Dirty Dog Syndrome: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention

It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're dealing with coprophagia. It's more common than you think, and thankfully, often manageable. This article explores the reasons behind dirty dog syndrome, from instinct to learned behavior. We'll also give you practical tips to help break this unpleasant habit.

The technical terms for eating poop are “coprophagia” or “coprophagy.” It’s not always a cause for concern. Some level of this behavior is natural in our pets—canines are scavengers, after all—and is easily managed. But a poop obsession can also signal a larger underlying problem.

Here’s everything you need to know about coprophagia. How can you tell if your dog’s interest in feces is normal? Most importantly, how can you stop your poop eater from eating feces? Do you need to enlist a professional dog trainer? If so, what training methods are best?

Let’s dive in!

Eating poop can sometimes be a natural dog behavior

Key Takeaways

• Eating poop is a common dog behavior, especially in puppies: It's often driven by natural instincts like scavenging and exploration, and usually diminishes with proper training and a clean environment.
• Frequent poop eating can signal underlying issues: If your adult dog regularly eats feces, consult your vet to rule out medical conditions or nutritional deficiencies. A certified dog trainer can help address learned behavioral causes.
• "Dirty dog syndrome" isn't a medical diagnosis, but a term for dogs who repeatedly soil their den: This can be linked to early experiences, stress, or training mistakes. Reverse housetraining and positive reinforcement can help resolve this issue.

Why might adult dogs eat poop?

Mother dogs groom and clean their newborn puppies, including actually consuming their offsprings’ waste in their first few weeks of life. We know it sounds gross, but this is an important task! Eating their pups’ feces helps keep the nest sanitary. It also encourages the puppies to grow up with healthy hygiene habits of their own. (Dogs who are raised in unclean dens sometimes struggle with potty training in adolescence because they’ve never developed an aversion to using the bathroom where they eat or sleep. This is often referred to as “dirty dog syndrome”.)

In the above context, coprophagy is functional. It has other natural roots, too. Some researchers suggest the biological drive to eat poop is implanted as a survival instinct even in dogs who don’t have puppies.

Mild coprophagia also fits with what we know about how canines interact with each other in groups. Dogs are often able to sense infections in fellow animals—we commonly see canines sniffing or even licking any unusual discharges. This is presumably to gather more information about what’s going on with their kin. Detecting weaknesses can reflect on the overall safety of their pack (by which we just mean “social group” or “family”).

Why might puppies eat poop?

Coprophagia is a common problem in puppies. Good news, though—they usually grow out of it so long as they have a healthy environment and proper nutrition!

What does that means for you as a dog parent? If you recently brought your young dog home and they’re trying to eat feces, you don’t need to be too concerned.

Puppies are likely attracted to poop because of a few factors.

Exploring the World Through Scent and Taste

They’re incredibly playful—play is a key way juvenile animals learn important life skills! This means if they’re left unattended near their own poop (or that of another dog in the house) that hasn’t been cleaned up by their carer, there’s a good chance that what looks like gross waste to us will actually be an interesting toy to them.

The Puppy Oral Stage

What’s more? Puppies go through an oral stage where they primarily interact with the environment by licking, mouthing, and grabbing objects. These items can include, of course, poop.

Do Dirty Environments Lead to Dirty Habits?

Some puppies raised in the dirty environments mentioned in the previous section might be even more comfortable playing around with their feces. This can also happen with pups who are trained on puppy pee pads (what used to be called “paper training” years ago).

The Scavenging Instinct

Dogs are also natural scavengers. Most puppies grow into adults who only scavenge for things that are actually food (think about the dog at the local park who eagerly tries to pick up a discarded bone or piece of bread but only casually sniffs at a pile of poop left behind). When they’re young, though, dogs might naturally investigate dried or fresh stools.

Attention-Seeking Through Poop Eating

Playing with or consuming poop can also draw a lot of attention from owners. To many puppies, any sort of interaction is reinforcing. That means that we might inadvertently teach our dogs that grabbing poop starts a fun game. Oops. (This is one reason it’s very important to be clear about the messages we send—you can read more about basic dog training in our guide here!)

