Introduction
Puppy eating poop is a common occurrence in many households. It’s both gross and potentially dangerous for your pup. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help prevent this behavior. Let’s explore some of the most effective methods for stopping puppy eating poop.
Feed the Puppy Regularly
One of the best ways to stop your puppy from eating poop is to make sure they are getting enough food. If they are not getting regular meals, they may be more likely to snack on feces. Make sure to feed your pup at least twice a day and don’t go too long between meals.
According to a study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, puppies who were fed regularly were less likely to engage in coprophagy (the scientific term for eating feces) than those who were not fed regularly or had irregular meal times.1 This suggests that providing regular meals is an important step in preventing your puppy from eating poop.
Increase Exercise
Providing plenty of exercise opportunities is another important step in preventing your puppy from eating poop. Exercise helps to reduce boredom, which can lead to a variety of undesirable behaviors, including eating feces. Take your pup on walks, play fetch, or take them to the dog park. The more physical activity they get, the less likely they will be to eat poop.
In one study, researchers found that puppies who engaged in more physical activity were less likely to eat feces than those who did not.2 This suggests that providing plenty of exercise opportunities for your pup is an important part of preventing them from engaging in this behavior.
Clean Up Immediately
It’s also important to clean up any feces in your yard or house as soon as possible. If your pup has access to their own waste, they may be more likely to snack on it. So, make sure to scoop up any poop right away and dispose of it properly.
Use Taste Deterrents
Sprinkling hot pepper powder or other taste deterrents on feces is another way to discourage your puppy from eating it. These products are designed to make the feces taste unpleasant, so your pup is less likely to want to eat it. However, some puppies may still be willing to try it, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pup when they are outside.
Supervise Outside Time
When your puppy is outside, it’s important to watch them closely to make sure they don’t eat any feces. This is especially true if you have other animals in the household, as they may leave behind their own waste. If you catch your pup eating poop, scold them firmly and remove them from the area.
Distract with Toys
Providing your puppy with toys is another way to keep them occupied and away from the poop. Give them a chew toy or something else to keep them busy. This can help to distract them from snacking on feces.
Train Proper Behaviors
Finally, teaching your pup commands like “leave it” or “drop it” can help them learn to avoid the feces. Whenever you see your pup approaching a pile of poop, give them the command and reward them when they follow it. With enough practice, your pup should learn to avoid the feces.
Conclusion
Puppy eating poop is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the tips outlined above, you can help prevent your pup from engaging in this behavior. Feed your pup regularly, increase their exercise, clean up immediately, use taste deterrents, supervise outside time, distract with toys, and train proper behaviors. With enough effort, you can help keep your pup safe and free from the dangers of eating feces.
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