uhm.... having some dog problems.. or at least my dad is..

[Ketake 2.0]

Yeah I think they are more prone to eat the poo I think they stop because us humans usually don't like that behavious and does something about it.

I just feel that I have to say this. Hitting a dog is not a way to train it, it's a way to make it fear you and possibly get aggressive. Most dog attacks happens because the dog isn't sure of the situation. An unsure dog tries to flee and to do they they sometime have to bite.

So for Gods sake don't hit your dogs. You wouldn't like your teacher hitting you when you answerd a question wrong.  

[Metalic_Noodles]

I think dogs eat thier own poop when they think pooping is a bad thing. It probably happens from poor potty training, or rubbing thier nose in it.

Try rewarding the dog for taking a s**t outside the house, instead of punishing because it wasn't in the perfect spot or shape.

If you have a bit too close relation ship with your dog, you'd probably know best. If the dog knows you well enough they'll know what a glare means, and when you tell them that it's okay for them to poop.

Cleaning it up a lot would make the dog think poop isn't suppost to be there I would think, it's cats that need a clean litterbox or they get cranky, and TELL you. xd My cats do it just because they seem to hate plants (though I agree with them) or that they just want to claim plants for no reason.

The purpacly poop and pee, and roll, and eat, plants outside for the sheer enjoyment of killing them though. rofl Such crafty little demons, that know they are too annoiing to stoop getting fed, or allowed inside.

I think dogs just like cat poop. extra protein, or that it sort of tastes like the cat food they love so much.

~Metalic_Noodles

 

[Iconised Ghost]

Ketake 2.0

And by the way, toothpaste and chili is very harmful to dogs, if tey get too much it could kill them. Dont do that.

We're talking about such tiny amounts, just enough to give a nasty unexpected taste, not enough to kill them.

Metalic_Noodles

I think dogs eat thier own poop when they think pooping is a bad thing.

What, to get rid of the evidence? xd  

[Ketake 2.0]

Iconised Ghost

Ketake 2.0

And by the way, toothpaste and chili is very harmful to dogs, if tey get too much it could kill them. Dont do that.

We're talking about such tiny amounts, just enough to give a nasty unexpected taste, not enough to kill them.

Metalic_Noodles

I think dogs eat thier own poop when they think pooping is a bad thing.

What, to get rid of the evidence? xd

If you don't know all that much about dog training you wouldn't know how much to use so I'd rather see it not used at all by people that dont know how to do it safely.

When Epona throws up, she gets all submissive and looks extremly ashamed while she eats it and if I come close she just falls on her back and shows me how submissive she is. Even though I've never scolded her for throwing up since that isn't anything she can control over so I do belive they are ashamed when they know they've been doing something bad and try to rid the evidence.

She has the same behaviour if I've been bad and forgotten to let her go outside so she absolutly had to pee inside so she wouldn't burst. Except she doesn't try to eat it just stay away from it. So I am positive she knows that she shouldn't have.


If you haven't noticed it by now, I take dog training and the wellbeing of dogs very seriously xD  

[Iconised Ghost]

Ketake 2.0

Iconised Ghost

Ketake 2.0

And by the way, toothpaste and chili is very harmful to dogs, if tey get too much it could kill them. Dont do that.

We're talking about such tiny amounts, just enough to give a nasty unexpected taste, not enough to kill them.

Metalic_Noodles

I think dogs eat thier own poop when they think pooping is a bad thing.

What, to get rid of the evidence? xd

If you don't know all that much about dog training you wouldn't know how much to use so I'd rather see it not used at all by people that dont know how to do it safely.

Its good that you take dog treatment so seriously!

All of the suggestions I made were recommended to my friend by the Guide Dog Services of New Zealand (her dog is a guide dog 3nodding ) So I'm sure they are all safe and that they told her how much is a safe amount to use  

[Metalic_Noodles]

Iconised Ghost

Ketake 2.0

And by the way, toothpaste and chili is very harmful to dogs, if tey get too much it could kill them. Dont do that.

We're talking about such tiny amounts, just enough to give a nasty unexpected taste, not enough to kill them.

Metalic_Noodles

I think dogs eat thier own poop when they think pooping is a bad thing.

