{"id":618,"date":"2025-10-20T16:05:34","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T16:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.post-carbon-living.com\/?p=618"},"modified":"2025-10-22T15:14:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T15:14:08","slug":"help-my-puppy-keeps-eating-poop-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.post-carbon-living.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/20\/help-my-puppy-keeps-eating-poop-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Help! My Puppy Keeps Eating Poop"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your puppy is snacking on poop, you\u2019re not alone. It\u2019s common (and yes, it’s really freaking gross), but it\u2019s also fixable. No shame, no scare tactics – just a kind, practical plan that works.<\/p>\n

Why it happens isn\u2019t a moral failing, it’s just habit and dogs are disgusting. Puppies explore with their mouths; if poop isn\u2019t picked up quickly, the habit gets rehearsed. Punishing toilet time can also push puppies to sneak or eat faster. We\u2019ll use reward-based training (i.e. positive reinforcement<\/a>) plus smart management<\/a> – no aversives, no scolding.<\/p>\n

What you can expect: within 2\u20134 weeks, no poop eating in \u201cmanaged areas\u201d (home and yard or any area you control), and clear, real\u2011world strategies for \u201cwild poop zones\u201d (walks, parks, trails).<\/p>\n

\"puppy
often times, easy access to poop is the single biggest contributor towards poop eating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Quick wins you\u2019ll start today<\/h2>\n

In managed areas, supervise, pick up instantly, and run a simple sit\u2013reward routine while you bag the poop. Keep litter boxes and potty patches inaccessible unless you\u2019re actively training, and use barriers like baby gates with cat doors. Out in the wild, watch your puppy\u2019s sniffing and cheerfully \u201cCome on!\u201d away before they commit; use a long line in hotspots, choose cleaner routes, and consider a basket muzzle for chronic scavengers while training takes hold. <\/p>\n

Skip the myths. “Deterrents” in the form of dietary additions and supplements (like pineapple) rarely work, and don\u2019t change diet unless it\u2019s vet prescribed. We\u2019ll also cover when to call your vet (e.g., weight loss, diarrhea, visible parasites, lethargy, vomiting, behavior change, or if your puppy is on vet\u2011prescribed meds) and simple hygiene steps\u2014like thorough handwashing and cleaning gear with a biological detergent followed by white vinegar.<\/p>\n

When To Call Your Vet (Safety First!)<\/h2>\n

Most poop\u2011eating in puppies is a behavior you can change with management and reward-based training. However, some signs suggest a medical problem needs ruling out. Call your vet promptly if you notice any of the following: weight loss, diarrhea or mucus\/bloody stools, visible parasites in the stool, vomiting, lethargy or notable behavior change, or if your puppy is currently on vet\u2011prescribed medication and you\u2019re seeing new GI signs or increased scavenging. These red flags can indicate infections (like giardia or worms), inflammation, medication side\u2011effects, or other issues that deserve a proper check.<\/p>\n

\"Poop
I asked over 100 dog parents if they’ve experienced poop eating, and these were the results, so it seems poop eating is still pretty common with roughly 2 in 5 dog guardians experiencing this gross habit.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What to ask at the appointment<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Whether a fecal test (including giardia) is appropriate and whether deworming is recommended<\/li>\n
  2. Any medical concerns behind sudden GI signs or behavior shifts<\/li>\n
  3. Whether any nutrition changes are warranted; otherwise keep diet steady (Though, I’m really skeptical this has any actual foundation)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    While you wait for the visit:<\/h3>\n

    Vet visits often mean a little wait (especially when something like this isn’t an emergency). So until then, do these 4 things and then you’ll be best prepared for your vet.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Tighten management:<\/strong> supervise, pick up immediately, use a long line in hotspots<\/li>\n
    2. Pause deterrents\/supplements; <\/strong>they rarely help<\/li>\n
    3. Hygiene:<\/strong> wash hands after cleanup, and clean gear\/muzzles with a biological detergent, then sanitise white vinegar<\/li>\n
    4. Keep a log log:<\/strong> Keep a brief log of stool quality<\/a> and any incidents<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      As a general note, understanding your dog’s poop is insanely important as part of understanding your dogs health and welfare.<\/p>\n

