Is Your Dog a Poop Connoisseur?

I have solutions!

For most of us, it’s early when we roll out of bed. Half-awake, we start the coffee, let the dog out, and try to gain our bearings for the day. Not even 2 minutes after the dog leaps out the door to do his business, you look out the window, and that jerk is eating his poop…again!

You panic…slopping your coffee, run out the door in your robe while the neighbors stare, and the frantic yelling and chasing begin. This happens so often your dog instantly goes into “catch me if you can” mode. Bobbing and weaving to get away from you all while chomping down on that stinky, disgusting, steamy pile of poo! You are angry, all while he appears to be laughing at your efforts.

Once the “game” is over aka “poop consumption complete,” you stomp back to the house — “happy, stinky poop eater” in tow, grumbling about how “dis-gus-ting” Scruffy is. All while feeling extremely embarrassed about the condition your neighbors saw you in and on the verge of tears at the thought of making more freaking coffee.

“Can’t I just have ONE cup of coffee without you doing something GROSS????”

I think a lot of us have been there — on some level. Don’t worry! I got you! Let’s talk about causes and solutions!

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop

Poop eating, also known as Coprophagia, is a prevalent issue when it pertains to dogs.

Some dogs like their own poop while others like other dogs poop. Some like crunchy dry poop, while others like it fresh out of the oven. Some like other animals poop, while you have some of them that like ALL of it!

There can be many factors as to why your dogs eat these disgusting excretions. I have found, in most scenarios, it is a learned behavior. But, it can also be due to an underlying health concern that requires a visit to your veterinarian. Checking for medical reasons behind this behavior is always the very first thing that should be ruled out.

Do You Have a Poop Eating Puppy?

You will find that puppies tend to be some of the biggest culprits of poop eating.

Keeping in mind this is not an innate behavior in dogs (with the exception of mother dogs). Puppies who eat poop most likely learned it while observing Mom’s behavior in the litter.

Mom dogs keep an impeccable den. Which requires they clean up after their pups by eating all excrements left behind as they happen. And sometimes, the observational pups will mimic this. Though they will usually outgrow it, the need to be very diligent about cleaning up after your puppy “drops a deuce” before they can eat it, needs to be the primary goal. And reward them heavily for the action of using the correct toilet while NOT eating their “normal” self-reinforcing pile of doo.

Now, if your puppy continues to eat waste after every precaution has been taken to show them NOT eating poop is WAYYY more reinforcing …it’s time to see the doggie doctor. Stat.

Is Your Adult Dog a Dookie Cruncher?

Usually, when a client comes to me with this very embarrassing issue, there are often a few reasons for this that need to be ruled out.

1. Do they have a medical reason for this behavior? Many times dogs will eat poop if they lack proper nutrition in their daily diet. Also, keeping in mind that this behavior can be a sign of diseases within the intestinal tract as well as other bodily organs. Often, it can also be a sign of intestinal parasites. So, again, go to the Vet!
2. Is your dog bored? Are they getting enough enrichment? Exercise? Maybe, unknowingly to you, you have made “grab it and run” a way of getting attention. Therefore, the game becomes VERY rewarding for your dog. Most dogs love “catch me if you can.” If picking up poop gets you to chase them, then you have inadvertently trained them to pick up poop when they want to jog around the yard with their favorite human.
3. Does your dog suffer from any type of anxiety? Stress pooping is a thing! And if Fido drops a stress dookie, he may quickly clean it up to avoid inevitable embarrassment and potential discipline. Keep in mind, your little stress pooper doesn’t mean it. He needs help and should never be disciplined for stress and anxiety.

Project “Stop Eating Poo” Initiated!

Ok, so you have ruled out medical reasons…now let’s tackle a plan to prevent future poo sampling from here on out!

1. Clean it up: If there is fecal matter in the yard, I guarantee they will eat it. So, the first step is to clean it up diligently. Cleaning up the yard ensures they won’t have access while you set a behavior modification plan in place. Also, if you have one of those “swift” dogs that instantly flip around to “eat it while it’s hot,” your crap crunching canine will need to be leashed for potty breaks until training has been implemented and proofed for reliability.
2. Leave it: If you haven’t worked with your dog on “leave it” or “drop it” before, I suggest you start. Here is a fantastic video that will help you implement this in a relationship-building way. https://youtu.be/dGncNgiHEjM
3. Bombproof Come when called: All dogs should have a reliable recall. But, this comes in pretty handy for our Poop Connoisseurs. Especially if your poop eating Fido has been rewarded heavily through positive reinforcement for leaving the dookie alone and doing as you ask! When your dog gets to you WITHOUT eating the poo, a party lavished with high-value treats, and their favorite toy should commence. Here is a video to help you teach and proof the “come when called” behavior. https://youtu.be/tV5qsH5tjYA

Is Your Dog Part of the Stress Poopers Club?

If your dog suffers from anxiety and stress, there are a few things that need to be addressed. (REMEMBER: stress and anxiety should NEVER be physically punished! They simply need your help to overcome it and gain confidence.)

1. Where does he drop a deuce? If it’s in the house while you are gone, then we may need to work on crate training your dog and upping your enrichment/exercise game. But, if you are still having trouble with him, then it may be time to reach out to a professional for guidance. Click here for a list of certified trainers and behavior consultants in your area.
2. Are Princess’s poopies happening while you are away? Some dogs get so anxious while you are away they can’t help but leave a present. Though, with our poop connoisseurs, they usually only leave remnants of that for fear of punishment. For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety-related poo consumption, I suggest looking into daycare options to help them cope. This is also when I recommend a Veterinary Behaviorist to help with strategies for your pup. Click here for a list of Veterinary Behaviorists in your area.

In Closing:

I hope you find this article useful to help with poopie Poppie’s dookie addiction. Remember: Rule out medical; Manage the environment; Modify the behavior in a humane, ethical manner.