Some dogs can't resist a tasty morsel of feces. These dogs will eat their own excrement or that of another dog. Some prefer horse feces, others cat feces. Frozen feces are popular in the winter time. Gross!
In the past it was believed that feces eating, also known as coprophagia, was caused by either poor diet or poor health. However, this theory is not supported by current research, and is rarely the case.
Behavioral research has discounted the idea that it is a dietary deficiency because dogs are historically scavengers, and this is believed to be a scavenger behavior.
Some pups learn this behavior from their mothers and will stimulate themselves and consume their own feces. Most pups stop by the time they are weaned, but not all.
It is more difficult to understand why adult dogs eat feces. Some dogs will learn this behavior from other dogs. In some cases, eating feces may be an attention-seeking behavior. For some dogs it is possibly due to anxiety or boredom. Most often the motivation for eating feces is just not known, due to the fact that we don't like to admit it just might taste darn good to them.
Owners find this habit in their pet disgusting -- particularly when the consumed feces are thrown up all over the new carpet. In addition to being socially unacceptable, eating feces exposes the dog to parasites and diseases.
Keep the dog's yard clean by disposing of feces promptly, this is the best way to go about it. That or keep your dog on a leash while going outside to do his business... this is one of those things that doesn't have an easy fix.
Feeding the dog
s (since you said your pup is mostly eating others?) garlic, pineapple, or pumpkin is believed to give feces a bad taste, making it less attractive to the dog. There are also tablets that are made to do this at most chain pet stores...
I myself have never tried this, therefor can't say whether it 'works' or not.
I, myself, suggest teaching a solid 'Leave It' and use it as soon as the thought of looking for poop crosses your pups mind.
Ah, puppyhood. Full of laughs and handfuls of hair strangly missing from your hair... Hang in there, and it will totally be worth it in the long run
