Dear Val,
I have a very embarrassing and disgusting problem that my dog does that I need to talk to you about.
He eats poop. His own poop. And the cat’s poop!
I try to get it as quick as I can, but we have a doggie door that he can access to let himself out, so sometimes I miss a poo or two.
Dear Poop Eater Dog Mom,
Do you know that this is one of the leading reasons for people to relinquish their dogs? Please don’t give up on your dog yet. I do have some solutions for you.
First of all, I would like to advise not kissing your dog on the mouth until we can work on a resolution.
Why do dogs eat poop anyway? Well, speaking for the dogs, they seem to like it. That appears to be the number one reason behind the doggie delicacy dilemma.
Number 2, no pun intended, they could have a nutritional deficit or a disease or disorder.
Number 3, they like the response they get from you and or others. It is attention-seeking behavior.
Number 4, poor early kenneling experiences.
Number 5, anxiety.
Number 6, they are hungry.
Now let’s discuss some solutions that may alleviate or eliminate this problem for you.
What can you do about it?
1) Make sure it is not nutritional or health related.
2) Vitamin supplements.
3) Taster aversion products. These are products you add to their food that changes the after flavor resulting in a less attractive treat.
4) Teaching the ‘leave it’ cue. Teaching your dog to ‘leave it’, before they ‘have it’.
5) Try not to freak out and chase them and make a fuss when they do.
6) Confirm they are getting enough food in their bowl.
7) Clean up all poop on a regular basis.
8) Escort them to their potty spot on a leash and get it while it’s hot.
9) Have them wear a non-basket type muzzle out in the yard when they can’t be supervised 100% (appropriate muzzle training would be recommended first before just strapping on a muzzle).
10) Try food scatter games in which you toss their kibble into the yard for them to search for hopefully resulting in them over looking the doggie doo for something new.
Did you know that according to the AKC, (American Kennel Club), 16% of dogs are number two eaters? But you will always be number one in your dogs’ eyes.
If you have a question about training or behavior, please email me at HappyLabLady77@Yahoo.com
Make it a Pawsitive Day!
Val S Elliott CPDT Behavior Coach
Wags of Wisdom: What did the Dalmatian say when he found the itch? Ahhh….. that’s the spot!
The Daily Dog: Krannie is the daily dog. Here is the statement from Krannies’ Dog Mom that makes her a very special daily dog: “Krannie has been my best friend for 14 years. She has been my partner, my secret keeper, and my biggest supporter. She never has judged or been angry about dishes not being done! She’s the best friend I’ve ever had. My kids call her their four-legged sister, and tease me about loving her more. ‘Almost’ is my response. Lol.”
