I have 3 5 year old Dobies, 2 males and 1 female. All of them are fixed. My 2 males have some bad habits. The "Alpha", Shadow has a toy fetish. He will not even let the other dogs in the room if he's chewing on a toy. I have tried getting toys for all of them, but he just takes them all. I have tried taking them away for a "time out", but it doesn't stop his behavior. Help!
The other male, Apollo, eats grass asif he was a cow. He literally crops grass and eats it roots and all, sometimes including the dirt. He also eats anything he can get his mouth on, garbage, plastic, anything in the toilet, etc. He also eats stool, his and the others. I'm trying the pineapple. The forbid didn't work and it's expensive for 3 large dogs.

All of them have been through obedience training and listen well. These habits have started since we moved in 2005. They didn't act like this at the old house. Is it possible that having a septic tank could be causing the one to eat grass like he does?

Any input would be appreciated.

Do any fights happen when Shadow takes the toys? Does he manage to get all toys at once? Or does he kind of bounce back and forth between all of them? And do the other dogs bother him when he has the toys? Or is this just something he does regardless?

Puppy proof the house with Apollo. Leave nothing out. If he gets a hold of something he's not supposed to, redirect him. Distract him, then lead him towards a toy he is allowed to chew on.

How long is Apollo out before he starts to eat grass? Is it possible he's getting bored? Food could also be a problem. Dogs on a higher quality diet tend to eat less grass or dirt. Pineapple or pumpkin in the food should stop him from eating poo.

2005 was a long time ago. It could have started around that time, and slowly developed into behavior problems. If you answer my questions I'll see if I can help out more!

No fights when Shadow takes the toys. If any of the others try to get them, a fight will ensue. When they are outside, he will let the others play fetch with him. They cannot touch the toy, but they can chase him. I thought that this might be the cause, but playing alone with him doesn't change things.
Apollo eats grass immediately. I have tried a prescription diet from the vet, but no changes.
I have started the pineapple, but am unsure as to how much to give them. My female won't eat the pineapple at all. Does fresh pineapple juice work the same?
Thanks again for the input.

I have septic system at my house. What I have seen is that dogs usually pee in that area. However, it is not my septic that smells but where the water from the washing machine goes into.
I have seen dogs chew grass for different reasons. Sometimes it is to make themselves throw up to cure a bad stomach. Sometimes they just like to chew grass. It sounds like your dog might be a bit obsessive but, that might not be the only problem.
I think your dogs went from familiar surroundings to unfamiliar surroundings. I suggest, you look into changing your dog food. The one you might be using can be high in protein and the dogs can pick up that smell in the poop. To a dog the poop is similar to the dog food. You might want to check for adding some veggie in their mix.
As for drinking toilet water, naturally make sure the seat is down. Close bathroom door as well? If not, look at a dog catalog for a compressed air can with a sensor. Rig it so that it emits the air when a dog approaches the toilet. A "trap-sensor" like this can also come as a loud buzz sound. You can use the same kind of sensor to keep the dogs away from garbage.
As you know there is no good substitute for good training. The sensors are only meant to help when a person can not be in two places at the same time.
Dobies and German shepards do very well with strict obedience training.

Thanks. I have tried changing the dog food, but no difference noted. They have been through obedience training and respond well to those commands. These other behaviors are the troublesome ones. I actually have bald spots in my yard from Apollo eating the grass. I also have gouges in my coffee table from Shadow defending a toy.
My guys need some help!

Greetings Leredog,
I'm Candi and I'm an Animal Communicator. So here are some suggestions that have worked for me with my clients in the past.For your toy stealing pup, get rid of all the old toys first. Go shopping and buy some new ones, but especially pick one for the king. When you arrive home, show him this one FIRST and tell him verbally that this is the SPECIAL TOY, His SPECIAL Toy! That he's not to ever share this Toy and This toy only. Then let the others have one toy as well, not expressing any concern. Let me know what happens... Then we will move onto the grass! Peace, Candi www.thesweetwaterranch.com

A recommendation about the grass thing. Could this dog be bored? Is he left outside alone when he eats this grass? I suggest that you start by not leaving him alone in the yard when he needs to eliminate. I recommend that you have treats on hand. When your dog does his business, treat.
Eventually get him outside on a 25 foot long leash. See what his behavior is like. If he goes to dig or chew, correct, tug leash when dog comes to you , treat.
When dog is outside, let them eliminate, then play or train them, then bring them in. Do not leave them alone to dig, or chew. You will have to repeat this many times because their bad habits are becoming ingrained in them.

hoookay sorry candi but no toys belong to any of my dogs, they are all MY toys which they play with when i give it to them. It seems ridiculous to get rid of all the old toys and buy a new one that will only belong to one dog.

The only thing the dogs don't share are food treats

Hi , Your problem with the grass problably isn't the septic tank it's probrably something wrong with his stomach. Dog's eat grass when their stomaches hurt he may be sick. Does he throw it up? Because, thats what it makes them do its like a laxitive for dog's. For the toy problem, this is what we do for our four dog's. We get seperate toy baskets ,and you can make the primary room where you put his toys ,and another room where you put theres ,and at a certain time take the other dogs in that room without shadow ,and play with them for a bit so they get their playtime. I hope that helps.