Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting time full of cuddles, playtime and endless love. However, puppies, much like young children, need guidance to learn the rules of the household. One common issue many puppy parents face is unwanted behaviors like eating feces—whether from other dogs, cats, or even their own. This behavior, known as coprophagia, can be alarming and unpleasant, but with patience and proper training, it can be corrected. In addition to feces-eating, this article will cover other common puppy behavior issues and provide helpful tips to instill good manners in your furry friend.
Why Do Puppies Eat Feces?
Before diving into how to stop this behavior, it’s important to understand why some puppies engage in it. Here are a few reasons why puppies might eat feces:
- Natural Instincts: Some dogs, especially breeds like Beagles or Cocker Spaniels, are naturally inclined to be curious and investigate their surroundings, which might include feces.
- Nutritional Deficiency: If a puppy’s diet is lacking in certain nutrients, it may eat feces as a way to supplement its nutrition.
- Attention-Seeking: Puppies can sometimes eat feces to get attention from their owners—positive or negative.
- Boredom or Anxiety: Breeds such as Border Collies and German Shepherds, known for their high intelligence and energy levels, may eat feces due to boredom or stress.
- Lack of Proper Training: Puppies may also develop this habit because they simply haven’t been taught proper behavior.
How to Stop Feces-Eating in Puppies
Correcting the habit of eating feces requires patience, consistency and sometimes a few adjustments to your puppy's routine or environment.
- Clean Up Immediately: If your puppy is eating feces, one of the simplest steps is to clean up the mess as soon as possible. Keeping your yard or home clean and free of feces minimizes the opportunity for your puppy to develop the behavior. Puppies like Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, which are playful and enjoy exploring their surroundings, may be particularly prone to this behavior if their environment is not well-maintained.
- Proper Diet and Nutrition: Ensure your puppy is receiving a well-balanced, high-quality diet. Poor nutrition is often a contributing factor to coprophagia. Puppies such as Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus that have smaller appetites may require specialized food to ensure they’re getting the right amount of nutrients. Speak with your veterinarian to determine if your puppy’s food is lacking in any essential vitamins or minerals.
- Training “Leave It” or “No” Command: Teaching your puppy a strong "leave it" or "no" command can be effective in preventing this behavior. Whenever your puppy shows interest in feces, use the command and reward with a treat when they turn away. This helps them associate ignoring feces with positive outcomes. Australian Shepherds and Boxers, both intelligent breeds, tend to respond well to training, especially when done consistently.
- Redirect Attention with Toys and Games: If your puppy is eating feces out of boredom, make sure to redirect their attention to toys, games, or training exercises. Puppies like Jack Russell Terriers and Beagles, with their high energy and hunting instincts, can benefit from more structured playtime. Providing mental stimulation and physical exercise can prevent unwanted behaviors.
- Use of Deterrents: There are various commercial products available that can deter puppies from eating feces. These products often contain ingredients that make the feces taste unpleasant to your puppy. While products like For-Bid or Deter can help, they should only be used after consulting your veterinarian, especially for puppies with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.
Teaching Manners: Other Common Puppy Problems
In addition to stopping coprophagia, many new puppy owners face other common behavior issues. Here are some additional tips for teaching good manners to your puppy:
- Nipping and Biting: It’s natural for puppies, especially active breeds like Pit Bulls or Doberman Pinschers, to explore the world with their mouths. However, this behavior should be addressed as early as possible. Redirecting their attention to toys, using positive reinforcement when they chew appropriately and practicing bite inhibition (teaching them to be gentle) are effective methods for stopping nipping and biting.
- Excessive Barking: Breeds like Chihuahuas and Schnauzers are known for being vocal, but excessive barking can become an issue. Training your puppy with commands like “quiet” or “enough,” as well as ensuring they are mentally stimulated, can reduce barking. If your puppy is barking out of anxiety, consider crate training or creating a calm environment.
- Housebreaking and Potty Training: Accidents are common, especially in small breeds like Pomeranians or Miniature Schnauzers, who may have smaller bladders. Consistent potty training, crate training and rewarding your puppy for going outside will help your puppy learn the right place to relieve itself. Puppies generally need frequent bathroom breaks, so patience is key!
- Jumping Up: Puppies, especially social breeds like Boxers and Labrador Retrievers, often jump up on people as a form of greeting. While this behavior may seem cute at first, it can become problematic as they grow larger. Teach your puppy to sit when greeting people by using positive reinforcement and only giving attention when they have all four paws on the ground.
And Finally : Well-mannered Puppy!
Teaching your puppy good manners, including stopping undesirable behaviors like feces-eating, requires patience, consistency and the right approach. Whether you're dealing with a playful Cocker Spaniel, a curious Golden Retriever, or a high-energy Border Collie, these tips can help you raise a well-behaved puppy. By providing a clean environment, proper training and positive reinforcement, you’ll be well on your way to having a happy, healthy and well-mannered pup!
