Key Takeaways

1. Grass Simply Tastes Good!
2. It’s Done out of Instinct
3. They Need More Fiber
4. Your Pup has an Upset Stomach
5. They’re Feeling Bored
6. Your Dog has a Diet Deficiency

Obsessive grass-eating is one of those dog behaviors that can leave you scratching your head. Your furry friend might snack on grassy greens for any number of reasons. So, let’s explore this four-legged logic.

Keep reading!

See Related: Dog Constipation: 8 Home Remedies To Make Your Dog Poop Quickly

Why is My Dog Eating Grass? 6 Reasons Why

Generally speaking, it is normal for dogs to eat grass. Of course, it’s not ideal. You likely don’t want your canine companion turning to your perfectly trimmed lawn to satisfy their stomach, especially not when you provide them with only the best foods!

Dogs may eat grass due to nutritional deficiencies or simply for fun. It’s hard to say for certain the reason behind this practice. Regardless, you know your canine companion better than anyone else!

However, grass-eating isn’t always motivated by a physical need. Your furry friend likely doesn’t eat grass out of hunger. There are many reasons why dogs eat grass, so let’s dive into each one.

#1. Grass Simply Tastes Good!

Though your pup might enjoy juicy steaks for dinner, it’s normal for dogs to eat both meats and plants. Especially in the warmer months, dogs can get interested in the taste, texture, and smell of natural leafy greens.

Your dog might be eating grass because he or she likes the earthy flavor or leafy texture. Grass might not be your go-to healthy snack, but to your pup, it’s simply delicious!

If you know your dog is eating grass, it’s a good idea to maintain a clean lawn. You don’t want them chowing down on some grassy greens that are covered in feces. If you don’t have the time or stomach to regularly pick up dog poop, just hire a team of stool-scooping professionals to do it for you!

Here at Scoop Masters, we scoop poo to give pet parents the freedom they deserve. Though it might seem like a disgusting task, we have the tools needed to make the job go by fast. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!

#2. It’s Done out of Instinct

Over time, the digestive and dietary needs of canines have adapted to fit the lifestyle of domesticated dogs. Your pup’s ancestors didn’t nibble on dry kibble when they got hungry. Instead, they ate the entirety of whatever they hunted, including the meat, bones, and stomach contents of their prey.

Wild dogs were able to maintain a balanced diet by eating entire animals. But now, all they have is dry kibble. Though you might buy your pup high-end, premium chow, that doesn’t mean they won’t revert back to their natural instincts at one point or another.

#3. They Need More Fiber

Dogs will eat anything that fulfills their basic dietary requirements. Grass is a good source of fiber, which is likely lacking in your pup’s diet. If your pooch isn’t getting enough fiber, they might be constipated or have trouble passing stool.

Fiber is one of the most crucial elements in a dog’s diet. Eating grass gives your pup the fiber it needs to properly digest food and pass stool. Fiber is the key to a healthy and functioning gastrointestinal system for humans and dogs alike.

If you want to prevent your pup from eating grass, try enhancing their diet with some fiber-rich foods. There are plenty of dog-safe fruits and veggies out there that you can share with your canine companion.

• Pumpkin (which is also an excellent natural laxative)
• Blueberries
• Apples (just be sure to remove the core and any seeds)
• Carrots
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Cucumbers
• Broccoli
• Spinach
• Green beans

Bonus: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop And How To Get Them To Stop

#4. Your Pup has an Upset Stomach

Tummy aches may come and go. Humans might soothe the occasional belly ache with chicken noodle soup and hot tea. But for your furry friend, tummy trouble is best comforted by fresh grass.

If your canine has an inflamed or upset stomach, grass-eating might help them feel better. If your pup has been throwing up or passing watery stools, there might be some digestive issues at play. However, some dogs eat grass in order to induce vomiting, which can offer quick relief to stomach upset.

#5. They’re Feeling Bored

When you’re bored, you might turn to video games or a mountain-top hike. But most dogs don’t have human-like hobbies they can rely on. Instead, occasional grass eating can give them the mental stimulation they’re seeking.

Dogs will be dogs. That much is a given. So, when they’re bored, they’re likely to chew on the first thing they find. Dogs may eat grass simply because they can. Plus, they know it will bring them your attention.

Dogs eating grass doesn’t always signify a diet deficiency or underlying health issue. It’s a common behavior that can sometimes have no deeper meaning. Though it’s a good idea to consider the possibility of a nutritional deficiency or health concerns, it’s important to remember that dogs will be dogs!

#6. Your Dog has a Diet Deficiency

Some dogs might develop pica, a medical condition in which pups consistently chew and consume non-food items that do not provide nutritional benefits. A 2019 study found that pica was one of the three most common behavioral issues in dogs, stating that it is more likely to develop in younger dogs.