Learning by Example

There might be a product of observational learning here. Puppies might mimic the behavior of their mother or other playmates who perform coprophagy behavior.

Why do dogs like the poop of other animals?

Dogs are scavengers! It’s common for our canine companions to steal food, tear through garbage cans, and chew on plenty of things that we owners find disgusting ourselves. With proper training and other mental exercise outlets, this behavior can be reduced or eliminated entirely—but it’s important to remember that scavenging is a deeply rooted instinct in our dogs. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the tendency. It’s not a disorder in itself. We just have to manage it properly as pet parents.

Some animal feces has particularly “appetizing” attributes (taste, texture, and odor) that can override our dogs’ understanding that it’s waste and probably shouldn’t be consumed. Cat feces is a common culprit. So is that of deer, rabbits, or other small herbivores.

Coprophagia can also be an abnormal behavioral issue

Behavioral causes of your dog eating poop

Most dogs who eat feces do it because of learned behavior. It’s simply something they’ve learned to enjoy and doesn’t have an underlying medical cause.

Coprophagy can be caused by the instincts we talked about in the above section, especially if they’re coupled with an understimulating environment (a bored dog will find entertainment of their own) or a constant opportunity to eat poop (repeated ingestion can lead to a long-term habit). Dogs who grow up in unclean environments like puppy mills are especially prone to have issues developing potty training skills.

Medical causes of coprophagia

Some coprophagy is a symptom of underlying medical problems. Any disorder or condition that decreases your dogs’ absorption of nutrients or causes gastrointestinal upset has the potential to lead your pet to consume feces.

Underlying Medical Conditions and Coprophagia

• Cushing’s disease
• Thyroid disease
• Intestinal parasites
• Digestive enzyme deficiencies
• Anything being treated with steroids
• Anything resulting in a vitamin or mineral deficiency

If your dog is on a calorie restriction diet in order to lose weight, this can also increase their odds of developing a coprophagia habit. It’s important to always work with your veterinarian before making drastic changes to your pet’s food and treat intake!

If your dog takes a sudden interest in another dog’s stool—say your Labrador starts eating your Poodle’s poop every chance they get—that other dog’s fecal matter should be screened for a range of digestive conditions or disorders, too. This is because poor digestion of their own food might lead more nutrients to remain in their waste, thus increasing its appeal to other dogs.

What is Dirty Dog Syndrome?

Defining Dirty Dog Syndrome

Dirty dog syndrome isn’t a medical diagnosis. It’s a term that describes dogs who repeatedly pee or poop in their den (like a crate or other small, enclosed area) without any sign of distress or attempts to avoid soiling the space. Many dogs naturally want to keep their dens clean—especially adult dogs—so this behavior can be confusing and frustrating for pet parents.

Is it a Medical Condition?

Sometimes, dirty dog syndrome is related to an underlying medical condition, like a urinary tract infection (UTI) or digestive problems. It’s always a good idea to check in with your vet to rule out any potential health concerns, especially if the behavior appears suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, changes in appetite, or vomiting.

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Causes of Dirty Dog Syndrome

Housetraining Issues

If a dog spends too much time confined to a crate, especially as a puppy, they might lose the natural instinct to keep their den clean. If a puppy is constantly exposed to their own waste in their crate, they may start to associate the crate with eliminating, rather than a place to rest. This is especially true if accidents aren’t cleaned up promptly and thoroughly.

Medical Reasons

As mentioned earlier, medical issues can sometimes contribute to dirty dog syndrome. Conditions that affect digestion or urinary health can make it difficult for a dog to control their elimination, even in their crate. If your dog has any other changes in behavior or physical symptoms, a vet visit is essential.

Breed-Specific Traits

While not a primary cause, some breeds are naturally more prone to anxiety or have smaller bladders, which can make them more susceptible to accidents. This doesn’t mean they’re destined for dirty dog syndrome, but it highlights the importance of tailored training and management strategies.

