How to Stop a Dog from Eating Poop

Check for Medical Causes First

Before tackling behavior, rule out health issues. A vet visit is essential to check for parasites, digestive problems, or nutrient deficiencies that might cause your dog to eat stool. Some dogs eat poop instinctively—wolves do it to keep dens clean of parasite eggs—so it may be a natural behavior, but medical causes must be ruled out first.

Control the Environment Relentlessly

Your dog can’t eat poop if they don’t have access to it. Never let your dog roam unsupervised in the yard. Always keep them on a leash when outside so you can monitor every move. Immediately clean up all feces—your dog’s own or others’—as soon as they go. This is the single most effective step to prevent the habit from continuing.

Reward Immediately After Pooping

Train your dog to associate pooping outside with a positive reward. Give a high-value treat the moment they finish. This redirects their attention from the stool to you and reinforces that outside is the right place to go. Over time, they’ll learn to rush to you for the treat instead of investigating their waste.

Use “Leave It” and “Look at Me” Training

If you catch your dog about to eat poop, interrupt the behavior with “Leave it” and immediately redirect their focus with “Look at me.” Reward them the moment they shift attention to you. This is a real-life training moment, not a formal session. Practice consistently—reward intermittently over months to solidify the behavior. Don’t scold or punish; it can backfire.

Avoid Ineffective or Unsafe Remedies

Spraying bitter substances like pepper, pineapple, or mint on poop is unreliable. Dogs often gulp food before the taste registers, especially if they eat quickly. Some additives can cause adverse reactions. Similarly, ingested preventatives like Deter® have low success rates. Instead of relying on these, focus on management and training.

Consider Diet and Anxiety Factors

Some believe changing to a raw meat and bones diet helps, as it produces less odorous, less flavorful stool. Kibble-fed dogs often produce bulkier, more aromatic waste that may be more tempting. Also, coprophagia can stem from anxiety. Building your dog’s confidence and strengthening your bond through positive interaction can help reduce the behavior.