How Do I Get My Pug to Stop Eating Poop?

Seeing your beloved canine companion munching on his or some other animal's feces can be disturbing and disgusting. According to Dog Obedience Training Review, it is not uncommon for puppies to do this until they're a year old; however, a dog of any age may do it. Among the reasons your pug may be eating poop are a nutritional deficiency in his diet, hunger or behavioral problems. Luckily, you can address this problem at home using a few simple methods.

Things You'll Need

  • High-quality dog food
  • Canned pineapple
  • Leash
  • Baby gate
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Instructions

  1. Feeding

    • 1

      Choose a high-quality dog food with plenty of nutrients and vitamins. If you are unsure if your food is adequate, speak to your vet. Your pug may be eating his own poop because he needs more nourishment.

    • 2

      Feed you pug twice a day at set times to ensure that he is getting enough to eat.

    • 3

      Feed your dog the right amount of food. Most bags of dog food have feeding recommendations, but not every dog needs the same amount of food. Check with your vet if you are in doubt about the correct quantity of food.

    • 4

      Add one tablespoon of canned pineapple to your dog's food every meal. It is sweet when eaten first time, but will give your pug's feces a bitter taste, discouraging him from eating it.

    Prevention

    • 5

      Let your dog out on a regular schedule. Most dogs need to eliminate 20 to 30 minutes after eating. Take her out and make sure she goes before coming back inside. Some dogs choose to eat their own poop when they are inside to cover up the evidence. Making sure she can get outside when she needs to can help remove that need.

    • 6

      Ensure your dog is on a leash when he goes outside to eliminate. If your dog is eating his own poop, being right there when he relieves himself can help you monitor the situation. If he puts his nose near it as if he were preparing to eat it, say "No" or "Leave it" and give a gentle correction tug on the leash. Praise him when he turns his attention away.

    • 7

      Keep the poop picked up. If you leave piles of feces around the yard, your dog has more access to it. Often dogs will eat the poop to tidy up. If you help her out by picking it up regularly, she will not need to clean up after herself.

    • 8

      Because your dog may also turn to eating cat feces, you should block access to cat litter boxes. Put up a baby gate to prevent access or use a lidded litter box.