How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be honest—discovering that your dog eats poop can be shocking, embarrassing, and downright disgusting. One minute you’re enjoying a peaceful walk, and the next, your dog dives toward something you really wish they wouldn’t. If you’ve ever stood there wondering how this behavior even started, you’re not alone. Many dog owners deal with this at some point, and despite how it feels, it doesn’t mean your dog is broken or that you’ve failed as an owner.

Dogs don’t see the world the way we do. What makes us gag doesn’t automatically trigger the same reaction in them. Poop-eating, known as coprophagia, usually comes from a mix of physical needs, instinct, environment, and learned habits. Once you understand why it’s happening, stopping it becomes far more manageable.

Common Reasons Dogs Eat Poop

They’re Not Getting Enough Nutrition

One of the most overlooked reasons dogs eat poop is diet quality. When a dog’s food lacks proper nutrients, their body goes searching for what’s missing. Even if you’re feeding them regularly, low-quality food can leave them feeling unsatisfied. Dogs don’t think in terms of ingredients or labels—they simply follow instinct. If their body says something is missing, they’ll try to find it anywhere they can.

In real-life experience, many owners notice a change within weeks of switching to a higher-quality, protein-rich diet. Better digestion, firmer stools, and reduced interest in poop often go hand in hand. When your dog feels full and nourished, desperation behaviors tend to fade.

They’re Bored and Understimulated

Dogs need more than food and shelter. When a dog isn’t mentally or physically engaged, they look for stimulation wherever they can find it. For some dogs, poop becomes something to explore, chew, or consume simply because there’s nothing else going on.

This is especially common in dogs who don’t get enough walks, playtime, or interaction. Boredom doesn’t always show up as chewing furniture—it can show up in strange habits like this one. When dogs are tired in a healthy way, they’re far less likely to seek out unpleasant distractions.

Instinct Is Still at Play

As strange as it sounds, poop-eating can be rooted in instinct. Mother dogs naturally clean up after their puppies to keep the living area safe. That instinct doesn’t always disappear completely, even when it’s no longer necessary. Some dogs carry this behavior forward without realizing it’s unwanted.

Certain breeds are also more prone to this habit. Dogs known for being food-driven or highly curious may be more likely to experiment with things they shouldn’t. It’s not a flaw—it’s wiring.

There Could Be a Health Issue

If your dog suddenly starts eating poop or becomes obsessive about it, a medical reason should always be considered. Parasites, digestive disorders, thyroid imbalances, and nutrient absorption problems can all trigger this behavior. Your dog may genuinely feel hungry even after eating.

From experience, this is one of the biggest red flags. Sudden changes in behavior are your dog’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Ignoring it can delay proper treatment and make the habit harder to break.

How to Stop a Dog From Eating Poop

Fix the Food First

Upgrade What’s in the Bowl

Food matters more than many people realize. Dogs thrive on meals made with real, identifiable ingredients. When protein is the first ingredient and fillers are minimal, dogs feel satisfied longer. A well-fed dog is far less likely to treat poop like a backup snack.

Once nutrition improves, many owners notice not just behavioral changes, but better energy levels, shinier coats, and healthier digestion.

Support Digestion Naturally

Some dogs benefit from digestive support like probiotics or enzyme supplements. These help the body absorb nutrients properly instead of passing them through unused. When digestion improves, poop becomes less appealing, both in smell and taste.

Simple additions like pumpkin or pineapple are often used to support gut health and discourage the behavior naturally.

Adjust Feeding Schedules

Instead of one or two large meals, spreading food into smaller portions throughout the day can make a big difference. Hunger-driven behaviors tend to disappear when a dog knows food is consistently available. A dog that feels secure about meals is less likely to scavenge.

Train With Consistency, Not Frustration

Teach a Strong “Leave It” Command

Training is one of the most powerful tools you have. A solid “leave it” command teaches your dog impulse control. It’s not about punishment—it’s about communication. When your dog understands what you expect, they’re more likely to listen.

Practicing this command daily, even away from poop, builds reliability. Over time, your dog learns that ignoring something earns better rewards than grabbing it.

Redirect Before the Moment Escalates

Timing matters. If you catch your dog before they reach for poop, redirection works incredibly well. A toy, a sudden change in direction, or a command they know well can break the focus instantly.

Dogs live in the moment. If you give them something better to do, they’ll usually take it.

Reward the Right Choices

Praise works. Dogs repeat behaviors that get attention and rewards. When your dog walks past poop without reacting, make it a big deal. Your excitement teaches them that this choice was the right one.

Yelling or punishment often backfires, causing anxiety instead of learning. Calm, positive reinforcement builds trust and long-term change.

Control the Environment

Remove Temptation Immediately

The easiest way to stop poop-eating is to limit access. Cleaning up waste as soon as possible removes the opportunity entirely. It’s simple, but it’s one of the most effective steps you can take.

In yards, routine cleanup prevents habits from forming. On walks, staying alert and keeping your dog moving helps avoid risky moments.

Keep Your Dog Engaged Daily

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys, chew items, training games, and interactive play keep your dog’s mind busy. A fulfilled dog doesn’t look for trouble.

When to See a Vet

If you’ve improved diet, increased stimulation, trained consistently, and cleaned up the environment—and the behavior continues—it’s time for a vet visit. Persistent poop-eating often has an underlying cause that needs professional attention.

Blood work, stool tests, and dietary evaluations can uncover issues that aren’t visible on the surface. Addressing the root problem is the only way to stop the behavior permanently.

Last-Resort Management Options

In some cases, temporary tools may be needed. Taste deterrents can reduce interest, and basket muzzles can prevent access during walks while training and medical issues are addressed. These are not punishments—they’re safety tools used while real solutions are put in place.

Final Thoughts of How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Poop

Stopping poop-eating isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding your dog, meeting their needs, and staying consistent even when it’s frustrating. Dogs don’t do this to be gross or rebellious—they do it because something is driving the behavior.

With patience, better nutrition, proper training, and attention to health, most dogs outgrow this habit completely. And when they do, walks become enjoyable again, yards feel cleaner, and you can stop watching the ground like a hawk.

You’ve got this. And your dog? They’re just being a dog—one who needs a little guidance.