Lola's starting to pick up sticks

I've never thrown sticks for them as a friend's dog once ran into a stick he'd thrown for it and the stick went right down the poor dog's throat. Lola has suddenly become a bit obsessed with them, and because we walks in woods a lot there are loads of them at this time of year. Just wondering, do other people throw sticks for their dogs? Was it just a freak accident that my friend had with his dog? She charges about with a 6 foot long log sometimes and I don't want to stop her fun but jog behind her stressing a bit........

Moo is a stick monster, yes we have had to take her to the vets as she landed badly on one, and yes a lot of people won't advise it. I had to stop because of her arthritis, she still has them when swimming though. Now she just chews them to death! Xx

If Rocky picks up a stick in the woods or at the park we try to distract him away from it with a treat or a ball this usually works for us. We then throw the stick out of reach.

Daisy doesn't seem interested in sticks but personally I wouldn't throw one for her. I just remember my mum drumming it into us as kids that it was dangerous!

Vinnie had no interest in sticks until recently now he does love me to throw them, but maybe I shouldn't after reading this.  

Darcy loves sticks too but we have a kong safestix that we take out with us to try to deter from the real thing but she does love them

She was off again this afternoon, with a stick longer than me! Most of it snapped as she ran through the trees with it. I've never seen her so happy. Hard isn't it? Like having kids all over again and worrying about them?!

Dempsey absolutely loves sticks, but I don't let him get to them. Large branches aren't as bad, as he can't drag them anywhere and just gets into growling games with them.

I think your best bet is a strong 'leave' command!