Whether you like it or not, dogs like to eat feces.
Feces have the warmth and texture of the food that the bitch regurgitated to them when they were in a litter. Mother dogs will eat feces in order to conceal the puppy’s presence from predators.
Adult dogs that eat feces might also be regressing as the feces may remind them of the “comfort food” that used to come from mom. Puppies are also fond of cat feces so it might be a good idea to restrict your dog’s access to any litter boxes that might be in the house. They also enjoy rodent feces and the droppings from hamsters and rabbits.
It is also been speculated that dog feces might actually be nutritious for a dog in some way, but so far there is no outright scientific proof that feces contain an element or mineral that a dog can’t get in his normal diet.
Dogs that are scenters like feces because the feces represent the reward at the end of a session of sniffing. The psychological pay off for the dog is a feeling of victory. Copraphagia is a habit that upsets people more than it does the dogs, possibly because it seems like it is something to be embarrassed about.
Perhaps the easiest way of preventing this is to keep your dog on his leash when he relieves himself and pulling him away if he tries to eat feces afterwards. You should also discourage him from sniffing the feces. Another tact is to present him with a treat right after he relieves himself. However this does not always work because often dogs see the feces as a more delicious option.
You can also try removing feces before the dog can get at it. Mind you, this is more of a way of coping with the ordeal for you then a way of training your dog to not actually consume the stuff! If the dog is still fond of feces, try teaching your dog not to touch it using the command ‘Off.’ Put your dog on leash and walk him by some feces. If he shows any interest in it, tell him, “Leave it!”
If he continues to go for it, then sharply reprimand him, and pull him away from it with a short, sharp tug on the leash. If he does stop, try and praise him immediately and pop a treat quickly into his mouth. Another way to convince your dog to cut out this nasty habit would be to cut feces in half, put Tabasco sauce in it, and then put it back together again.
When your dog consumes it he should get the idea that eating feces is not always a good idea. Putting meat tenderizer in the dog’s food is also supposed to make his own feces less tasty to himself. It has also been suggested that eating feces might be associated with your pet taking antibiotics. If you think this is the cause of his craving, discuss it with a veterinarian.
People often ask me which dogs are the least trouble. Here is a list of what I consider to be the most low maintenance of all the dog breeds. American Water Spaniel –This is a hardy, healthy dog. It is expensive but you are paying for the great personality. It is good with children. This sturdy medium sized dog is hard to find but the expense of paying for the breed is made up by the fact that it is one of the hardiest and healthiest breeds that exists. This makes it a good investment. It is smaller so it can live in an apartment. The breed is good with dogs, cats and children but it does require vigorous exercise to work off excess energy.Bedlington Terrier -This unusual looking dog is considered to be brighter and calmer than most terrier breeds. It is of a small to medium size that makes it ideal for an apartment or condo dweller. It is also a good family dog because it can be so easily trained. It also sheds less hair than many other types of dogs.Bichon Frise -This small but sturdy little dog is similar to a toy dog but it is much stronger and sturdier. It is friendly with both other pets and peopleIts short gnarly coat never sheds so it is one of the better breeds for allergy sufferers. It does not tend to incessantly yap as much as other small watchdogs.Brussels Griffon -This unique toy breed is stronger and sturdier than most tiny dogs. The dog resembles a tiny terrier. It is a spunky eager little dog that is easy to train and keenly intelligent. He is easy to carry and does not need a lot of exercise.Cesky TerrierThis friendly little dog is long bodied and short legged. It has a silky coat that doesn’t shed much. It does not need much exercise and has a relaxed and positive attitude towards family members and other pets.This uncommon breed suits both rural and urban situations but is happiest when other pets and people are around.Coton de TulearThis strong, small dog is one of the hardiest of the toy breeds. It has a long soft coat that doesn’t shed so it is ideal for allergy sufferers. It is not as timid and shaky as other toy breeds and is polite with people and other animals.The Coton de Tulear is one of the better investments, as it is a very healthy breed. It also lives a long time. It is best for single people and apartment dwellers as its small size can easily make it the victim of thoughtless children or larger pets.This massive dog has a short easy to maintain coat and is calm and quiet indoors. Despite its size it needs only moderate exercise.It is one of the most good-natured of the larger dogs and makes an excellent watchdog and personal guardian.It is best suited to owners without families who need a large quiet dog to protect them.Low Chen -This small elegant dog is one of the easiest to train and is very healthy and long-lived. He has a fun but also sensible personality that makes him ideal to take anywhere. He is very polite with other animals and strangers. This friendly little dog doesn’t need a lot of exercise and is ideal for apartment dwellers. The fact that it is so easily trained also makes it an ideal family pet and an easier pet to take with you on the road if your lifestyle involves a lot of travel.
