Eating poop is normal with many different animal species, but in dogs it is likely attributed to either a behavioral or medical concern. For more on why a dog might eat poop, check out this blog.
While dogs who eat poop is a problem we all hate and find disgusting, the good news is that there are many proven techniques or training methods we can call on to correct this habit.
Always begin by talking to your vet about your pets diet. Your dog could be lacking nutrients, overly hungry or not have the right feeding schedule. It is very important as well that your dog be up to date on all his vaccinations and worming treatments, as eating poop can cause various diseases and parasites.
After that, the techniques below have proven to be an effective way to stop dogs from eating dog poop. Try one method or combine a few until you break your dog’s habit. Remember unnecessary punishment or getting angry with your dog does not work – for this or any other dog behavior problem.
- Feed well balanced and nutritious meals low in fat to your dog
- Try feeding twice a day at regular times rather than only once
- Always keep your dog’s living area clean of feces and provide a few stuffed chew toys to keep them occupied
- Be sure to adequately exercise and stimulate your dog – mentally and physically
- Teach your dog the basic obedience command “leave it”. If you have established yourself as the fair and always consistent leader in your owner-dog relationship, this command will work immediately
- Put a tablespoon of pineapple in her food. Pineapple has shown to taste terrible when eaten in poop
- Catch your dog in the act and trade the poop for slices of banana and the potassium is excellent for them
- Always reward desired behavior.
There are various products at your local pet store specifically designed for this problem. Forbid and Deter are a couple of products which have proven to help some dogs stop eating feces. HOWEVER, I am completely against synthetics because they can make your dog sick.
Whichever method you try with your dog be sure to be consistent. You must enforce your strategy every time in order to stop dogs eating dog poop. The longer you let this habit establish itself, the harder it will be to break.
Most dogs do eventually grow out of their poop eating habit, just not fast enough for us owners!
Need answers to your dog training dilemma? Contact Jill at https://trainedfamilydog.com/contact/. Your question could be her next blog, or you can hire her for personalized coaching for tough problems.