How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Items on Walks

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pup, but sometimes dogs have a habit of picking up and eating things they shouldn’t. Whether it’s sticks, rocks, garbage, or even harmful objects, this behavior can be frustrating and dangerous for your dog.

Below are some ideas to help to prevent your dog from munching on random items during walks and help to make your walks safe and more enjoyable:

1. Teach Your Dog The “Leave It” Command

One of the most effective ways to stop your dog from eating things on walks is by teaching your dog the "leave it" command. This command helps your dog understand that they should ignore certain objects.

Here’s how you can teach your dog the “leave it” command:

· Start with a treat: Hold a treat in your hand and say, "leave it". Let your dog sniff and lick your hand but ignore any attempts to get the treat.

· Reward the correct behavior: When your dog looks away from your hand, say "yes" and give them a treat from your other hand.

· Repeat: Repeat this sequence until your dog consistently moves away from your hand when you say, "leave it".

· Practice on the floor:  Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. Say "leave it" and wait for your dog to stop trying to get the treat. When your dog looks at you, say "yes" and give them a treat.

· Add the cue word: Say "leave it" as you put the treat down on the floor.

By practicing this regularly and gradually introducing distractions, your dog will understand to ignore things that you ask them to.

2. Stick to Clean Routes

Try to walk your dog in areas where there’s less debris, trash, or dangerous objects. Parks and open spaces that are regularly cleaned might be safer than busy streets or littered sidewalks. By minimizing exposure to temptations, your dog will have fewer opportunities to grab things off the ground.

3. Keep Your Dog Engaged

Dogs are less likely to eat random items if they’re engaged and focused on you during the walk. Bring treats or a favorite toy to keep their attention.

You can also try:

· Frequent rewards for good behavior.

· Changing the pace regularly by jogging for short bursts to keep your dog excited and focused on you.

· Games like “find it,” where you hide a treat in your hand and let them sniff it out, offering mental stimulation.

4. Use a Shorter Leash

A shorter leash gives you more control over your dog’s movements and allows you to steer them away from items on the ground. Retractable leashes, while convenient, can give your dog too much freedom to grab objects before you notice. Using a standard leash helps you maintain better control over where your dog is sniffing and what they’re near.

5. Pick Up the Pace

Sometimes, simply walking faster can reduce the chances of your dog grabbing something off the ground. A brisk walk keeps your dog moving and less focused on exploring every nook and cranny of the path. It’s harder for them to stop and eat something if they’re trotting along with you.

6. Use a Muzzle – A Last Resort

While I am not a big fan of muzzles, if your dog has a strong tendency to eat things that are dangerous or harmful, a basket muzzle can be a helpful temporary tool. The muzzle prevents your dog from picking up objects while still allowing your dog to pant and drink. Make sure that muzzle is comfortable and fits properly and is only used for short-term control while you work on your other methods of training.

7. Supervise Your Dog Closely

Pay close attention to your dog’s body language and behavior during walks. If you notice your dog sniffing or focusing on something on the ground, be ready to redirect them before they get the chance to eat it. A gentle tug on the leash or calling your dog’s name can often be enough to break their focus.

8. Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement is always the key to helping to change or modify your dog’s behavior. Whenever your dog walks past an object without attempting to eat it, make sure to reward your dog with a treat or praise. Consistent rewards for good behavior help reinforce that ignoring items on the ground is the right choice and should be rewarded.

10. Be Patient

Changing your dog’s behavior won’t happen overnight. It requires consistent training, patience, and supervision. Practice commands like “leave it” regularly and be diligent about guiding your dog away from dangerous objects on walks. With time and effort, your dog will learn what’s off-limits.

When to Seek Help

If your dog’s habit of eating things on walks persists despite your best efforts, or if they’re eating potentially dangerous items like rocks, feces, or toxic plants, it’s a good idea to consult a professional trainer or your veterinarian. In some cases, excessive eating of non-food items, known as pica, can indicate an underlying health issue or behavioral disorder that needs professional attention.