Pica can be caused by a nutritional deficiency, which can lead to obsessive grass-eating. If your canine is lacking certain vitamins and minerals in their diet, grassy greens can help them fulfill their dietary needs.

If you think your furry friend has a dietary deficiency, consult your veterinarian or switch up their food. Prioritize fiber and ensure they get enough daily exercise.

Final Thoughts

Grass-eating might be a mind-boggling practice, but it’s considered a normal behavior for canines. So, if your pup has been snacking on grassy greens, now you know why (and how to stop them!)

Keep Reading: How To Get Dog Poop Out Of Your Carpet In 7 Simple Steps

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Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!

The post Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Is This Normal? appeared first on Scoop Masters.

Key Takeaways

1. Some Dogs Eat Poop Because They Like It
2. They’re Eating Poop Out of Stress
3. Maybe Your Dog Eats Poop Because of a Medical Condition
4. Dogs Eat Poo to Copy Their Mom
5. Hungry Dogs Might Turn to Poop Eating

Even if your pup is adorable, nibbling on feces is not a good look. And if you’ve ever caught your furry friend snacking on their own poo, you’ve likely wondered why exactly they do it (and how to make them stop!)

Keep reading, and we’ll answer all your questions about why dogs eat poop.

See Related: How To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

Even though your pup can be cute and courageous, that doesn’t mean they can’t be downright disgusting sometimes. Just because you feed your canine companion top-quality dog food doesn’t mean that they won’t turn to their own poop if they get hungry.

Even if it seems totally insane to us humans, eating poop is actually a pretty common behavior in many dogs. Coprophagia, or the practice of eating stool, affects about 25% of canines. So, if your pup has picked up this nasty habit, he/she is not alone.

It’s hard to say for certain why your pup might eat their own poop. Maybe they just like the taste and texture, regardless of how repulsive that might sound. But that’s not the only potential reason behind it.

#1. Some Dogs Eat Poop Because They Like It

Most of the time, dogs start eating their own poop simply because they like it. We know that sounds pretty nasty – and that’s because it is! But your pup doesn’t care about what’s socially acceptable and what’s not.

Your dog’s sense of taste and smell is nothing like ours. Sometimes, feces contain undigested fats or proteins that smell simply delectable to your pup’s sharp nose. And that can be hard to resist!

#2. They’re Eating Poop Out of Stress

If your pup is home alone for long periods of time, it might lead to separation anxiety. Family changes or moving to a new house can cause your canine companion to feel stressed, anxious, or on edge. And sometimes, that can trigger a poop-eating problem.

Your dog eating poop can be a self-soothing technique. But if your dog starts eating poop out of stress, be sure not to punish them, as that can exacerbate their stress. Be patient with your furry friend, and consult your vet or behaviorist for some advice.

#3. Maybe Your Dog Eats Poop Because of a Medical Condition

Some adult dogs develop a poop-eating habit due to a dietary deficiency. But other times, it’s a symptom of a health condition.

Certain illnesses like diabetes, worms, or gastrointestinal disease can cause your pup to start eating their own poop. Other times, it can be the result of brain diseases like dementia or certain medications.

If you notice abnormal changes in your pup’s behavior, take them to the vet to rule out anything serious like thyroid disease or intestinal parasites.

#4. Dogs Eat Poo to Copy Their Mom

Any good canine mom licks their young to cleanse them right after birth. But if you call yourself a pet parent, you don’t need to do this. Giving your pup a bath in the tub is good enough.

Mother dogs also will ingest their pup’s poo in order to keep them clean, hygienic, and feces-free. It will also help to prevent diseases and parasites. In the wild, this helps to prevent predators from finding their doggy den.

A puppy learns how to be an adult dog by copying their mama. So if they see their mama eating feces, they’re sure to follow in her footsteps.

After a while, though, mothers will stop cleaning up after their puppies. Once dogs start eating solid foods, it’s not necessary for her to do this anymore. And as dogs get older, they’ll begin to grow out of this stinky practice.

#5. Hungry Dogs Might Turn to Poop Eating

Dogs usually don’t know what’s supposed to be food and what’s not. They rely on their senses to tell them if something’s worth chomping down on. And if they’re hungry, they’ll turn to the first thing they deem edible.

Some research has shown that dogs who are “greedy eaters” (meaning they want to eat anything and everything) are more likely to eat poo. They might turn to rabbit droppings, horse manure, cat poop, or even their own feces when looking for a tasty treat.

Be sure to give your dog nutritious food and follow a consistent feeding schedule. Before changing your dog’s diet, check in with your pet’s vet.

Is it Dangerous if My Dog Eats Poop?

