How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Feces

Cuddly and loyal are some of the adjectives that come to mind when pet owners describe their canine companions. However, some of these pooches develop or arrive to the home with some less-than-desirable traits; some dogs eat feces for a variety of reasons. Whether it is their own or the excrement of other dogs or other animals, this habit is unhealthy, disgusting and one that must be unlearned through the guidance and training from the pet's owner. Dogs who consume feces may become infested with parasites as a result of this unpleasant habit. Coprophagy, the formal name for this condition, may be prevented through the following steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Muzzle
• Dog collar
• Shovel or "poop scooper"

How to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Feces

1. Identify the problem. If you have evidence that your dog imbibes feces, identify the source, whether it is a cat litter box, a neighbor's yard, a park or your own yard.

2. Remove the source if possible. A cat litter box may be moved to a higher location and you have the ability to clean dog excrement from your yard,but other locations tempting your dog may be more challenging. If your dog is apt to eat animal droppings at a dog park or on his walking route, he may need to be muzzled while being conditioned to break this bad habit.

3. Condition and train your dog to stop his nasty trait. Muzzling a dog is helpful, but not necessary to break this habit. When walking together, if your dog approaches and attempts to eat feces, firmly jerk his leash and say 'no!' Repeated and consistent conditioning will help your dog stop eating the defecation of other animals.

Tips & Warnings

• Patience and consistency are vital in helping break your pet's bad habit.
• Praise for good behavior will help condition your dog to not eat animal droppings.
• Consult your pet's veterinarian for recommendations if the pet should be tested for parasites.