How to Solve a Dog Behavior Problem - Poop Eating

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Solve a Dog Behavior Problem With 3 Easy Tricks

A big dog behavior problem are dogs who eat poop. Solving that problem can be trickier still, because we don't know why dogs indulge in such a disgusting habit.

There are 3 easy tricks to keep your dog from eating poop. But, first let's call it by it's appropriate name: Coprophagia.

Coprophagia (sometimes called coprophagy, or poop-eating) is a pretty revolting habit that fortunately only some dogs indulge in. It seems to be "one of those things" as far as dogs go: a behavior that defies logic and scientific study, and mystifies dog trainers and veterinarians around the world. Many, if not most, dogs will eat the poop of other animals (particularly other dogs, cats, sheep, and horses) with gusto whenever the opportunity presents itself. It's a very common behavior in dogs, but not particularly well understood.

The simple truth is that nobody really knows why some dogs will make a beeline for a pile of poop that's lying on the grass. It's natural for dogs to want to sniff the poop. It's just that we don't really know why dogs want to eat poop. Actually eating poop seems to be a matter of personal preference, from dog to dog: some dogs derive great satisfaction from eating poop, whereas other dogs appear to be simply more fastidious by nature.

Honestly, there is no clear cut answer. Some dogs just "want" to eat poop. But, this simply isn't proper dog care. It isn't healthy for your dog to eat poop. Not to forget how disgusting his breath is afterwards.

To correct this dog behavior problem, coprophagia and other problematic behaviors can be fixed easily with training.

Dog Behavior Problem - Save A Life, Pick Up The Poop! 

Since picking up poop is such a big dog behavior problem I figured I would include this funny video.
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3 Easy Tricks to Solve Your Dog Behavior Problem 

1. Teach your dog the "leave it" (also known as the "come" command, for those times when you want to be able to walk him off-lead. Reliable obedience and the "leave it" command makes off-lead walks a real pleasure (and it's a lot safer for your dog, too - the usefulness of "leave it" applies to things like herbicide, snail bait, and broken glass as well as dog poop!). This is one nasty dog behavior problem.

Don't forget, in MOST areas it is required to pick up your dog's "poop". So, be sure to follow the laws in your area.

Dog Behavior Problem - Scoop the Poop Bags 

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Dog Behavior Problem - Tip #2 

2. Booby-trapping the poop in the backyard with things like: Tabasco sauce and lemon juice. This seems like a great deal of (rather disgusting) trouble to go to when you could just pick up the poop. In addition to the natural deterrent of having to repeatedly handle specimens of dog poop, reports of success from this technique are pretty erratic - in most cases, it seems that a dog bent on coprophagy isn't going to be put off by a brief burning sensation in his mouth. - There are substances you can buy from pet stores and vet clinics which, when put into the dog's food (or the food of the household pet whose poop he's eating) makes the poop smell and taste very unappealing to dogs. One such product is called "Deter". - You can experiment with adding natural deterrents - such as a few tablespoonfuls of canned pumpkin or pineapple, or fresh grated zucchini - to your dog's meals. Again, anecdotal evidence suggests that most dogs will readily eat these substances, but that their presence in poop makes it unpalatable.

Dog Behavior Problem Products on Amazon 

Solid Gold S.E.P. (Stop Eating Poop)

Solid Gold S.E.P. (Stop Eating Poop)

Amazon Price: $11.95 (as of 12/24/2009) Buy Now
List Price:

8in1 Deter - Coprophagia Treatment (Tablets/Blister/Box), 60-Count

8in1 Deter - Coprophagia Treatment (Tablets/Blister/Box), 60-Count

Amazon Price: $9.25 (as of 12/24/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $9.99

Doc Roys Snoop No Poop Plus 60ct

Doc Roys Snoop No Poop Plus 60ct

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/24/2009) Buy Now
List Price:

Solving This Dog Behavior Problem - Tip #3 

3. A part of the dog behavior problem is that the poop is available for the dog to eat. So, clean up the poop in your own backyard as soon as the dog eliminates. If he doesn't have access to it, he can't eat the dog poop - and it'll save you from dealing with the flies, the odor, and the eventuality of someone treading in it.

The best practice to solve this dog behavior problem to keep your dog from eating poop is simply...PICKING UP THE POOP! Because if it isn't available...it can't be eaten!


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Coprophagia is a BIG dog behavior problem... 

I know it is a gross topic, but do you have any other suggestions?

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by Animalover42

A big dog behavior problem are dogs who eat poop. It is necessary for the health and well-being, not to mention the breath-friendly air of those aroun... (more)

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