How to Train Your Dog to Not Eat Socks
Introduction
When you're feeling hungry, nothing hits the spot quite like a juicy, delicious old sock. Well no, actually that sounds awful, but not if you're a pup with a sock fetish. These canines come in all shapes and sizes but they share one thing; their undying love for munching on dirty socks.
If you're the lucky owner of one of these doggos, you've likely lost many a foot glove to your pilfering roommate. Some dogs simply suck on their victims, while others chew holes or scarf the entire sock down. But here's the problem with the latter. Other than the obvious inconvenience that a sock destroyer can cause you, the habit is actually really dangerous!Defining Tasks
Many a mutt has been unable to resist the temptation of a helpless sock on the floor. Some will even go searching for their favorite treat, breaking into closets and scouring through clothes hampers. But the reality is, if your pooch swallows even part of a sock, they could be in danger of having an intestinal blockage.
When the intestines become blocked or twisted, nothing can get through. This is bad news for the dog, as the backup will start to cause serious pain and even vomiting. If the pup doesn't get to a vet in time, things get much worse. An untreated blockage can actually kill a dog! And even if you do get help in time, you're looking at major emergency surgery and a big, fat vet bill.Getting Started
So, now that you now just how dangerous sock-eating is, how do you stop it? The first thing that you need to do is prepare for the task at hand. You're going to have to train your dog to give up socks - for good! Try to come to the table with the following:
Baby Gates or a Crate: This way you can create a safe space for your furry friend whenever you can't give them 100% of your attention.
Treats: Sock eating often has to be trained out of your dog. Treats make the training process much easier (and yummier).
A Muzzle: Don't worry! It doesn't have to be scary looking. Lots of muzzles on the market are comfy and help stop your mutt from sneaking socks.
Something that Tastes Bad: You might like the taste of Tabasco, but your dog sure doesn't. Hot sauce or bitter-spray will work for the training ahead.
You might not love the idea of spending all of this money on sock-ingestion prevention, but the total cost of all of the above is way less than an emergency vet bill! Also, it should be noted that Labradors are by far the worst offenders of this problem. They're well known for having the ability to eat almost any item in existence.
Below are some of the best methods for stopping a sock-eater in his tracks.The Bored Barker Method
The Bargaining Furbaby Method
The Obsessed Sock Stealer Method
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers and Success Stories
Buster
My dog wont stop swallowing socks. He does it so quick there isnt anytime for drop it
674 Dog owners recommended
Hello Eleana, In addition to keeping socks picked up I suggest teaching a strict avoidance of socks in general. Since this is such a dangerous behavior that could result in a blockage I suggest hiring a professional trainer who is very experienced with e-collar that use stimulation. Use a high quality collar with a lot of adjustable levels and have the truck do avoidance training with him around the socks to teach him not to touch or approach them (removing the temptation to eat them). Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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I can’t get him to stop eating socks any suggestions
93 Dog owners recommended
Hello! Rottweiler's are working breeds. Not only do they need a fair amount of physical exercise, but they need their minds stimulated as well. If one or both areas of their lives are lacking, they will find something to entertain themselves with! My "formula" to turn these behaviors around involves a mixture of physical exercise, a little bit of training time for bonding, and toys that your dog can have access to, to keep themselves busy. And out of your socks. If possible, 2, 20 minute walks per day. If a walk isn't possible, a game of fetch or any other physical activity your dog can enjoy. Spend just a few minutes a day working on training commands your dog knows. This keeps them on their toes and working to please you. Purchase a buster cube or kong that you can give your dog in your absence, or during times where your dog may seem a bit more restless than usual, or if you are unable to do any physical activity. These toys activate the reward centers in their brains. Working to get the food or treats out of the toys gives them a sense of accomplishment, and it will substitute the nuisance behaviors they develop out of boredom. If you have additional questions, please let me know. Thank you for writing in!
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How can I stop my dog from eating socks?
93 Dog owners recommended
Hi! Golden Retrievers are working breeds. Not only do they need a fair amount of physical exercise, but they need their minds stimulated as well. If one or both areas of their lives are lacking, they will find something to entertain themselves with! My "formula" to turn these behaviors around involves a mixture of physical exercise, a little bit of training time for bonding, and toys that your dog can have access to, to keep themselves busy. And out of your socks. If possible, 2, 20 minute walks per day. If a walk isn't possible, a game of fetch or any other physical activity your dog can enjoy. Spend just a few minutes a day working on training commands your dog knows. This keeps them on their toes and working to please you. If you have any additional questions, please let me know. Thank you for writing in. Purchase a buster cube or kong that you can give your dog in your absence, or during times where your dog may seem a bit more restless than usual, or if you are unable to do any physical activity. These toys activate the reward centers in their brains. Working to get the food or treats out of the toys gives them a sense of accomplishment, and it will substitute the nuisance behaviors they develop out of boredom.
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