Dogs explore the world mouth-first, but what’s quirky in a puppy can become dangerous in adulthood. My neighbor’s Labrador Retriever, Luna, once swallowed a sock during a game of fetch—a $2,000 vet visit later, they learned the hard way. Whether it’s a Beagle sniffing out trash or a German Shepherd gnawing on remote controls, this habit risks their health and the health of your belongings!

Let’s explore how to curb this behavior, with tailored tips for specific breeds and real-life examples.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Non-Food Items?

It’s rarely about mischief. Boredom, instinct, and even nutritional needs drive this behavior. High-energy breeds like Border Collies might chew to burn steam, while anxious Shih Tzus may seek comfort in destructive habits. Puppies, like Golden Retrievers, often mouth objects during teething.

But why do some dogs take it further? For some, it’s a genetic predisposition. For example, Labradors are notorious for their food obsession, while Dachshunds are naturally curious and stubborn. Understanding your dog’s breed-specific tendencies is the first step to solving the problem.

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Quick Takeaways: Solutions for Common Breeds

Breed	Common Triggers	Best Fix
Labrador Retriever	Food obsession, scavenging	Use puzzle feeders
Jack Russell Terrier	Boredom, high energy	Agility training
Dachshund	Curiosity, stubbornness	Bitter apple spray
Siberian Husky	Separation anxiety	Frozen Kong toys

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Step 1: Know Your Dog’s Triggers

Breed matters. A French Bulldog might eat fabric for comfort, while a Australian Shepherd chews out of restlessness. Observe patterns:

• Time of day: Does your Dalmatian raid the trash at night?
• Location: Is your Poodle targeting laundry baskets?

For example, my cousin’s Cocker Spaniel, Bella, would only chew shoes when left alone. Once they realized it was separation anxiety, they introduced interactive toys, and the problem vanished.

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Step 2: Breed-Specific Redirection

Redirecting your dog’s attention is key. Here’s how to do it based on breed traits:

• For scent-driven breeds (Beagles, Basset Hounds): Hide treats in a snuffle mat to satisfy their nose.
• For power chewers (Rottweilers, Bullmastiffs): Offer indestructible toys like GoughNuts.
• For anxious breeds (Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels): Use calming pheromone collars paired with soft chew toys.

Example: My friend’s Boxer, Duke, destroyed shoes daily until they swapped them with a deer antler.

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Step 3: Train “Leave It” with Breed Temperament in Mind

Teaching “Leave It” is essential, but the approach varies by breed:

• Stubborn breeds (Bulldogs, Shar-Peis): Use high-value rewards like chicken.
• Eager-to-please breeds (Golden Retrievers, Collies): Praise works wonders.

How to teach “Leave It” to a curious Beagle:

1. Place a low-value item (like a pen) on the floor.
2. When they approach, say “Leave it” and block access with your hand.
3. Reward with a stinky treat (e.g., liver) only when they back off.

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Step 4: Manage the Environment

Prevention is easier than correction. Here’s how to set your dog up for success:

• For counter-surfing breeds (Labradors, Huskies): Install baby locks on cabinets.
• For small breeds (Pomeranians, Maltese): Use playpens to limit access.

Case study: A client’s Corgi kept eating cat food. Moving the bowl to a high shelf solved it instantly.

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Step 5: Address Health & Nutrition

Some breeds are prone to pica (eating non-food items):

• Bull Terriers: Often linked to anemia.
• Dobermans: Check for thyroid issues.

Ask your vet about fiber supplements or blood tests if the habit persists.

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Step 6: Enrichment for High-Energy Breeds

Boredom is a major trigger for chewing. Here’s how to keep your dog mentally stimulated:

• For Border Collies: Teach new tricks or set up obstacle courses.
• For Jack Russell Terriers: Play fetch or hide-and-seek.
• For Australian Shepherds: Use puzzle toys or agility training.

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Step 7: When to Call a Professional

For breeds with strong wills (Shiba Inus, Akitas), a certified trainer can help. Look for ones experienced in your dog’s breed—Terriers, for example, need firm but playful guidance.

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Final Thoughts

Breaking this habit takes patience, especially with determined breeds like Dachshunds or clever Border Collies. Celebrate small wins: When my Shetland Sheepdog finally ignored a discarded chicken bone, we threw her a “good choices” party (read: extra belly rubs).

Remember, every dog can learn. Stay consistent, stay kind, and when in doubt, reach out to breed-specific communities for support.

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