We all know that when dogs are hungry, they will eat anything they see that is edible, so owners need to train their dogs not to eat things randomly when they are puppies. Some dogs eat grass, garbage, or leaves during walks outside. Owners are naturally displeased with this behavior, and dogs might have diarrhea or even food poisoning after eating these things, so when dogs show these habits, owners should promptly stop and teach them. So, what should be done when dogs eat things randomly?

Dogs eating random things may be due to a lack of nutrients in their body, hoping to supplement their nutrition by searching for food themselves. When dogs lack nutrients, they might eat dirty things such as feces or garbage from the trash can. Owners can address this by supplementing the missing nutrients, helping the dog break this habit. However, supplementing a single nutrient takes a long time to show effects, and during this period, owners need to have sufficient patience.

When dogs eat garbage, owners should stop them immediately and pat the dog’s buttocks as a punishment to let them know this behavior is wrong. Then use garbage to tempt the dog; if it eats again, continue the punishment until it realizes garbage should not be eaten. If dogs eat things randomly when owners are not looking, they can put substances dogs dislike, such as mustard, on those items. When the dog eats it and vomits, it will understand garbage tastes bad and won’t eat it anymore.

Owners should also pay attention to hygiene in daily life by not throwing garbage on the floor or placing food directly on the ground. Because dogs are very curious, they will sniff and lick these items. Owners should loudly criticize them when caught, so dogs realize their mistake upon hearing their owner’s scolding. Owners can also give dogs a choice between garbage and food; if the dog chooses garbage, pat its buttocks, and if it chooses food, reward it with the food. Over time, the dog will stop eating random things.