How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Feces
Coprophagia (eating feces) is common but can be stopped. - Rule out medical causes with your vet. - Immediately clean up waste and supervise your dog outdoors. - Use positive reinforcement: reward your dog right after they poop. - Train âleave itâ and âlook at meâ commands when they show interest in feces. - Consider dietary changes like high-quality food or raw diets to reduce appeal.
Check for Medical Causes First
Before addressing behavior, consult your vet to rule out medical issues like malabsorption disorders, food allergies, or intestinal infections. These conditions can cause dogs to eat feces to gain nutrients. Some dogs may also eat poop due to hunger, especially if theyâre on low-quality food or eating large meals infrequently.
Control the Environment Immediately
Your dog canât eat feces if they canât access it. Keep your dog on a leash when outside so you can monitor their every move. Clean up waste immediately after your dog poopsâthis removes temptation entirely. If your dog eats from a catâs litter box, ensure the box is inaccessible, as cat poop is especially appealing due to its high protein content.
Use Positive Reinforcement After Pooping
Reward your dog with a treat right after they defecate outside. This redirects their focus from the feces to you and reinforces the idea that going outside is a positive experience. Over time, your dog will learn to associate pooping with a reward, making them less likely to eat their own waste. Donât scold or approach the fecesâjust reward calmly.
Train âLeave Itâ and âLook at Meâ Commands
When your dog shows interest in feces, interrupt the behavior with âLeave itâ and immediately redirect attention with âLook at me.â Reward them with a treat when they comply. This is a variation of standard âleave itâ training but applied in real-life moments. Practice consistently over several months, using intermittent rewards to strengthen the behavior. Avoid letting your guard down too earlyâhabits take time to break.
Consider Dietary Changes
Some owners try adding pineapple, chili pepper, or other additives to make feces taste unpleasant, but these often fail because dogs swallow quickly and donât register the taste. A more effective approach is feeding high-quality food or switching to a raw meat and bones diet. These diets are digested more completely, resulting in less flavorful, odorless feces that are less appealing to dogs.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog get sick from eating feces?
Yes, eating fecesâespecially from other animalsâcan expose your dog to intestinal parasites, bacteria, or diseases. It can also be passed to humans through licking.
Will my dog outgrow this habit?
Many dogs do naturally, especially those under 18 months, but early intervention helps stop it sooner and prevents health risks.
Sources
- Zak Georges Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog · Zak George, Dina Roth Port · Chapter 3, Chapter 22
- Train Your Dog Positively · [Author not specified] · Multiple sections
- The Happy Puppy Handbook Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Care and Early Training · Pippa Mattinson · Section on dietary strategies
- Zak Georges dog training revolution the complete guide to raising the perfect pet with love · George, Zak, author, Port, Dina Roth, author · Page 177
â ïž Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different â breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.