Help! My Puppy Keeps Eating Poop

If your puppy is snacking on poop, you’re not alone. It’s common (and yes, it’s really freaking gross), but it’s also fixable. No shame, no scare tactics – just a kind, practical plan that works.

Why it happens isn’t a moral failing, it’s just habit and dogs are disgusting. Puppies explore with their mouths; if poop isn’t picked up quickly, the habit gets rehearsed. Punishing toilet time can also push puppies to sneak or eat faster. We’ll use reward-based training (i.e. positive reinforcement) plus smart management – no aversives, no scolding.

What you can expect: within 2–4 weeks, no poop eating in “managed areas” (home and yard or any area you control), and clear, real‑world strategies for “wild poop zones” (walks, parks, trails).

Quick wins you’ll start today

In managed areas, supervise, pick up instantly, and run a simple sit–reward routine while you bag the poop. Keep litter boxes and potty patches inaccessible unless you’re actively training, and use barriers like baby gates with cat doors. Out in the wild, watch your puppy’s sniffing and cheerfully “Come on!” away before they commit; use a long line in hotspots, choose cleaner routes, and consider a basket muzzle for chronic scavengers while training takes hold.

Skip the myths. “Deterrents” in the form of dietary additions and supplements (like pineapple) rarely work, and don’t change diet unless it’s vet prescribed. We’ll also cover when to call your vet (e.g., weight loss, diarrhea, visible parasites, lethargy, vomiting, behavior change, or if your puppy is on vet‑prescribed meds) and simple hygiene steps—like thorough handwashing and cleaning gear with a biological detergent followed by white vinegar.

When To Call Your Vet (Safety First!)

Most poop‑eating in puppies is a behavior you can change with management and reward-based training. However, some signs suggest a medical problem needs ruling out. Call your vet promptly if you notice any of the following: weight loss, diarrhea or mucus/bloody stools, visible parasites in the stool, vomiting, lethargy or notable behavior change, or if your puppy is currently on vet‑prescribed medication and you’re seeing new GI signs or increased scavenging. These red flags can indicate infections (like giardia or worms), inflammation, medication side‑effects, or other issues that deserve a proper check.

What to ask at the appointment

1. Whether a fecal test (including giardia) is appropriate and whether deworming is recommended
2. Any medical concerns behind sudden GI signs or behavior shifts
3. Whether any nutrition changes are warranted; otherwise keep diet steady (Though, I’m really skeptical this has any actual foundation)

While you wait for the visit:

Vet visits often mean a little wait (especially when something like this isn’t an emergency). So until then, do these 4 things and then you’ll be best prepared for your vet.

1. Tighten management: supervise, pick up immediately, use a long line in hotspots
2. Pause deterrents/supplements; they rarely help
3. Hygiene: wash hands after cleanup, and clean gear/muzzles with a biological detergent, then sanitise white vinegar
4. Keep a log log: Keep a brief log of stool quality and any incidents

As a general note, understanding your dog’s poop is insanely important as part of understanding your dogs health and welfare.

The 3 Main Reasons Why Puppies Eat Poop

Poop eating (scientifically termed as coprophagia) isn’t a character flaw, it’s also not something you just have to endure. It sticks around because of biology, opportunity, and learning.

1 – It’s Normal exploratory behavior

Puppies experience the world with their mouths. Fresh stools are smelly and novel—exactly what curious pups investigate. Our job is to prevent it becoming a habit.

2 – Slow pickup = practice (and practice makes habit)

Every successful “snack” is self‑reinforcing. Immediate pickup is non‑negotiable to remove the reinforcement history.

3 – Punishment around toilet time creates sneaking and “eat fast before I’m caught”

Scolding or anxious hovering can lead to hidden eliminations or gulping. Keep toilet time low‑pressure and pay for what you want.

Other contributors

Whilst these 3 things are the main reasons, there are sometimes other reasons, though they’re less frequent, and I’d strongly suggest from a training standpoint, you assume one of the above (unless it’s really obviously one of the below!)

4 – Attention loops: chasing/scolding creates keep‑away games, which make poop eating even more rewarding

5 – Under‑stimulation: bored pups scavenge more; enrichment helps this! Find other outlets for hunting and finding food.

6 – Copying other dogs: management still works for this! teach the first dog, then the second will likely stop (Or maybe don’t pal with them at the dog park anymore)

7 – Seasonal/context effects: winter “poopsicles,” wildlife areas, busy parks increase temptation.