Teaching your dog to come is absurdly easily. It is also the first command you should teach your dog as it will help you control where the dog goes. Using this command at the right time can also save your dog’s life. You can use the command to steer him or her away from oncoming traffic or away from a porcupine.
You can start teaching your puppy the “come” command on the first day that you bring him home. Usually your puppy will just like you enough to do it and without much resistance. This command is one of the most important because you want your dog to return to you under any circumstances, whether he is chasing another dog in the park or looking like he wants to follow a sexy poodle all the way home.
Not only is the come command an easy command for canines to understand; it also establishes a loving and familiar bonds between the two of you. It establishes you as the leader. You want to avoid going to where your dog is as that puts you at the wrong end of the power struggle. Always make your dog come to you. If you are chasing your dog then he or she has taught you how to “come” and not the other way around.
To teach your dog to “come” without using a leash, stand four or five feet from your dog and tell him “Sport! (or whatever your dog’s name is ..) Come!” in a very happy voice. When your dog approaches you, pet him, praise him and tell him “Good Boy!” (or “Good Girl!”) and give him a treat. Don’t repeat the lesson right away but repeat it several times a day, making sure you reward him fast enough and in a way that makes it obvious to the dog that it is the act of approaching you that is earning the reward. Most dogs have a four second memory so make sure you have that treat handy.
is a good idea to keep them in your pocket out of the sight of the dog so that the treat’s sudden appearance is like a sudden miracle form the doggie point of view. Never call your dog to you if you’re angry or use a commanding, stern tone of voice. This might convince him to avoid you. When you say, “Come” you don’t want the dog trotting the other way. He needs motivation.
To teach your dog the “Come” command using a leash start walking with your dog at your side. As you’re in motion, take a sudden step back or to the side, snap the lead to turn him toward you and give him the “Sport, Come!” command. Then walk backwards as he moves toward you and encourage him to follow as you repeat the command. Praise him generously when he follows you. Repeat until he gets the idea that “Come” means he should come with you. Remember that f you are using a leash, the “Come” command should never be a tug of war contest of brute strength between you and your dog.
An Alpha Dog is a dog that thinks he is the boss. You need to teach him that the opposite is true.
As alpha dogs are very sensitive to body language, using your body language is the best way to train them. If you are displaying body behaviors that confuse him then he is not going to be able to read your “position” and decide that you incompetent. He will then try and take over your position as master.
Oddly, many behaviorists believe that most dogs actually dislike the position of alpha dog, but take it on as a necessity when they see you being weak. Most dogs would prefer to be a dog lower on the social rung where life is more secure, well defined and easier. So part of your dog’s aggression might be due to the fact that he is irritable at having to take on the task of doing your job as the master.
To get your dog to respect you, you are going to adopt body language that will impress him. You need to have a confident posture, a dignity and a calm. This is why emotionally ill, mentally ill or people with addictions often end up with an alpha dog The dog picks up on the addict or mentally ill person’s insecurity, inconsistency and inability to communication. Dogs can sense such problems as low self-esteem and will ignore the commands of someone who is uncooperative.
If you need your dog to be submissive, (but not too submissive) you need to have good posture and the ability to make meaningful eye contact with the animal. You should speak to him in a normal voice and never lose your temper. You should never stoop to use baby talk or your dog will never learn. You should also never beg your dog to do something. Dogs respect personalities that are a bit tough but still calm in tone.
With most dogs, just this change in your attitude and an obedience course will be enough to train an alpha dog. However if the dog has already been allowed to get away with growling or biting, then he might not give up his alpha position that easy. Usually your assertion that you are the leader of the pack can cause your dog to act more aggressively then before. This is where you might need a trainer.
If you decide to train the dog yourself, keep in mind that you are the same owner who trained your dog to be the alpha dog in the first place. Don’t try the same thing twice and then expecting a different outcome. If your dog is jumping, biting or snapping and snarling at strangers your first responsibility is to put a muzzle on the dog until you figure out what the problem is. Also you must always keep the dog on a leash. If you own a dog that displays aggression, then take out liability insurance. Your dog is out of control and unpredictable.
