How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing and Eating Dirt
Dogs chew and eat dirt due to curiosity, teething, boredom, or instinct. To stop this: - Supervise constantlyâwatch every move, not just being in the same room. - Confinement is keyâuse a crate, ex-pen, or dog-proofed room when you can't watch. - Offer safe chew toysâpraise your dog when they use them instead of dirt. - Remove temptationâkeep plants and dirt out of reach, and clean up messes fast.
Why Dogs Chew and Eat Dirt
Puppies are often described as "vehicles to transport their mouths around," meaning they explore the world with their mouths. This natural curiosity can lead to chewing on plants, dirt, or other non-food items. Eating dirt may also stem from boredom, teething, or a need to explore. If a dog eats inedible things like dirt, they risk tooth damage, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages that may require surgery.
Supervise and Confine When Unsupervised
Never leave your dog unattended in areas where they can access dirt, plants, or chewable objects. Active, second-by-second supervision is essentialâjust being in the same room isnât enough. When you can't watch, confine your dog to a dog-proofed space. This could be a crate, ex-pen (folding playpen), or a room with no accessible items they can destroy. A dog-proofed area has no drapes, wires, furniture, baseboards, or personal items.
Redirect with Toys and Positive Reinforcement
When youâre able to supervise, give your dog freedomâbut only if they have safe chew toys available. Always have a supply of approved chew toys on hand. The instant you see your dog sniffing or going for dirt, interrupt with a clear "Ah!" and immediately guide them to a toy. Praise them and reward them with a treat when they engage with the toy instead. This teaches them that choosing the toy leads to positive outcomes.
Prevent Access and Clean Up Quickly
Keep flowerpots and dirt-filled areas out of reach. Make sure any plants in your home are non-toxic to dogs. If your dog is in the yard, keep them on a leash so you can monitor their behavior. Clean up any dirt or messes immediatelyâespecially after theyâve been outside. This removes the opportunity to repeat the behavior. For dogs that eat feces (a related habit), removing waste right after toileting is the most effective prevention.
Use Training Cues and Consistency
Train your dog to respond to cues like âleave itâ or âlook at meâ when they show interest in dirt. If you catch them about to chew dirt, interrupt, redirect to a toy, and reward. Use a clicker and treats to reinforce the correct behavior. Over time, add a cue like âchewâ or âtoyâ to help your dog associate the action with the right choice. Practice consistentlyâeven in real-life momentsâto build strong habits.
Frequently asked questions
Can eating dirt harm my dog?
Yes, eating dirt can lead to tooth fractures, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages that may require surgery.
Is chewing dirt the same as eating feces?
Not exactly, but both behaviors stem from similar instinctsâcuriosity, boredom, or scavenging. The same training principles apply: supervision, redirection, and environmental control.
Sources
- Dogs Are From Neptune · Donaldson, Jean · PUPPY EATING DIRT
- Click and Connect A Real-World Guide to Clicker Training for You and Your Pup · Grant, Pete · Dealing with Common Behavior Issues
- Zak Georges Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog · Zak George, Dina Roth Port · Not specified
â ïž Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different â breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.