done for when you can't watch him constantly.

Since he is young, if you can prevent him ingesting them for the duration of his teething then he might be less inclined to chew on them afterwards. Try providing some kong toys for him to chew on. Also some other distracting toys. I give my rotties basketballs to roll around and attack and jump on and just replace them as soon as they get punctured. They seem to like how large they are.

Crating him will help prevent the behavior when you are not home. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Expert:	Jane Lefler
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/23/2008

Behaviorist, Breeder, See Qual.

15 years Breeding Experience, Former vol. Vet Assistant, Dog Behaviorist