      \"puppy
      This is one of the grossest parts of having a poop eater… usually puppy kisses are awesome, but … yuck.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      The 3 Main Reasons Why Puppies Eat Poop <\/h2>\n

      Poop eating (scientifically termed as coprophagia) isn\u2019t a character flaw, it’s also not something you just have to endure. It sticks around because of biology, opportunity, and learning.<\/p>\n

      1 – It’s Normal exploratory behavior<\/h3>\n

      Puppies experience the world with their mouths. Fresh stools are smelly and novel\u2014exactly what curious pups investigate. Our job is to prevent it becoming a habit.<\/p>\n

      2 – Slow pickup = practice (and practice makes habit)<\/h3>\n

      Every successful \u201csnack\u201d is self\u2011reinforcing. Immediate pickup is non\u2011negotiable to remove the reinforcement history.<\/p>\n

      3 – Punishment around toilet time creates sneaking and \u201ceat fast before I\u2019m caught\u201d<\/h3>\n

      Scolding or anxious hovering can lead to hidden eliminations or gulping. Keep toilet time low\u2011pressure and pay for what you want.<\/p>\n

      Other contributors<\/h3>\n

      Whilst these 3 things are the main reasons, there are sometimes other reasons, though they’re less frequent, and I’d strongly suggest from a training standpoint, you assume one of the above (unless it’s really obviously one of the below!)<\/p>\n

      4 – Attention loops:<\/strong> chasing\/scolding creates keep\u2011away games, which make poop eating even more rewarding<\/p>\n

      5 – Under\u2011stimulation:<\/strong> bored pups scavenge more; enrichment helps this! Find other outlets for hunting and finding food.<\/p>\n

      6 –<\/strong> Copying other dogs:<\/strong> management still works for this! teach the first dog, then the second will likely stop (Or maybe don’t pal with them at the dog park anymore)<\/p>\n

      7 – Seasonal\/context effects:<\/strong> winter \u201cpoopsicles,\u201d wildlife areas, busy parks increase temptation. <\/p>\n

      \"puppy<\/a><\/figure>\n

      Managed areas vs wild poop zones<\/h2>\n

      To make fast, reliable progress, separate life into two contexts with different goals.<\/p>\n

      Managed areas<\/h3>\n

      What it means: <\/strong>spaces you control\u2014home, garden\/yard, balcony, potty patch<\/p>\n

      Goal:<\/strong> zero opportunities to practice; within 2\u20134 weeks, no poop\u2011eating here<\/p>\n

      How: <\/strong>tight supervision, instant pickup, Sit\u2013Pick\u2011Up\u2013Reward routine, smart barriers (baby gates with cat doors, secured litter boxes, accessible potty patches only during training). This means that in managed areas, you erase the habit\u2019s reinforcement and install a paid routine. <\/p>\n

      Wild poop zones<\/h3>\n

      What it means:<\/strong> places you don\u2019t control\u2014sidewalks, parks, trails, beaches, fields<\/p>\n

      Goal:<\/strong> early detection and cheerful move\u2011aways; humane backup tools as needed<\/p>\n

      How: <\/strong>watch sniffing intensity, use an upbeat \u201cCome on!\u201d and move away, choose cleaner routes, long line in hotspots, and consider a well\u2011fitted basket muzzle for chronic scavengers while training takes hold<\/p>\n

      In wild zones, you control distance and timing so moving with you beats investigating.<\/p>\n

      Step One: Set Up for Zero Rehearsals<\/h2>\n

      The goal is simple: no chances to practice<\/strong> the behavior.<\/p>\n

      That means preventing access, replacing \u201cfind-and-eat\u201d with calm, rewarded routines, and keeping cleanup quick and consistent.<\/p>\n

      Home and Yard Management<\/h3>\n