Early Environment and Experiences

Puppies who come from unclean environments, like puppy mills, often have a harder time with potty training. They may not have developed the association between eliminating outside and a clean living space. Similarly, puppies trained using pee pads might generalize that it's okay to eliminate on any absorbent material, including their bedding.

Training Mistakes

Inconsistent or improper housetraining can also lead to dirty dog syndrome. Punishing a dog for accidents can create fear and anxiety, making them more likely to eliminate in their crate where they feel hidden. Positive reinforcement methods, like rewarding successful potty breaks outside, are much more effective.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can manifest in many ways, including changes in elimination habits. A dog might soil their crate due to separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or changes in their routine. Addressing the underlying anxiety is key to resolving the dirty dog syndrome.

How to Stop Dirty Dog Syndrome: Training and Management

Reverse Housetraining: A Step-by-Step Guide

Reverse housetraining focuses on rebuilding the association between cleanliness and the crate. It involves gradually increasing the time your dog spends in a clean crate, rewarding successful potty breaks outside, and thoroughly cleaning any accidents.

Establishing a Routine

A consistent daily routine with scheduled potty breaks, feeding times, and playtime can help regulate your dog's elimination habits. Predictability reduces stress and makes it easier for them to learn when and where to go potty.

Managing Crate Time

Avoid leaving your dog in the crate for extended periods, especially in the early stages of reverse housetraining. Start with short durations and gradually increase the time as they demonstrate success. A properly sized crate is also important; it should be large enough for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. Check out our guide on crate training an older dog for more tips.

Gradual Transitions

Gradually increase the time your dog spends in the crate. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as they show consistent success with staying clean. If they have an accident, go back to a shorter duration and build up again slowly.

Additional Tips for Success

Crate Size and Placement

Ensure the crate is appropriately sized. It should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. Consider the crate's placement; a quiet, low-traffic area can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Puppy Pads: A Temporary Solution

If you're using puppy pads, try to gradually transition your dog to eliminating outside. Move the pad closer to the door, then outside on the porch, and eventually to your designated potty area in the yard.

Nighttime Potty Breaks

For puppies and dogs prone to nighttime accidents, schedule a potty break before bedtime and another one during the night. This can help prevent accidents and reinforce the habit of eliminating outside.

Re-crate Training

If your dog has developed a strong association between the crate and eliminating, you might need to start crate training from scratch. Introduce the crate as a positive space with treats, toys, and comfortable bedding. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate, rewarding them for staying clean.

Positive Reinforcement

Always use positive reinforcement methods. Reward your dog with praise, treats, or a favorite toy when they eliminate outside. This helps them associate going potty in the right place with positive experiences.

Belly Bands for Containment

Belly bands can be a helpful tool for managing accidents, especially for male dogs. They provide a temporary solution for containing urine and can help prevent soiling the crate while you work on reverse housetraining.

Addressing Underlying Issues

If you suspect stress or anxiety is contributing to the problem, consult with a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer. They can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate management strategies. You can find some top dog trainers on our blog.

Consistent Feeding Schedule

Feeding your dog on a regular schedule can help regulate their digestive system and make their elimination patterns more predictable. This makes it easier to anticipate when they need to go potty and take them outside accordingly.

Supervised Time and Freedom

When your dog is not in their crate, supervise them closely to prevent accidents. If you can't watch them constantly, confine them to a safe, easily cleaned area. Gradually increase their freedom as they demonstrate consistent success with potty training.

Enzymatic Cleaners

Use enzymatic cleaners to thoroughly clean any accidents in the crate or elsewhere in your home. These cleaners break down the odor-causing molecules in urine and feces, preventing your dog from being attracted to the same spot again.

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When to Consult a Veterinarian

If your dog's dirty dog syndrome persists despite training and management efforts, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms, consult with your veterinarian. They can rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on appropriate treatment or behavioral interventions.

Setting Realistic Expectations and Patience

Overcoming dirty dog syndrome takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Consistency with training, management, and positive reinforcement is key to success. Celebrate small victories and remember that every dog learns at their own pace.

