The Real Reasons Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Stop It

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

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Few things are as unsettling to dog owners as watching their pet eat poop. Just like that, the idea of letting them lick your face suddenly becomes a non-starter. Many owners wonder why their dogs engage in this behavior and, most importantly, how to stop it. The reasons behind it are varied, but the good news is there are ways to help them break the habit.

Veterinarians Call it Coprophagia

The act of dogs eating poop is known in the veterinary world as “coprophagia.” Dogs aren’t always picky; some will even eat the feces of other dogs. This behavior can stem from various causes, including health issues or behavioral factors. Understanding why your dog does this is essential to finding the right way to address it and help them stop.

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A Common Behavior Among Dogs

Research has shown that nearly a quarter of dogs engage in coprophagia at some point, with more than half of those dogs becoming chronic poop eaters. One theory suggests that this habit comes from their scavenger instincts. Dogs have always been natural foragers, consuming whatever they could find to sustain themselves. This behavior may have helped their ancestors recycle nutrients and stay healthy when food was scarce.

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Preferences for Certain Types of Poop

It might sound odd, but dogs often have specific preferences when it comes to eating poop. Many dogs prefer firmer stools over softer ones and are even known to go for poop that’s frozen in cold weather, humorously called “poopsicles” by dog owners. While this might seem strange, it’s just part of their instinctive behaviors.

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Shame-Based Coprophagia

House training can sometimes lead to unexpected behaviors like poop eating. Dogs that have been shamed during training—such as having their nose rubbed in their mess—may develop a sense of fear or shame. To avoid punishment or disapproval, they may start eating their poop to “clean up” after themselves. This learned behavior can be challenging to reverse, so positive reinforcement is always a better approach during training.

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Stress and Environmental Triggers

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Health Issues Can Be a Factor

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Training Methods to Stop the Behavior

Training is an effective way to curb this habit. One of the simplest solutions is to clean up the yard immediately after your dog goes to the bathroom. By removing the temptation, you help prevent the behavior from continuing. If you have cats, make sure the litter box is out of the dog’s reach. Another effective tactic is to carry treats with you. Once your dog has finished their business, call them over and reward them. This shifts their focus from the poop to something positive.

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Diet Supplements Can Help

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Make Poop Unappealing

If your dog doesn’t mind the taste of poop, try making it less appealing. Adding substances like hot sauce or other safe, disagreeable-tasting ingredients to the poop can teach your dog to avoid it. Over time, they’ll associate the bad taste with the behavior and be less inclined to eat it.

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Leash Training for Control

Another way to manage your dog’s behavior is by keeping them on a leash when they go outside. After they poop, gently guide them away from the spot and secure them while you clean up. This prevents them from sneaking back to the pile before you can remove it. Once the area is clean, you can let them roam freely again.

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