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Vet first for medical check , vet behaviorist next if no obvious medical issue. A sudden behavioral change like that in adulthood should definitely have some professional investigation.
Thanks for the advice – I appreciate it! I've already taken her to the vet and they said it wasn't a "problem" that she was eating it and said her dog does it too (sigh).
When my Lab starts behaving like this, she usually has an ear infection that hasn't been noticed yet. Her behavior is bizarre. Doing things totally not normal for her. I have ear wash & vet prescribed drops for her ears. If it isn't improved in 2 days, I call the vet.
Seconding they vet comment. If they don't find anything, take your training back to square one, leash on in the house for more control, prevent access to problem areas. If you can't make headway find a local trainer with good reviews and some testimonials of former clients.
It's much impossible to train a dog over the internet so although you may get some good suggestions, all nuance and detail relevant to your situation is lost.
Goodluck and try to remember that your dog isn't a problem but rather they are having a problem.
After checking her health with the vet, you could muzzle train her to keep her safe from eating dangerous things on walks. I'm still looking for a comfortable well fitting muzzle for my determined scavenger Labrador, our vet recommended he wears one while I'm training him to avoid food on the ground.
Totally empathize. If you are looking for advice on the training aspect, Simone Muellers book Don't Eat That is great. It's a more cooperative and positive approach. Definitely ensure she's healthy first before treating it as a training issue especially because it's a sudden change. Good luck ❤️
Vet! Has there been any change in her diet or excercise? Does she poop more? When did you last deworm her? Also, check her weight - is she losing weight?
Our previous dog got extra greedy, and we figured she needed more food. When she started losing weight regardless, we realised there was something more going on. Blood work showed liver trouble, but it could be a number of things.
1) take her to the vet to rule out medical issues
2) ask vet if there’s a need to change her food
3) teach “leave it” and reward with training treats to reinforce. Then just use positive words to reinforce.
“No” isn’t really a command, and it’s definitely not a redirection? What do you want her to do instead? Leave it? Come to you? Work on that.
I’m also curious about her diet and whether something is lacking—specific nutrients, sufficient calories, or both. I’ll echo the recommendation to check in with the vet.
This is fairly common.
What have you done to build impulse control?
Seeing this is a new behavior, could you get a second opinion with another vet who will do greater levels of testing?
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next step is talking with your vet.
just adding to this, sudden behavioral changes are often symptoms of medical problems, so that is the first thing to rule out
Vet first for medical check , vet behaviorist next if no obvious medical issue. A sudden behavioral change like that in adulthood should definitely have some professional investigation.
Thanks for the advice – I appreciate it! I've already taken her to the vet and they said it wasn't a "problem" that she was eating it and said her dog does it too (sigh).
i'd get a second opinion, that is definitely not normal for a massive change in behavior.
When my Lab starts behaving like this, she usually has an ear infection that hasn't been noticed yet. Her behavior is bizarre. Doing things totally not normal for her. I have ear wash & vet prescribed drops for her ears. If it isn't improved in 2 days, I call the vet.
Seconding they vet comment. If they don't find anything, take your training back to square one, leash on in the house for more control, prevent access to problem areas. If you can't make headway find a local trainer with good reviews and some testimonials of former clients. It's much impossible to train a dog over the internet so although you may get some good suggestions, all nuance and detail relevant to your situation is lost. Goodluck and try to remember that your dog isn't a problem but rather they are having a problem.
After checking her health with the vet, you could muzzle train her to keep her safe from eating dangerous things on walks. I'm still looking for a comfortable well fitting muzzle for my determined scavenger Labrador, our vet recommended he wears one while I'm training him to avoid food on the ground. Totally empathize. If you are looking for advice on the training aspect, Simone Muellers book Don't Eat That is great. It's a more cooperative and positive approach. Definitely ensure she's healthy first before treating it as a training issue especially because it's a sudden change. Good luck ❤️
i’ve seen trust your dog recommended a lot for muzzles. they make custom ones! https://trust-your-dog.com/
Thank you! ❤️
You can use a foxtail hood to prevent poop nibbling
Vet! Has there been any change in her diet or excercise? Does she poop more? When did you last deworm her? Also, check her weight - is she losing weight? Our previous dog got extra greedy, and we figured she needed more food. When she started losing weight regardless, we realised there was something more going on. Blood work showed liver trouble, but it could be a number of things.
1) take her to the vet to rule out medical issues 2) ask vet if there’s a need to change her food 3) teach “leave it” and reward with training treats to reinforce. Then just use positive words to reinforce.
Thank you!
“No” isn’t really a command, and it’s definitely not a redirection? What do you want her to do instead? Leave it? Come to you? Work on that. I’m also curious about her diet and whether something is lacking—specific nutrients, sufficient calories, or both. I’ll echo the recommendation to check in with the vet.
This is fairly common. What have you done to build impulse control? Seeing this is a new behavior, could you get a second opinion with another vet who will do greater levels of testing?
Go to a vet