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Tools and Resources for Potty Training

There are many resources available to help with potty training, including books, online guides, and professional dog trainers. Consider seeking guidance from a certified professional dog trainer if you're struggling with dirty dog syndrome. They can provide personalized advice and support tailored to your dog's specific needs. Check out our guide to potty training for more information.

Understanding Dirty Dog Syndrome and Coprophagia

Dogs who enjoy eating poop might also be more willing to soil their bed, meal, and play environments. They struggle to learn potty training skills! Pet parents often call this dirty dog syndrome.

What is Dirty Dog Syndrome?

Dirty dog syndrome is not an official medical diagnosis. Rather, the term loosely refers to a dog developing a habit of using the bathroom in the same spot they sleep, eat, or play.

The most common form of dirty dog training is a puppy who pees or poops in their crate. Usually, dogs don’t want to go to the bathroom in their beds—which makes many pups perfect candidates for crate training. Our canine companions largely have a natural instinct to keep their den areas clean.

You can see how this is all related to coprophagia. Pets who are comfortable spending time around poop have a greater likelihood of trying to consume it, too. It can turn into an unproductive cycle.

The Link Between Puppy Mills and Dirty Dog Syndrome

Puppies kept in unsanitary conditions—and not exposed to clean, appropriate areas for elimination—might never learn to differentiate between where it’s acceptable and unacceptable to relieve themselves.

Any dog left without fresh water, healthy food, or adequate space to move around for an extended period of time is bound to develop problems. This risk is higher in pups during their critical socialization window.

Other Causes of Dirty Dog Syndrome

Puppy mill dogs aren’t the only ones who can struggle with dirty dog syndrome, though. Every dog is an individual. Sometimes behavior problems have a clear cause—and other times they don’t!

Some things that might contribute to dirty dog syndrome besides being raised by an unethical breeder include:

• Genetic factors
• Watching other pets use the bathroom indoors
• Medical issues like urinary tract infections
• Improper puppy pee pad or paper training
• Just about anything that can cause coprophagia can also lead to dirty dog syndrome

Addressing Potty Training Challenges

If your dog is struggling with their bathroom habits, don’t fret. You’re in good company. We’ve been there ourselves! And we’ve got you covered.

Here are some of our favorite blog posts to get you and your canine companion back on the right track.

• Sniffspot’s guide to potty training regression
• How to potty train a dog: The best training methods
• House training a puppy timeline: How long does it take?
• What to know about puppy pee pads
• Crate training program how-to

How do you know if your dog’s habits are cause for concern?

Adult dogs who love to eat poop

Occasional interest in poop—especially that of another animal, like a stray cat or deer who wanders through your backyard—is usually not a big deal. It should be fairly simple to manage with a well-timed leave it cue and some basic impulse control training.

If your dog’s poop eating becomes a habit, though? You’ll want to address it more specifically. This is especially true if coprophagy starts affecting what you feel like you can do with your dog. Consuming feces can become a quality of life concern if you’re afraid to walk your dog in public areas or feel you always have to be on the lookout.

Puppies who are fascinated with feces

Most puppies learn that food tastes better than poop pretty quickly. If your dog is more than a year old and still trying to regularly eat their own (or their housemate’s) poop, that’s no longer normal.

Behavioral training to stop your dog from eating poop

Do:

• Intervene early, as soon as you notice coprophagy becoming a habit. While some degree of poop consumption is normal in puppies, you should still take steps to reduce its occurrence as your dog grows up.
• Prevent your dog from having access to stools to eat. We know this is easier said than done—but a few simple steps can make a big difference. Consider keeping your pup in a safe wire or plastic crate, or a larger pen if they don’t have potty accidents of their own, when you’re unable to supervise them.
• Feed your dog on a consistent schedule and do not free feed them. This will help you accurately guess when they’ll need to use the bathroom, enabling you to go outside with them and immediately pick up any fresh stools before they can reach them.
• Creating a food and bathroom break diary or log can help you keep track of your dog’s habits. It has the added bonus of making sure everyone in your home stays on the same page, too! 
• If you have multiple dogs, consider taking them outside at different times so you’re able to pick up their waste without interference.
• Take note of the form of your dog’s poop to help identify potential health problems. Healthy poop should be firm yet slightly soft to the touch.
• Practice your dog’s leave it and recall training. You can replace old, undesirable habits (like eating poop) with new, better ones (like coming to sit in front of you for a high value treat) through proper positive reinforcement training.

