How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Bird Feces
The most effective ways to stop your dog from eating bird feces are: - Remove feces immediately after your dog defecates. - Use positive reinforcement by rewarding your dog right after they poop. - Teach “leave it” and “look at me” commands to redirect attention. - Prevent access by keeping your dog on a leash outdoors. - Address root causes like boredom or scavenging with toys and mental stimulation.
Why Dogs Eat Bird Feces
Dogs may eat bird feces due to instinctual scavenging behavior, boredom, or oral fixation. Some dogs treat feces as a toy or plaything, especially if they’ve had little mental stimulation in the past. Jasmine, a dog from a shelter, played with her own feces like a ball—likely due to long periods of isolation and lack of toys. This behavior often stems from a need to explore or entertain themselves with whatever is available.
Immediate Cleanup Is Key
The most reliable method to stop your dog from eating bird droppings is to remove the feces as soon as your dog has defecated. If the dog never has access to the feces, they cannot eat it. This requires vigilance and consistent cleanup, especially in yards or on walks. Keeping your dog on a leash when outside ensures you can monitor and intervene before they have a chance to eat anything.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Reward your dog with a treat immediately after they poop outside. This redirects their focus from the feces to you and reinforces that going outside is the right place to relieve themselves. Over time, your dog will learn to associate pooping with a positive reward, reducing the urge to eat it. Even if they initially eat the feces, don’t scold—just reward them as normal. This prevents confusion and builds trust.
Teach ‘Leave It’ and ‘Look at Me’ Commands
When your dog shows interest in bird feces, use the “leave it” command followed by “look at me.” Promptly interrupt the behavior and reward them for focusing on you instead. This is a real-life training session that should be repeated consistently. Over time, your dog will learn to redirect their attention to you rather than the feces. Intermittent rewards help maintain the behavior long-term.
Address Underlying Causes
If your dog is eating feces due to boredom or oral fixation, provide mental and physical stimulation. Use activity toys, hide treats around the house, or create treasure hunts. Giving your dog durable chew toys redirects their natural chewing and exploring instincts into appropriate outlets. This is especially important for dogs with a history of isolation or lack of enrichment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bitter sprays on bird droppings to stop my dog?
Bitter sprays may not work because dogs detect bitterness only on the back of their tongue, and fast eaters may swallow before tasting it. Some dogs may also react badly to ingredients like pepper or mint.
Is eating bird feces harmful to my dog?
While not always dangerous, it can lead to parasites, bacteria, or digestive upset. It’s also a sign of underlying behavioral or environmental issues that should be addressed.
Sources
- Train Your Dog Positively · Libby Evans · Chapter on scavenging and oral fixation
- Zak Georges Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog · Zak George, Dina Roth Port · Chapter 3 and 22 on “leave it” and environmental control
- The Happy Puppy Handbook Your Definitive Guide to Puppy Care and Early Training · Pippa Mattinson · Chapter on potty training and dietary strategies
- Dog Insight · Pamela Reid, Ph.D. · Chapter on taste aversion and behavior modification
⚠️ 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.