Dog behaviour

apache

I've been in a dog pound the past month and am starting to get to know all their personalities. I'm just looking for a bit of advice here on something that has come up when they are out together in the exercise yard. I've never seen dogs on the outside do it but they are eating eachothers poo. I can't clean it up quick enough before they are on it.

What's the reason for this? Boredom, stress, anxiety, hunger? Are they institutionalised? And if a dog was taken out of that environment and brought into a home and stimulated, exercised and fed good could the dog continue to do this or be trained out of it?

Or is it a case of the dog likes to eat poo?

Kimbot

Ive seen many dogs eating poo, I think it may have to do with the actual poo still having some nutritional value etc but I didnt want to look into it too much and make myself sick.

Slightly Kwackers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058357968/dog-behaviour

My sister had an Alsatian that was into that. I believe it had a genetic pancreatic problem. It lived a long life but looked like it wouldn't survive the week, it was always very thin but had an enormous appetite.

It was from a pound and looked like the classic neglected pooch, but with a decent coat.

coolbeans

Lots of dogs like to eat shite OP. It's normal enough. They'll do it on a walk or when in a shelter. All those people humanising dogs and "kissing" them should remember this. I like dogs but remember that they're animals that love to eat and roll in shite.

Rows Grower

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122326880#Comment_122326880

They don't normally eat each others ****, that's not normal behaviour for any dog.

The reason they roll in strange **** is an inherited basic hunting instinct to hide their own natural smell so they will not be detected by the animal that left the droppings.

No way would I take a refuge dog that eats other dogs waste.

pauly58

Generally it's when they are fed on complete food that is so indigestible that so much of the nutrients, & there aren't a lot, are passed right through. I would expect raw fed dogs wouldn't do it.

Oscar_Madison

My dog doesn’t eat other dog poo but it does like eating sheep poo so I have to be Uber careful when walking him in the countryside -

You mentioned 4 possible reasons why eating dog poo and all 4 are indeed possible- but yes you could train them out of it in many cases given time and proper nutrition - in fact if proper nutrition is the underlying reason then it may disappear quite quickly once in your home.
Do all the dogs do it or just some?

coolbeans

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122326901#Comment_122326901

It's normal.

Rows Grower

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122326980#Comment_122326980

It might be your dogs but not everyone elses.

coolbeans

Ah don't get offended now. There's ample evidence to support my assertion. I bet your dogs' kisses aren't quite as sweet now. 😆

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/

apache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122326880#Comment_122326880

You're wrong. This is psychological due to the vigour displayed. Dogs roll in shite sometimes to mask their scent. That's normal. This is not. I'm really looking for educated opinions but thanks anyway.

apache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122326932#Comment_122326932

That's what I'm hoping. Out of 30 dogs mixing about half of them do it.

coolbeans

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122327044#Comment_122327044

OK. The American Kennel Club didn't know what it's talking about but you do. https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/why-does-my-dog-eat-poop/

https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/why-does-my-dog-eat-poop

You really shouldn't reject an answer because you don't like it.

Deregos.

My dog is a sort of collie, lab beagle mix. He rolls in around shite alright but he doesn't eat it.

My neighbours black lab on the other hand will eat everything she comes into contact with including my dogs poo, dead birds, mice and cat shite.

I'd assume that she's got a fairly healthy immune system though .

Ave Sodalis

Dogs eating poo is normal (theirs, other dog's, and other species), with a higher likelihood happening in multi-dog living situations. The exact reason why isn't entirely known, but it is regarded as a uncommon but normal behaviour.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/vms3.92

apache

Just to provide an update. Took dog home 4 days ago and it's no longer an issue. Spent plenty of time stimulating her and having a quiet environment has done magic. She just gives a little sniff now and moves on. Amazing turnaround. Very pleased with her.

JustAsking2022

both of my dogs do it and I know of a few of my friends dogs who do it too. You can add pineapple or courgette into their food - it is meant to deter them from eating it. I got some tablets from the pet store also which are meant to do the same trick. It is gross to us but a lot of dogs do it!

headtheball14

Mine did it when she came out of pound at first , it might have been hunger or something else boredom anxiety both likely. she doesn't now but loves sheep poo. I think it's to wind me up most of the time