If you’ve caught your adorable puppy munching on her own poop, you’re not alone-and it’s a surprisingly common behavior known as coprophagia. While it’s definitely unpleasant for us humans, there are practical ways to help your puppy break this habit. Let’s explore why puppies do this and how you can stop it with kindness and consistency.
Why Do Puppies Eat Their Poop?
Understanding why your puppy is eating poop is the first step to stopping it. Some common reasons include:
– Natural Instincts: Mother dogs often clean up after their puppies by eating their feces, and puppies may mimic this behavior.
– Nutritional Deficiencies: Sometimes puppies eat poop because their diet lacks certain vitamins or minerals.
– Boredom or Anxiety: Puppies left alone or unstimulated may turn to poop eating out of stress or boredom.
– Taste and Curiosity: Believe it or not, some puppies just like the taste or are exploring their environment.
– Learned Behavior: Puppies may learn this habit from other dogs or their environment.
Knowing this helps you tailor your approach to your puppy’s needs.
How to Stop Your Puppy from Eating Poop: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Keep the Environment Clean
The simplest way to prevent poop eating is to remove the temptation. Clean up your puppy’s waste immediately both inside and outside your home. If you have other pets, keep their litter boxes or areas out of your puppy’s reach.
2. Use the “Leave It” Command
Teaching your puppy the “leave it” command is a powerful tool that works beyond just poop eating. Here’s how to train it:
– When your puppy approaches poop, firmly say “Leave it!” without pulling on the leash.
– Redirect her attention by calling her to you with a “Come!” command.
– Reward her immediately with treats and praise when she obeys.
– Practice this regularly during walks or yard time to reinforce the behavior.
3. Supervise and Distract
Never leave your puppy unsupervised in areas where she can access poop. When outside, keep her on a short leash and watch closely. If she shows interest in poop, distract her with a toy, treat, or a fun command like “sit” or “shake.” Positive reinforcement encourages her to focus on you instead of the poop.
4. Improve Your Puppy’s Diet
Sometimes, poop eating is linked to nutritional gaps. Consult your vet to:
– Ensure your puppy’s food is balanced and complete.
– Check for vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin B.
– Add supplements like canned pumpkin to her diet, which can make her poop taste unpleasant to her without affecting her health.
5. Use Taste Deterrents
If your puppy persists, try making the poop taste bad:
– Sprinkle a little hot sauce or lemon juice on the poop (only if safe and supervised).
– Add meat tenderizer or canned pumpkin to her food, which changes the taste of her feces.
– These methods create a negative association with poop eating, helping her lose interest over time.
6. Address Anxiety and Boredom
Make sure your puppy gets plenty of exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation. A tired and happy puppy is less likely to develop bad habits like poop eating. Provide chew toys, puzzle feeders, and regular interaction to keep her engaged.
7. Regular Vet Checkups
If poop eating continues despite your efforts, visit your vet to rule out:
– Parasites or intestinal issues.
– Underlying medical conditions.
– Dietary problems that might cause your puppy to seek nutrients from feces.
Additional Tips for Success
– Be Patient: Changing behavior takes time. Don’t punish your puppy, as this can cause anxiety and worsen the habit.
– Consistency is Key: Everyone in the household should follow the same rules and commands.
– Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection.
– Limit Access: Use baby gates or playpens to restrict your puppy’s access to tempting areas when you can’t supervise.
Stopping your puppy from eating poop is a manageable challenge with the right approach. By combining supervision, training, diet adjustments, and patience, you’ll help your puppy grow into a well-behaved, happy dog. Soon enough, poop eating will be a thing of the past-and you’ll both enjoy cleaner, healthier days ahead.