How To Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop Behavioral Training Methods

Dogs have an uncanny ability to find and consume things most humans would never consider edible. Among the more unsettling habits is coprophagia—the technical term for eating feces. While it’s natural for mother dogs to clean up after their puppies, adult dogs consuming stool (their own or others’) can signal behavioral, environmental, or medical concerns. Fortunately, in most cases, this behavior can be corrected with consistent training, environmental management, and a deeper understanding of canine motivation.

This guide focuses on proven behavioral training methods backed by veterinary behaviorists and professional trainers. Rather than relying solely on deterrents or scolding, which rarely produce lasting change, we’ll explore proactive techniques that address the root causes and retrain your dog’s choices.

Understanding Why Dogs Eat Poop

Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand why dogs engage in this behavior. Coprophagia isn't typically driven by malice or poor upbringing—it's often rooted in instinct, diet, stress, or learned behavior.

• Instinctual cleaning: Female dogs naturally lick and ingest puppy waste during early motherhood to keep the den clean and avoid attracting predators.
• Nutritional deficiency: Though less common with modern commercial diets, some dogs may seek out feces if they're not absorbing nutrients properly due to digestive issues.
• Boredom or isolation: Dogs left alone for long periods without stimulation may resort to unusual behaviors, including eating poop, simply to pass the time.
• Attention-seeking: Even negative attention reinforces behavior. If a dog learns that eating poop gets a reaction, they may repeat it.
• Stress or anxiety: Changes in environment, routine, or household dynamics can trigger regressive or compulsive actions.
• Predatory scavenging: Some dogs are drawn to cat feces because it contains undigested proteins—especially in litter boxes accessible outdoors.

“While coprophagia can be distressing for owners, it’s rarely a sign of serious psychological disturbance. More often, it’s a manageable behavior influenced by context and reinforcement history.” — Dr. Karen Overall, Veterinary Behaviorist

Behavioral Training Methods That Work

Effective training doesn’t rely on punishment but on redirection, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The goal is to teach your dog that leaving waste alone results in better rewards than consuming it.

1. Leave-It Command Training

The foundation of stopping poop-eating lies in mastering the “leave it” command. This cue teaches impulse control and gives you a reliable tool during walks or yard time.

1. Start indoors with two types of treats: low-value (e.g., kibble) and high-value (e.g., chicken).
2. Place a low-value treat in your closed hand and show it to your dog.
3. When they sniff, paw, or lick, say “leave it” calmly and wait.
4. Once they stop trying to get the treat and back away—even slightly—immediately reward them with the high-value treat from your other hand.
5. Repeat until they consistently back off when hearing “leave it.”
6. Progress to placing the treat on the floor under your hand, then fully exposed.
7. Finally, practice near real-life distractions, including actual feces (use a leash for safety).

Tip: Always reward compliance with a superior alternative. Your dog must learn that ignoring poop leads to something far better.

2. Redirection and Engagement

Instead of waiting for your dog to find waste, proactively redirect their focus. During walks or potty breaks, keep your dog mentally engaged.

• Use frequent recall games: “Come,” then reward before they have time to investigate the ground.
• Practice obedience drills like “sit,” “watch me,” or “heel” during outdoor time.
• Carry toys or play fetch immediately after elimination to shift focus.

Dogs who are mentally stimulated are less likely to engage in undesirable scavenging. A tired mind is as important as a tired body.

3. Immediate Cleanup and Environmental Control

Prevention supports training. If your dog has constant access to feces, even the best-trained cues will fail under temptation.

