Daisy Story

 I remember when my sister wanted a dog. I think she chose a Dalmatian because of the movie. We travelled to a Dalmatian breeder and chose a miniature Dalmatian. In the crowd of damaltions, she stood out because she had grey eyes.

Our first dog. It's like we thought dogs trained themselves. Due to her lack of training, she started eating her poop. No matter what we did, she wouldn't stop eating it. Our goal was to keep her healthy, so we turned her in.

As I think back, I realize we're not ready. There's a lot of work and care involved, like caring for a family member. As a baby, my sister was wild and incapable of taking care of herself. It hadn't occurred to me that this behavior had a term, Coprophagia.

                                                                                                                                                                      There are several reasons why dogs eat their own waste. While the exact reasons for this behavior can vary, there are several strategies you can employ to discourage dogs from eating their poop. Here are some tips.

  1. Analyze nutrition:

    • Make sure your dog gets a balanced, nutritious diet. Occasionally, dogs eat their feces if they're deficient in certain nutrients.

  2. Regular Feeding Schedule:

    • Establish a routine for feeding your dog. Anxiety and stress, which are sometimes associated with coprophagia, can be reduced by this.

  3. Supervision and Leash Control:

    • Keep your dog on a leash outside and supervise closely. By doing this, you'll be able to prevent the behavior and redirect their attention.

  4. Immediate Cleanup:

    • Be sure to clean up after your dog to avoid coprophagia. The faster you get rid of the feces, the less likely the behavior will be reinforced.

  5. Distasteful Additives:

    • Make your dog's feces unappealing with safe, veterinarian-approved products. Feces are supposed to taste bad after using these products.

  6. Command Training:

    • Use commands like "leave it" or "drop it" to teach your dog obedience. Reward them with treats or praise when they respond correctly.

  7. Positive Reinforcement:

    • Reward positive behavior. Offer treats, praise, or playtime when your dog doesn't eat feces.

  8. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation:

    • Boredom can contribute to coprophagia. Ensure your dog gets enough mental and physical stimulation through toys, walks, and interactive play.

  9. Veterinary Examination:

    • If coprophagia persists, see your vet. A health issue, like malabsorption or parasites, could be to blame.

  10. Behavioral Training:

    • Consider professional training if the behavior persists. A professional dog trainer or behaviorist can work with you and your dog to address the underlying causes.



I believe she ate it out of curiosity because we didn't spend quality time with her. Treatment steps include quality meals, vet checkups, positive reinforcement, clean environment, and behavior training. When we turned Daisy in, we explained her situation. It is my hope that she has found a loving home, training, and attention that she needed.




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