Sorry I know this is gross but my 10 month old still will eat my other dogs feces in the yard. She won't go near hers at least and I think has stopped going down to the basement for the cat litter. I've been reading about this and apparently there is no real reason for why dogs do this. I am hoping it's just a temporary behavioral issue. I'm constantly watching her when she's in the yard and any time she goes near it I use the NO command. Usually it comes out though in my frantic tone as NO NO NO!!! Today she (I know this is gross) finally dropped it. Anyone has come across this before or can suggest anything? I hope today was some kind of breakthrough.

You can try using a product called Deter (available at petco/petsmart). I have many clients whom this has worked very well for.

I know there is something you can get from the vet to put in dogs food to make it un desireable when it is pooped. It may be what orangedog is referring to because I can't remember the name. It worked. Dogs like poop. All kinds. Go figure!

Thank you for your post. My 8 yr. old Basset is obsessed with hers and my other dog's feces. Seriously, I think that is the only reason why she wants to go outside sometimes. I have been told that one way is to add meat tenderizer to their food and it should have the undesirable effect that Deter may have. However, it makes their gas AWFUL! I guess it cannot be any worse than when she burps, because she can clear a room with that. ops:

I've had no success with any of the OTC products, but what I have had success with is Solid Gold's Sea Meal supplement. While it's not marketed for copraphagia, it does seem to eliminate the problem. Of course, the best way to stop the nasty habit is to pick it up before the dog has a chance to eat it in the first place.

Thanks I will visit Petsmart to get some Deter. You would think the odour of feces alone would be enough not to want it. God knows what Deter is made of lol. I always have to plan to have her go out in the yard first and then let the other dogs out. I am always out there picking up constantly! I would rather though to have her not do it at all!!! I would love to be able to have her play in the yard because she loves it so much and not have to sit there and watch her for hours! Thanks for the tips!!

what we can do is try to remove the feces (after he did it)so that your dog will not eat it, in that way your dog will know that is not a food

Originally Posted by krisspius

Thanks I will visit Petsmart to get some Deter. You would think the odour of feces alone would be enough not to want it.!

Aaahh, but think about the things dogs love to roll in. Rotten road kill, dead worms in the yard, and even poop. Dogs seem to really like things that stink.

And the simple truth is, dogs love to eat poop. Horse poop, rabbit poop, cat poop, cow poop, baby poop, and yes, dog poop. I don't think there's any reason other than that they like it.

Get better food, they are smelling something that they want to eat. They are missing some type of nutrition from their diet

[rayter]

Is Deter really effective? I think the best way to stop your dog from eating feces is by teaching the "leave it!" command.

I have two six year old females...and even though this is not happeing any more....I have also had this happen to me......Vet told me this can happen for a few reasons...... and I agree with one of the previous poster's...food can be the cause.....but it does not neccessarily mean better food....different dogs digest different brands of food differently.....and therefore when it comes out the other end.....it still may have some nutritional value left....the dog can smell that and you know the rest.......I changed the brand and it significanly was reduced....

the other reason it can happen is due to a behavorial dominance issue.....The dog is attempting to get rid of all evidence of the other dog....sorta stating "This is my domain.....in the event any other animal enters this area...does not even need to be the dog I share this space with...They will know this is MY AREA"...

Generally if the poop is going to be eaten...it will happen almost imediatley...generally...at least in my case....the dog will not aproach a 3 day old poop then suddenly go ..."I think I'll eat this today".....so I would also suggest that the more frequently you clean up....the better this issue will be...

Just my thoughts.....hope it helps

we have a dog before who do that.. but only on her pup's poop..