What, to get rid of the evidence? xd

More likely to clean up his mess, like when they see us spill a drink or food and wipe it up, or look up at the dog and let it clean up the food since he/she really wants to 'clean' it up for you. xd
But ya, just to clean it up.

But if you and your dog are close, some times just watching them will make them descide not to, or saying eww. lol (Watching, like a little kid staring at you until your nerve breaks and you walk away or quietly have a nervous/paranoia break down.)

~Metalic_Noodles

 

[Iconised Ghost]

Metalic_Noodles

Iconised Ghost

Ketake 2.0

And by the way, toothpaste and chili is very harmful to dogs, if tey get too much it could kill them. Dont do that.

We're talking about such tiny amounts, just enough to give a nasty unexpected taste, not enough to kill them.

Metalic_Noodles

I think dogs eat thier own poop when they think pooping is a bad thing.

What, to get rid of the evidence? xd

More likely to clean up his mess, like when they see us spill a drink or food and wipe it up, or look up at the dog and let it clean up the food since he/she really wants to 'clean' it up for you. xd
But ya, just to clean it up.

But if you and your dog are close, some times just watching them will make them descide not to, or saying eww. lol (Watching, like a little kid staring at you until your nerve breaks and you walk away or quietly have a nervous/paranoia break down.)

~Metalic_Noodles

Not in my experience xd my friend's dog will eat it even if you are standing right there, coming towards her screaming >.< and im not convinced dogs want to clean up their mess. Most of the dogs i know just want to roll in it xd  

[Metalic_Noodles]

What sizes/breeds/gender are those dogs that don't seem to get it?

~Metalic_Noodles

 

[WastelandMama]

actual experts weigh in on coprophagia:

Office of Public Engagement
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
Urbana, Illinois 61802
Phone: 217/333-2907

By Theresa A. Fuess, Ph.D.
Information Specialist
University of Illinois
College of Veterinary Medicine

Some dogs can't resist a tasty morsel of feces. These dogs will eat their own excrement or that of another dog. Some prefer horse feces, others cat feces. Frozen feces are popular in the winter time. Why do dogs do this?

In the past it was believed that feces eating, also known as coprophagia, was caused by either poor diet or poor health. However, this theory is not supported by current research. "Behavioral research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency or a pancreatic enzyme deficiency," says Dr. Jo Ann Eurell, a veterinarian and animal behavior specialist retired from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. "Dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior.

"It is important for dog owners to know that this behavior is normal for a mother dog with pups," adds Dr. Eurell. Newborn pups must learn to urinate and defecate. The mother teaches the pups by licking their bottoms. The pups respond to this "tickle" by urinating and defecating. The mother then consumes the pups' excrement, which serves two protective purposes: it keeps the den area clean and it removes smells that could attract a predator. Some pups learn this behavior from their mothers and will stimulate themselves and consume their own feces. Most pups stop by the time they are weaned.

It is more difficult to understand why adult dogs eat feces. Some dogs will learn this behavior from other dogs. In some cases, eating feces may be an attention-seeking behavior. For some dogs it is possibly due to anxiety or boredom. Most often the motivation for eating feces is just not known.

Owners find this habit in their pet disgusting -- particularly when the consumed feces are thrown up all over the new carpet. In addition to being socially unacceptable, eating feces exposes the dog to parasites and diseases. So, what is a dog owner to do?

"Eating feces is a problem that is easier to prevent than to cure," says Dr. Eurell. "Don't allow the opportunity to arise. Keep the dog's yard clean by disposing of feces promptly. Move the cat box out of the dog's reach. If cleaning the outdoor area is not feasible, then keep the dog on a leash or use a muzzle when outside."

There are some "cures" that have been used with limited success. Punishment generally only works in the early stages, before the behavior becomes habitual. Feeding the dog MSG or pumpkin is believed to give feces a bad taste, making it less attractive to the dog. Other products can be applied to the feces directly; however, dogs are very perceptive and can probably distinguish between tainted and untainted feces.

The best solution is to supervise the dog and not let it develop the habit. If you would like further information about this behavior, contact your local veterinarian.




How do we prevent coprophagia from occurring?

The best way to prevent the problem is to keep yards and kennels free of feces.