Don’t:

• Never stick your dog’s nose in their urine or stool if they have an accident inside your home. This could actually encourage coprophagy if they’re already prone to it.
• Don’t try only one thing at a time or give up too early. It’s best to include multiple of the above strategies into a long-term prevention program for at least a few months to make sure your dog has really broken the coprophagy habit.

Veterinary treatment of coprophagia

If you think your dog is eating poop because of an underlying medical condition (or if you just aren’t sure) it’s a good idea to take them in for a full physical examination. Your veterinary team will be able to help you determine any problems from medical history and current environment and treat them accordingly.

The first step is to identify the problem. Is it intestinal parasites? A nutritional deficiency? A problem with digestive enzymes? Then you can move into a treatment plan.

A few common options include treating any parasites present, changing your dog’s diet to one that’s more nutritious with different protein sources, avoiding byproducts in their food and treats, or adding extra fiber. Some dogs see improved digestion and nutrient absorption with certain enzyme supplements. Your vet will work with you and your individual dog!

When in doubt, get in touch with a professional trainer

Most of the time, you can treat coprophagy by yourself at home—even if you don’t have much training experience yet. As long as you stay consistent and patient, your dog will grow out of their gross habit and develop healthier responses through training in no time!

On occasion, though, some dogs require more help even if they’ve been given a clean bill of health by their veterinarian. In these cases, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional force free trainer. They’ll be able to use their education and years of experience to develop a plan uniquely tailored to you, your dog, and your shared lifestyle. A combination of training tactics, medical assessments, and environmental management can go a long way.

Expert Trainer Review

There is so much misinformation out there, and we want to make sure we only provide the highest quality information to our community. We have all of our articles reviewed by qualified trainers with years of training experience.

This is the trainer that reviewed this article:

Penny Locke
Proudly offering Positive Reinforcement & Force-free Dog Training
www.allabout-canines.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my dog to eat poop? It depends. Mother dogs consume their puppies' waste to keep the nest clean, and some scavenging behavior is natural for all dogs. Occasional interest in other animals' droppings isn't usually a big deal. However, frequent coprophagia, especially of their own or housemates' feces, can be a sign of a behavioral or medical issue, particularly in adult dogs. Puppies often explore the world through their mouths and may eat poop out of curiosity, but this behavior should decrease as they mature.

What can I do to stop my dog from eating poop? Start by managing your dog's environment. Supervise your dog closely during potty breaks and promptly clean up any feces. A consistent feeding schedule can make it easier to predict bowel movements. Work on "leave it" and recall training to redirect your dog's attention away from poop. If you have multiple dogs, consider separating them during potty breaks. Make sure your dog's diet is nutritionally complete.

Could my dog's poop eating be caused by a medical problem? Yes, certain medical conditions can contribute to coprophagia. These include problems that affect nutrient absorption, such as Cushing's disease, thyroid issues, intestinal parasites, and digestive enzyme deficiencies. A calorie-restricted diet can also increase the likelihood of poop eating. If you suspect a medical issue, consult your veterinarian.

What is "dirty dog syndrome," and is it related to coprophagia? "Dirty dog syndrome" refers to a dog repeatedly soiling their den or sleeping area. While not a medical diagnosis, it can be related to coprophagia. Dogs comfortable with poop may be less likely to avoid soiling their living space. It can also be caused by other factors, such as improper housetraining, stress, or medical conditions.

When should I consult a professional dog trainer about my dog's poop eating? If your dog's coprophagia persists despite your efforts, or if it's significantly impacting your quality of life, consider consulting a professional force-free trainer. They can assess your dog's behavior, environment, and training, and create a tailored plan to address the issue. A trainer can also help you determine if the behavior stems from anxiety, boredom, or other underlying issues.