If you’ve ever shouted “NO!” across a field while your dog proudly ignores you and commits to the worst snack imaginable, you’re not alone. Coprophagia—dogs eating poo—is one of those behaviours that feels shocking to humans but is actually fairly normal in the dog world. The good news is: it can be improved with the right mix of training, management, and consistency.

Why Dogs Do It (So You Don’t Blame Yourself)

Dogs don’t see poo the way we do. To them, it can be:

Something interesting and “newly available”
A leftover scent message from another animal
A boredom-buster when nothing else is happening
A learned habit if it’s been reinforced accidentally (even once or twice)

Puppies are especially prone to it because they explore everything with their mouths.

Management Comes First

Before training even starts, you need to reduce opportunities:

Pick up waste immediately in the garden
Keep your dog on a lead in known problem areas
Avoid letting your dog roam unsupervised in high-risk spots
Use a long line if you need more control outdoors

If your dog can’t access it, they can’t rehearse the behaviour.

Teach a Rock-Solid “Leave It”

This is your main training tool. Start indoors:

Hold a low-value treat in your hand and wait for them to leave it
Cue “leave” as they move away
Reward your dog the moment they ignore it and look away

Then progress:

Place treats on the floor
Add movement and distractions
Gradually move training outdoors

Eventually, your dog learns: ignoring gross things = better rewards from you.

Step 3: Build a Strong Recall

A reliable recall helps you interrupt before your dog gets to anything unpleasant.

Make coming back to you:

Exciting
Rewarding
Never associated with punishment

Use high-value rewards like chicken, cheese, or special treats only used for recall.

Step 4: Increase Mental Stimulation

Dogs often develop unwanted habits when bored. Add:

Sniff walks
Puzzle feeders
Training games
Short, frequent play sessions

A mentally satisfied dog is far less likely to go searching for “snacks” in the environment.

Step 5: Check Diet and Health

If the behaviour is frequent or sudden, speak to your vet. Sometimes issues like poor digestion, nutrient deficiencies, or parasites can contribute.

What NOT to Do

Don’t shout after the fact (dogs don’t connect punishment to past actions)
Don’t chase your dog aggressively (this can turn it into a game)
Don’t rely on one command without training it properly first

Stopping poo-eating isn’t about force—it’s about prevention, training, and consistency. Your dog isn’t being “disgusting on purpose”; they’re just following instinct and opportunity. With the right structure and a bit of patience, this is one habit you can absolutely improve—and your walks will become a lot more pleasant for everyone involved.

How to Stop Your Dog Eating Poo (Yes, It’s Gross—but Fixable)