Managed areas vs wild poop zones

To make fast, reliable progress, separate life into two contexts with different goals.

Managed areas

What it means: spaces you control—home, garden/yard, balcony, potty patch

Goal: zero opportunities to practice; within 2–4 weeks, no poop‑eating here

How: tight supervision, instant pickup, Sit–Pick‑Up–Reward routine, smart barriers (baby gates with cat doors, secured litter boxes, accessible potty patches only during training). This means that in managed areas, you erase the habit’s reinforcement and install a paid routine.

Wild poop zones

What it means: places you don’t control—sidewalks, parks, trails, beaches, fields

Goal: early detection and cheerful move‑aways; humane backup tools as needed

How: watch sniffing intensity, use an upbeat “Come on!” and move away, choose cleaner routes, long line in hotspots, and consider a well‑fitted basket muzzle for chronic scavengers while training takes hold

In wild zones, you control distance and timing so moving with you beats investigating.

Step One: Set Up for Zero Rehearsals

The goal is simple: no chances to practice the behavior.

That means preventing access, replacing “find-and-eat” with calm, rewarded routines, and keeping cleanup quick and consistent.

Home and Yard Management

• Supervise every potty trip. Use a leash or long line in the yard if needed.
• Pick up instantly. Keep bags, a scoop, and a sealed bin by the door so it’s effortless.
• Create a designated potty zone. Make it boring and easy to monitor; sweep it daily.
• Use barriers wisely. Baby gates (with cat doors) or closed rooms can protect litter areas.
• Secure cat litter boxes. Even fancy robotic ones need a physical barrier.
• Indoor pads or potty patches: Only make them available during scheduled breaks; store them out of reach otherwise.
• Apartments or balconies: Leash your pup to the pad, reward after use, clean right away with biological detergent, then white vinegar.
• Multi-dog homes: Take one dog out at a time, and pick up after each before letting the next out.
• Night or low light: Use a headlamp and keep the long line attached if your yard is a hotspot.

💡 Gear that makes life easier: treat pouch, long line, scoop, sealed bin, baby gates, and a secure litter box setup.

What not to do:

• Don’t leave your puppy unsupervised in the yard.
• Don’t rely on deterrents or “poop-eating” supplements.
• And never scold your dog during or after potty time — it only teaches them to sneak off next time.

Step Two: Teach the Sit–Pick-Up–Reward Routine

Your new motto: replace “sniff, grab, eat” with “sit, wait, reward.”

This becomes your default potty cleanup pattern – calm, predictable, and positive.

Here’s How It Works

1. When your puppy finishes, guide them a few feet away on leash.
2. Ask for a Sit. The moment they do, mark (“yes!”) and reward.
3. Keeping them near you, quickly bag the poop. If needed, use your body to block access.
4. Praise and reward again after pickup, then resume your walk or play.

Why this helps:
It removes access to temptation, rewards an incompatible behavior (sitting calmly), and keeps toilet time pressure-free.

Pro Tips

• Create distance before asking for the Sit.
• Reward away from the poop pile.
• Use two small treats early on — one for sitting, one after cleanup.
• Stay calm and quiet; no repeated cues or scolding.

Troubleshooting:

• Lunging back? Step on the leash, feed a rapid treat sequence while you bag.
• Won’t sit? Increase distance and reward orientation to you first.
• Multi-dog household? Consider only walking one dog at a time, particularly at the start, and isolate that poop fiend!
• Pads or patches? Same pattern — Sit, pick up, reward, clean.

Building the Habit

• Days 1–3: Do the full routine with two treats each time.
• Days 4–7: Keep the same standard; double treats in hotspots.
• Weeks 2–3: Fade to one treat in easy areas, two in tempting spots.
• After that: Keep your cleanup gear staged and ready for effortless success.

Step Three: Walks and Real-World Encounters

You can’t control what’s on the ground outside — but you can control your timing, distance, and response.

Enter the cheerful “Come on!” move-away pattern.

The Move-Away Pattern

1. As your puppy starts fixating on something, say “Come on!” in a happy tone.
2. Step away 3–6 light steps — not a yank, just a reset.
3. When they turn with you, mark (“yes!”) and give a treat as you keep walking.
4. After a few steps, you can allow sniffing in a clean spot or continue the walk.

Why it works: It redirects early interest before they fixate, pays them for choosing you, and keeps the leash loose.

Gear checklist: treats, long line (for hotspots), poop bags, and an optional basket muzzle for chronic scavengers.

