Having a puppy can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be frustrating when they start eating...
How to Stop a Puppy from Eating Poop
Eating poop (known as coprophagia) is a common behaviour among puppies, but it’s not something you want to encourage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to discourage your pup from eating poop and keep them healthy. This article will discuss why puppies eat poop and provide tips on how to stop a puppy from eating poop.
Why Do Puppies Eat Poop?
There are a few possible explanations as to why puppies eat poop. One theory is that they may be lacking certain vitamins or nutrients in their diet, and they’re trying to supplement their nutrition by eating poop. Another explanation is that they’re curious and see it as a fun game or a tasty snack. Some puppies may even be trying to get attention by eating poop.
When puppies are young, their mother may also lick their bottoms to encourage them to defecate. This could lead to puppies associating poop with something positive, such as getting attention from their mother.
It’s important to note that eating poop is not a sign of a behavioural problem. It’s a normal behaviour for puppies and is usually nothing to worry about.
How to Stop a Puppy from Eating Poop
If your puppy is eating poop, there are a few steps you can take to discourage this behaviour and keep them healthy.
1. Make Sure Your Puppy is Eating a Balanced Diet
The first step is to make sure your pup is eating a balanced diet with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients. If they’re not getting enough nutrition, they may be tempted to eat poop in order to supplement their diet.
Consult with your vet to make sure your puppy is getting all the necessary nutrition. Your vet may recommend a specific type of food or supplement to ensure your pup is getting what they need.
2. Pick Up After Your Puppy Immediately
It’s important to pick up after your pup immediately. This will help prevent them from eating their own poop or the poop of other animals.
Keep a few plastic bags in your pocket when you take your pup for a walk. This will make it easier to pick up their poop right away.
3. Distract Your Puppy
If your puppy is about to eat poop, distract them with a toy or treat. This will help redirect their attention and break the habit.
You can also try giving your pup a command, such as “leave it”, to discourage them from eating poop.
4. Supervise Your Puppy
It’s important to supervise your puppy when they’re outside. This will help prevent them from eating poop and will give you the opportunity to redirect their attention if needed.
If you’re unable to supervise your puppy, you can put them in a crate or a secure area. This will prevent them from getting into any trouble while you’re away.
5. Train Your Puppy
Training your pup to respond to commands is a great way to discourage them from eating poop. Teach them commands such as “leave it” or “drop it” to help them understand that eating poop is not something you want them to do.
You can also train your puppy to come when called. This will give you the opportunity to get their attention and redirect them if they start to eat poop.
Conclusion
Eating poop is a common behaviour among puppies, but it’s not something you want to encourage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to discourage your pup from eating poop and keep them healthy. Make sure your pup is eating a balanced diet, pick up after them immediately, distract them with toys or treats, supervise them when they’re outside, and train them to respond to commands. With a little patience and consistency, you can help your pup break the habit of eating poop.
