Nobody wants to talk about it, but if your dog eats poop, you’re not alone. This unpleasant habit—known as coprophagia—is actually quite common. While it may seem gross to us, dogs often engage in this behavior for a variety of reasons. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your dog break the habit.
Why Do Dogs Eat Feces?
Dogs do some odd things, and eating poop is one of them. But why? The answer often lies in instinct, environment, or even health issues.In the wild, dogs may have eaten feces to protect their pack—hiding waste to avoid attracting predators or spreading disease. Food scarcity could also drive this behavior, as survival often meant consuming whatever was available.For modern dogs, the reasons vary. Your dog might be eating poop due to:
- Curiosity – Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Sometimes a sniff isn’t enough.
- Boredom or Anxiety – Lack of stimulation or isolation can lead to unusual behaviors.
- Cleanliness – Some dogs instinctively keep their area tidy.
- Early Life Experiences – Dogs raised in puppy mills or poor conditions may have learned this habit.
- Medical Issues – Nutritional deficiencies, parasites, or conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease can contribute.
- Fast Eating Habits – Some dogs may not properly digest their food, leading them to seek out “leftovers.”
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Poop
First, don’t panic. About 1 in 4 dogs eat poop, and in homes with multiple dogs, the number jumps to over 33%. While unpleasant, this behavior is manageable.Some pet owners overreact, even going so far as to abandon their dogs or request euthanasia over this issue. That’s unnecessary—this is a fixable problem!
Step 1: Rule Out Medical Causes
Before assuming this is just a behavioral quirk, visit your veterinarian. If an underlying health condition is causing the issue, treating it can resolve the behavior.
Step 2: Modify Your Dog’s Environment
- Keep your yard and living area clean. Remove waste immediately to eliminate temptation.
- Supervise your dog outdoors to prevent access to feces.
- Ensure your pet gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation—a tired dog is less likely to engage in bad habits.
- Check their diet. Nutritional imbalances can contribute to coprophagia, so a diet review may be necessary.
Step 3: Train Your Dog to Stop Eating Poop
Training is essential to breaking this habit. Two important commands to teach your dog are:
- “Leave it” – Prevents them from picking up unwanted objects, including poop.
- “Come” – Redirects their focus and brings them back to you when tempted.
Use positive reinforcement when they obey and avoid harsh punishment, which can worsen the behavior by increasing stress.
Get Professional Help for Your Dog’s Poop-Eating Habit
If your dog’s coprophagia persists, professional training can make all the difference. At Innovative K9 Academy, we use proven, positive reinforcement methods to correct unwanted behaviors. Our expert trainers can help your dog develop better habits in a safe, structured environment.
Contact us today to learn more about our dog training programs and get expert help in stopping your dog from eating poop!