CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: bartoncocker on September 26, 2024, 09:23:33 AM
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Hello - we welcomed a lovely (now) 15 week old, black cocker into our home about 6 weeks ago. Generally things are going really well with basic training, forming a bond, and settling in. Of course there have been many challenges, feelings of being overwhelmed with our first dog, and expected puppy mischief, but on the whole good! A behaviour we are struggling with is that she is OBSESSED with searching for and then eating snails (and slugs, but snails seem to be higher value). This is to the point that she will sit by the back door and whine to be let out just to start the snail hunt.
I've spoken to people who say their pup did similar and grew out of it. But I'm wondering if there are any tips to ensure that this behaviour stops - obviously she shouldn't be eating snails for several reasons.
We now put her on lead in the garden when the risk of snails being about is high (raining or recently rained), and try to remove as many as we can from the garden. But she can always sniff ones out that we miss, and gets to them and eats them lightening fast.
General leave and drop training is progressing but no where near solid, especially for high value stuff like snails!
Many thanks
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Hi and welcome to COL
One thing you could try is a basket weave muzzle (as well as keeping her on lead) until the 'leave' command is rock solid, especially as the nights get longer and darker.
Not many people like muzzles - but they can be a useful tool in the right circumstance :police:
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Hi and welcome to COL
One thing you could try is a basket weave muzzle (as well as keeping her on lead) until the 'leave' command is rock solid, especially as the nights get longer and darker.
Not many people like muzzles - but they can be a useful tool in the right circumstance :police:
Hi and welcome!
Always a good thing to train them to wear a muzzle anyway. Incase of accident or injury, it might be necessary to use one and its far less stressful if they’ve been familiarized already. Worth taking a bit of time to to introduce them slowly and positively rather than just plonking them on though.
I think the allure of the snails will probably fade in time, along with all the other disgusting things which seem to appeal at that age! :005:
Best of luck
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Our little one was around the same age as yours when she started snail hunting and eating ( last October ) . We had to go out and clear hundreds and keep a close eye on her. The vet didn’t seem at all bothered as she had her lung worm treatment . This year she isn’t at all interested in them. It’s all about Daddy Long Legs !!,
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Miss Molly 's fascination at the moment is soil. She can't resist a gob full. Also leaves, flowers, stones. But not snails or slugs at the moment.
The size of slugs this year, they are enormous but can't but anything down because of the hedgehog
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I have memories of a snail hunting foster pup giving me a kiss and I ended up with slimy snail shell on my face - yuk
Enjoy
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I have memories of a snail hunting foster pup giving me a kiss and I ended up with slimy snail shell on my face - yuk
Enjoy
:020: oh you have to love ‚em !!! :005:
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Thanks all for the replies. It is reassuring to hear that she is likely to grow out of it (I've heard it from several other people as well as here). Will look to get a muzzle and train her with that- sounds very sensible to get her used to that in case needed one day.
I mentioned to the vet and indeed similar response - she said try to stop her from eating them, and make sure she has lung worm prevention, which she is getting (nexgard spectra monthly, at the moment).
It is frustrating behaviour- but I try to count myself lucky that she is not eating poo (yet atleast!) :005:
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Oh that’s another subject altogether :lol: :lol: We live in the country and often follow the cows going in and out for milking, fresh cow pooh, the runnier the better is Michelin 5 Star for Humphrey, ( the worst is when his ears dangle in it!):Another delicacy is cat pooh, which is frequently deposited in my garden and is a real bone of contention but, hey ho, as long as they’re happy and healthy, we have to overlook their little discrepncies!! :lol: :lol:
Have fun with your little one! :luv:
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Quick update- I can say that Bramble is now not very interested in snails and slugs - thankfully!! Indeed. It was a Puppy Thing! Now 10 months old
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Quick update- I can say that Bramble is now not very interested in snails and slugs - thankfully!! Indeed. It was a Puppy Thing! Now 10 months old
Hurrah that is good news indeed :clapdance: :happydance: