Coprophagia
I recently rescued a 2 year old Brittany. She has been with us for about 4 months and has since developed Coprophagia. We have tried various remedies including pumpkin in her food and pet store powder remedies. None of these have worked so far. We are still in a training phase with her. She still only listens when it is convenient for her. I am taking steps to try and train her to a strong “No” or “Leave it”, but we’re still struggling. Someone has sent me a link for CoproBan. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Thank you so much.
First, many dogs that exhibit coprophagia may have an underlying digestive disorder, so please have your dog screened. Next, make sure that this dog has plenty of daily exercise and enrichment. I would consider feeding this dog all her meals out of a food dispensing toy so that she works harder to get her food. Another option is to toss her food out into the yard or the deck and make her forage for it.
Of course, cleaning up after the dogs when they defecate is important as well. Leash walking makes that easier and then there are fewer stools in the yard for the dog to eat.
Some dogs can be trained with a clicker to “turn away” when they defecate for a food reward and gradually trained to return to the house for a food reward after defecation.
Some dogs will respond to a remotely activated citronella collar, when the dog tries to eat the stool, the owner activates the collar. Then hopefully there is an association with something aversive with picking up stool. This will not work if the dog has the opportunity to be outside unsupervised and eat feces.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thank you so much.
First, many dogs that exhibit coprophagia may have an underlying digestive disorder, so please have your dog screened. Next, make sure that this dog has plenty of daily exercise and enrichment. I would consider feeding this dog all her meals out of a food dispensing toy so that she works harder to get her food. Another option is to toss her food out into the yard or the deck and make her forage for it.
Of course, cleaning up after the dogs when they defecate is important as well. Leash walking makes that easier and then there are fewer stools in the yard for the dog to eat.
Some dogs can be trained with a clicker to “turn away” when they defecate for a food reward and gradually trained to return to the house for a food reward after defecation.
Some dogs will respond to a remotely activated citronella collar, when the dog tries to eat the stool, the owner activates the collar. Then hopefully there is an association with something aversive with picking up stool. This will not work if the dog has the opportunity to be outside unsupervised and eat feces.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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