What makes poop-eating hard to break in dogs?
If you’ve ever caught your dog in the act, you probably had the same reaction most of us do: “WHY?!” As unpleasant as it is, poop eating also known as coprophagia is actually more common than people think.
The good news? In most cases, it’s fixable.
It Starts Young
Puppies explore everything with their mouths. To them, poop isn’t automatically “gross” it’s just another interesting object. Most grow out of it as they mature, especially with consistent training and quick cleanups.
It Can Be a Learned Habit
Dogs are incredibly observant. If they discover that eating poop gets a big reaction (yelling, chasing, dramatic gasping), that attention can accidentally reinforce the behavior. Even negative attention is still attention.
Staying calm and redirecting them is way more effective than reacting strongly.
Hunger or Digestive Issues
If a dog isn’t getting enough nutrients or isn’t properly digesting their food they may try to “recycle” it. Parasites, enzyme deficiencies, or low-quality diets can sometimes play a role. If the behavior suddenly appears in an adult dog, a vet check is a smart move.
Stress and Environment
Dogs in high-stress environments, puppy mills, shelters, or situations with limited space may develop poop-eating as a coping mechanism. In these cases, improving routine, enrichment, and security can make a big difference.
It Might Be About Smell
Some dogs are especially drawn to cat poop or other animals’ stool because of the higher protein content and stronger scent. To them, it smells more like food than waste.
What You Can Do
Pick up poop immediately
Teach a solid “leave it” command
Increase mental stimulation and exercise
Feed a high-quality, well-balanced diet
Talk to your vet if it’s frequent or sudden
Final Thought
As gross as it is, poop eating doesn’t automatically mean your dog is unhealthy or poorly trained. It’s usually a mix of instinct, habit, or environment and it can be managed with consistency.
If you’re dealing with this right now, you’re definitely not alone. Dogs are amazing but sometimes they really test our love.