Route tip: pick cleaner paths while you’re training; avoid wildlife or livestock zones for now.

Troubleshooting on Walks

• Anchoring/staring: Increase distance and boost energy. Pay promptly when they follow.
• Ignoring “Come on!” You’re too close — back up, use higher-value treats, and reward fast.
• Grabbing something: Don’t chase. Calmly trade with a high-value treat and move on.

Progression:

• Week 1: Pay almost every good response.
• Weeks 2–3: Pay every other easy rep, but keep paying generously in tough spots.

Step Four: Basket Muzzles for Chronic Scavengers

For some dogs, especially in filthy or wildlife-heavy areas, a basket muzzle is a humane backup plan.
It’s not a punishment — it’s a safety net while training takes hold.

Choosing and Using a Basket Muzzle

• Pick a basket-style muzzle (not fabric) that allows panting, drinking, and treat delivery.
• Look for scavenger-guard models like the Birdwell.
• Fit should clear the nose, allow full panting, and sit snug without rubbing.

Conditioning plan:

• Days 1–2: Pair the sight of the muzzle with treats; let your pup choose to approach.
• Days 3–4: Encourage nose pokes and gentle strap touches.
• Days 5–6: Clip it briefly, feed through, and remove.
• Week 2: Short, easy walks while treating generously.

Keep it positive, take it off when you’re home, and never leave your dog muzzled unsupervised.

Cleaning tip: rinse, wash with biological detergent, sanitize with white vinegar, and air-dry.

Step Five: Hygiene and Family Safety

Fast pickup and good hygiene protect everyone — dogs and humans alike.

• Always pick up immediately and wash hands afterward.
• Keep kids’ play areas separate from potty zones.
• Cover sandboxes and sweep the yard regularly.
• For gear and surfaces: remove solids → wash with biological detergent → optional vinegar rinse → air-dry.
• Wash leashes, harnesses, and cloths by hand or hot cycle; dry completely.

If your pup has loose stool, tummy changes, or sudden new behavior, check with your vet — a fecal test or deworming may be recommended.

Step Six: Diet, Myths, and Supplements

You’ll hear lots of internet tips like “Add pineapple!” or “Switch to raw!” — but the truth is, there’s no magic food fix.

• Feed a consistent, balanced diet (puppy-appropriate).
• Don’t chase unproven deterrents — pineapple, papaya, MSG, or “poop-eating chews” rarely work.
• Probiotics, fiber, and enrichment can help gut health and reduce general scavenging, but they’re just support tools.
• Raw vs. kibble? No proven link either way. It’s usually just hard work.

Optional Add-On Skills: “Leave It” and “Drop It”

These aren’t the main tools for poop-eating prevention, but they’re great safety backups.

Leave it:

• Start with a closed-fist treat; reward the moment your puppy backs off or looks away.
• Progress to covered floor items; pay for orienting to you.
• Keep sessions short and upbeat.

Drop it:

• Trade calmly with a high-value treat; reward as they release.
• Hand the item back often so it doesn’t feel like a loss.
• Practice with toys and easy items before tackling the gross stuff.

Week-by-Week Progress Snapshot

Week 1: Lock it down
Supervise all potty trips, Sit–Pick-Up–Reward every time, and start “Come on!” practice. Begin muzzle conditioning if needed.

Week 2: Add real-world reps
Keep supervision tight, increase distance before Sit, and use “Come on!” earlier outside.

Week 3: Close the gap
Fade the extra treat in easy spots, and start proofing closer to temptations.

Week 4: Consolidate
Maintain zero rehearsals. Keep paying generously in hotspots and stay consistent with gear and barriers.

If you hit a setback?
Don’t panic or punish — just tighten management for a few days, raise treat value, and go back to easy wins.

Conquering Coprophagia

Poop-eating isn’t a reflection of poor training or bad manners — it’s just a normal puppy quirk that needs structure and practice to fade.

With consistency, calm routines, and a little humor, your puppy will outgrow the fascination. And you’ll come out with a cleaner yard, smoother walks, and a stronger bond built on trust and teamwork. You can totally do this!

Author, Ali Smith

Ali Smith is a professional, qualified, and multi-award winning trainer is the founder of rebarkable. She has always believed animals deserve kindness and champions force free methods. Believing that dog guardians will all choose the kindest options if proper information is provided, she aims to help all dog guardians who need it and make dog training as accessible as possible

Ali lives win Maryland, US with her husband and her three dogs.