Some owners find it successful to use something to make the feces taste horrible. Products such as For-bid (for cats or dogs) and Drs. Foster and Smith Dis-Taste (for dogs) are added to the food of the animal whose feces are being eaten (it could be the food of the dog with coprophagy if he eats his own stool; or the food of the cat, if the dog with coprophagy eats the cat's feces). The product is digested by the animal, and results in giving the feces a very bad taste. Some people try putting Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper (chili powder) on the feces (not the food!). Unfortunately, some dogs have acquired quite a taste for Tabasco. These methods work best if the behavior has just started. Once coprophagy has become a habit, it is very difficult to break.

Dogs should be on a leash when walking, so you have control over the dog in case a luscious pile of feces is found along the way. Sometimes, the only way to prevent coprophagy is to fit the dog with a wire muzzle. The dog will be able to sniff, pant, and do most things dogs do, but the dog will not be able to eat with the muzzle on. DO NOT LEAVE A MUZZLED DOG UNATTENDED.

Adding toys and other diversions to the environment may be helpful. We need to find something that is more fun for the dog than eating feces. A dog may find a Kong toy laced with peanut butter a better alternative. Also give the dog lots of exercise to help it ultimately relax.

In situations in which the behavior may be linked to stress, the cause of stress should be eliminated or at least reduced. In some instances of extreme anxiety, or if the behavior becomes obsessive-compulsive, medication may be necessary to try to break the cycle.

One researcher recommends checking the dog's diet to make sure he is getting enough B vitamins and is not getting an excess of carbohydrates.

Some dogs will improve if they are fed more often, so you may want to increase the number of meals (but keep the total daily intake about the same).

There have been anecdotal reports that adding Prozyme to the diet may aid in eliminating this problem.

For dogs attracted to litter boxes, you may need to be quite creative. Using covered litter boxes and placing the opening towards a wall may help. Some people put the litter box up high. Others put the litter box in a closet and secure the closet door so that the opening is big enough for the cat but will not allow the dog to enter. Keep in mind that if we make the litter box too difficult to reach, the cat may not go to it either.

Above all, do not punish the dog for eating feces. This may reinforce the behavior. General work on obedience is sometimes helpful. If the dog knows what is expected of him and looks to you for cues, he may be less anxious and less likely to start or continue the behavior.

hope that helps a bit! 3nodding  

[Iconised Ghost]

Metalic_Noodles

What sizes/breeds/gender are those dogs that don't seem to get it?

~Metalic_Noodles

Black lab, female, small for her age and species. A classic scavenger xd  

[Artanus]

Well with dogs, you have to make them know what you like them to do, and what you don't. You're the pack leader, so he follows you. So make surer, when he does good stuff, make a big deal of it, and pet him and call him a good boy. When he eats his poop, Very lightly pinch him in the neck, or just jab him in the neck with your finger. Don't hurt him, just get his attention. And make the "tsst" noise.

You have to exert energy, and make him know you're dominant. Stand up straight, look down on him, and give him commands. Never get angry though, just superior. If you act angry, it'll just make things worse. So when he eats poop, "tsst" him, and kinda stand in front of him, all calm and assertive, and tell him no. If he goes to dig back in; "tsst" him.

Don't get angry, don't get violent. That's the worst thing you can do. Calm, Assertive. That's your best friend when dealing with dogs.

I learned all this from the Dog Whisperer.  

[WastelandMama]

Artanus

Well with dogs, you have to make them know what you like them to do, and what you don't. You're the pack leader, so he follows you. So make surer, when he does good stuff, make a big deal of it, and pet him and call him a good boy. When he eats his poop, Very lightly pinch him in the neck, or just jab him in the neck with your finger. Don't hurt him, just get his attention. And make the "tsst" noise.

You have to exert energy, and make him know you're dominant. Stand up straight, look down on him, and give him commands. Never get angry though, just superior. If you act angry, it'll just make things worse. So when he eats poop, "tsst" him, and kinda stand in front of him, all calm and assertive, and tell him no. If he goes to dig back in; "tsst" him.

Don't get angry, don't get violent. That's the worst thing you can do. Calm, Assertive. That's your best friend when dealing with dogs.

I learned all this from the Dog Whisperer.

OMG!

JUST DOMINATE IT!!!

dog whisperer ftw! heart