Natural Ways to Stop Dog Poop Eating
Eating dog poop (coprophagia) can be stopped naturally with consistent effort. Key steps include: - Rule out medical causes with a vet. - Clean up feces immediately—no access, no eating. - Reward your dog right after pooping with a treat to redirect focus. - Use “leave it” and “look at me” training when they show interest. - Enrich their life with toys and mental stimulation to reduce boredom.
Check for Medical Causes First
Before starting any training, consult your vet to rule out medical issues. Some dogs eat poop due to underlying health problems like malabsorption or nutritional deficiencies. Addressing these can eliminate the behavior at its root.
Control the Environment Immediately
Your dog cannot eat poop they can’t access. Keep your dog on a leash when outside and clean up after them immediately. This removes the opportunity entirely. If you don’t clean up, your dog will keep returning to the same spot, especially if they’ve learned to enjoy the taste.
Reward After Pooping to Redirect Behavior
Give your dog a high-value treat right after they poop outside. This teaches them that pooping outside leads to a reward—making the act more positive. Over time, they’ll associate going potty with a good outcome and may even rush to get their treat instead of eating the stool.
> Note: If your dog eats the poop first, don’t scold or go near it. Just reward them as normal. They may be afraid of losing the poop, so consistency is key.
Use “Leave It” and “Look at Me” Training
When your dog shows interest in poop, interrupt them with “Leave it” and then “Look at me.” Reward them for shifting attention to you. This turns a tempting moment into a training opportunity. Practice this regularly—especially in real-life situations—since it’s hard to simulate with fake poop.
> Tip: Use intermittent rewards (not every time) to strengthen the behavior over time.
Enrich Your Dog’s Life to Prevent Boredom
Many dogs eat poop out of boredom or lack of stimulation. Jasmine, a dog from a shelter, started eating her own stool because she had nothing else to do. Once she got toys, playtime, and mental challenges like treasure hunts, she lost interest in poop.
Provide durable chew toys, puzzle feeders, and regular play sessions. This redirects oral behaviors—like chewing and exploring—with appropriate alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Do bitter sprays or pineapple work?
No. Bitter sprays only work if the taste reaches the back of the tongue, and fast eaters often swallow before it registers. Pineapple and other additives are inconsistent and may cause health issues.
Can diet change poop taste?
A raw meat and bones diet may make feces less appealing because it’s digested more completely and has less odor. However, this isn’t guaranteed, and kibble-fed dogs may still eat poop regardless.
Sources
- Zak Georges Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog · Zak George, Dina Roth Port · Chapter 3, Chapter 22
- Train Your Dog Positively · Libby Evans · Chapter on coprophagia
- The Happy Puppy Handbook Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Care and Early Training · Pippa Mattinson
- Puppy problems No problem a survival guide for finding and training your new dog · Aloff, Brenda · Page 279
⚠️ Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different — breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.