• Pick up yard waste at least twice daily—more if multiple pets are present.
• Supervise all outdoor time on a leash until reliable off-leash behavior is established.
• Install barriers to prevent access to cat litter boxes, neighbor’s yards, or compost piles.
• Use covered litter boxes or place them in rooms with pet-proof gates.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Stopping Poop-Eating

Consistency over time is key. Follow this 4-week plan to build lasting habits:

Week	Training Focus	Environmental Action	Expected Progress
1	Master “leave it” with food items indoors	Begin daily yard cleanup; supervise all outdoor time	Dog responds reliably to “leave it” in distraction-free settings
2	Introduce “leave it” near fake or inert stools (e.g., dyed soil)	Use leash during all potty breaks; remove access to litter boxes	Dog pauses or looks to owner when cued near target items
3	Practice “leave it” near real feces on leash	Continue immediate cleanup; add recall games post-potty	Dog resists temptation with verbal cue and earns reward
4	Test off-leash response in controlled environments	Maintain vigilance; gradually increase freedom based on success	Dog chooses to check in with owner instead of approaching waste

After week four, continue practicing regularly. Occasional setbacks are normal—treat them as training opportunities, not failures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning owners can unintentionally reinforce poop-eating. Be mindful of these pitfalls:

• Yelling or chasing: This can turn stool consumption into a high-arousal game. Your dog may eat faster just to beat you.
• Inconsistent cleanup: Leaving waste in the yard sends mixed messages. Training only works when temptation is minimized.
• Using punishment-based tools: Shock collars or sprays don’t teach what to do instead—they increase anxiety and damage trust.
• Assuming it’s “just a phase”: Without intervention, the habit often becomes ingrained, especially if self-reinforcing (the act itself is rewarding).

Tip: Never use the word “no” near feces unless paired with a clear alternative behavior. Instead, use “leave it” followed by a reward for compliance.

Checklist: How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Poop

Follow this actionable checklist for best results:

1. ✅ Rule out medical causes with a vet visit (e.g., parasites, malabsorption, enzyme deficiency)
2. ✅ Train the “leave it” command using positive reinforcement
3. ✅ Clean up feces in yard within 24 hours—ideally immediately
4. ✅ Supervise all outdoor activity; use a leash when necessary
5. ✅ Block access to cat litter boxes and neighbor’s property
6. ✅ Carry high-value treats during walks for redirection
7. ✅ Practice recall and engagement games post-potty
8. ✅ Avoid scolding—redirect and reward desired behavior instead
9. ✅ Monitor progress weekly and adjust strategy as needed
10. ✅ Consult a certified dog trainer or behaviorist if no improvement in 4–6 weeks

Mini Case Study: Max, the Labrador Mix

Max, a 2-year-old Labrador mix adopted from a shelter, had a persistent habit of eating both his own and cat feces found in the backyard. His owners tried bitter sprays and yelling, but the behavior worsened when they weren’t home.

A certified trainer assessed Max and identified three factors: boredom, lack of structured training, and easy access to a neighbor’s outdoor cat box. The plan included:

• Daily “leave it” and recall training sessions
• Installation of a motion-sensor sprinkler near the fence line
• Adding puzzle feeders and chew routines to reduce idle time
• Immediate cleanup after each elimination

Within five weeks, Max stopped eating feces entirely. His owners reported that he now looked to them for treats after going to the bathroom—a new, reinforced habit replacing the old one.

FAQ

Is eating poop dangerous for dogs?

Yes, it can be. Consuming feces exposes dogs to parasites (like roundworms), bacteria (such as Salmonella or E. coli), and viruses (including Parvovirus). Cat feces may contain harmful toxins from litter or medications ingested by the cat.

Do commercial deterrents work?

Some products claim to make stool taste unpleasant by adding enzymes to food. Results vary widely. While they may help in mild cases, they’re ineffective without behavioral training. Relying solely on additives ignores the underlying cause and often fails long-term.

Can anxiety cause poop-eating?

Yes. Dogs in stressful environments—such as kennels, chaotic homes, or those with separation anxiety—may revert to compulsive behaviors like coprophagia. Addressing the emotional state through enrichment, routine, and sometimes professional support is critical.

Conclusion: Consistency Builds New Habits

Stopping a dog from eating poop isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about reshaping behavior through patience, structure, and positive reinforcement. The methods outlined here don’t just suppress the symptom; they build a stronger, more responsive relationship between you and your dog.

Every successful “leave it” command, every timely cleanup, and every moment of engagement adds up. Over time, your dog learns that self-control pays off—and that you’re a reliable source of guidance and reward.

💬 Have a success story or challenge with coprophagia? Share your experience below—your insights could help another dog owner break this stubborn habit for good.