We’re not going to lie – eating feces is pretty gross, and we’re 110% sure you agree with us. But just because it’s revolting to us doesn’t mean your pup agrees. Dining on dung is normal behavior for dogs and it’s actually pretty harmless.

Of course, there’s always the potential risk of your dog ingesting parasites, bacteria, or germs. There’s also a chance that your pup might eat medications that were passed on by other animals or pets. Just be sure to clean out your dog’s mouth with some (real) food or water, and don’t let them lick you!

How to Stop Your Pup From Eating Poop

Though it might seem like your furry friend enjoys it, eating poo isn’t something you should condone. It’s unsanitary and downright disgusting. So, we don’t blame you for trying to break this nasty habit!

#1. Make Sure All Puppy Poo is Picked Up Promptly

Out of sight, out of mind.

If you don’t want your dog to start eating poop, make sure that you don’t leave it piled up in your yard. Whenever your furry friend drops a deuce, pick it up right away. Otherwise, ensure you have a set lawn clean-up schedule.

If you want to enjoy proper convenience and freedom, just hire a pooping-scooping company to do the job for you. You won’t need to worry about getting down and dirty when you turn to a team of local pet waste removal professionals!

At Scoop Masters, we service your yard on the same day every week so you know exactly when to expect a clean lawn. We’ll even text you when we’re on our way. Plus, we offer countless pet waste odor control options so that you can prevent that fresh scent of dog feces from wafting into your humble abode!

#2. Focus on Positive Reinforcement When They Resist the Urge to Eat Their Own Poop

If your dog tries chomping down on some fresh feces, don’t scold them – this can lead to more behavioral issues and subsequent poop-eating. Instead, stay patient and praise them if they turn away from a pile of dung.

#3. Occupy Their Mouths with Something Else

Try outfitting your pup in a muzzle when you’re out walking your dog. If they’re not pleased with the idea, try occupying their mouth with a stick or toy. That’ll keep them distracted, so they are less likely to try snacking on some poo.

#4. Try Some Other Tactics if All Else Fails

It might take a while to find out what it will take for your pup to kick this nasty habit. Some people feed their dogs things like fresh pineapple or courgette so their poo smells less appealing (to your dog).

Ensure your dog enjoys a well-balanced diet that keeps them full so that they won’t start searching for feces if they get hungry.

Bonus: 8 Ways To Keep Your Dog Warm Outside In The Winter

Final Thoughts

Though dogs consuming poop is considered normal canine behavior, it can be pretty gross. Discovering why your pup prefers eating feces is only part of it – you also need to know how to make them stop!

Keep Reading: Dog Constipation: 8 Home Remedies To Make Your Dog Poop Quickly

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Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!

The post Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop And How To Get Them To Stop appeared first on Scoop Masters.

Leash Training Your Dog: At A Glance

1. Find a designated area to teach your dog
2. Get all the necessary equipment
3. Teach your dog a marker
4. Focus on a positive reinforcement
5. Teach your dog to come when called
6. Gradually reduce the treats and increase the distractions

If your furry friend is particularly curious, it’s likely that every sound or sight is enough to get them yanking on their leash. But regular walks and exercise are essential for your pup’s health and happiness.

So it’s time to teach them how to properly walk on a leash. Keep reading, and we’ll tell you how!

Leash Training Your Pup In 6 Easy Steps

It’s likely that your dog is in a constant state of leash-pulling every time your harness up. But instead of letting them run loose, it’s necessary to teach them how to calmly and obediently walk by your side. It keeps them and other dogs safe and makes regular strolls just that much more enjoyable.

#1. Find A Designated Area To Teach Your Dog

It’s a good idea to start training your pup in an area that doesn’t have too many distractions. Try walking around your yard or through the neighborhood before moving onto the city center.

#2. Get All The Necessary Equipment

It should go without saying, but you’ll need a leash if you want to leash-train your canine pal. Make sure it matches your pup’s build – if you have a rather large and muscular pooch, you’ll probably need a thick, strong leash. For small dogs like dachshunds and Pomeranians, opt for a thin leash that won’t be challenging for them to lug around.

Your chosen leash should also be in tip-top condition, free of excessive wear and tear. You don’t want your dog lunging just to have the leash snap!

#3. Teach Your Dog A Marker

Now, it gets a bit more complicated. Or as complicated as walking your dog can be.

You’ll need to teach your dog a marker, which is a hand signal or sound that will tell your pup when they do something right. A clicker can work as a good marker, or you can just keep saying “Good boy!” over and over and over. And after they do something right, they need a reinforcer, like a treat or a suitable snack.

#4. Focus On A Positive Reinforcement

Reinforcement is the key to training your puppy to walk on a leash. This helps your furry friend truly enjoy their time walking with you. (That’s also why it’s so important to invest in a comfortable collar, leash, and harness.)

Here’s the important part: every time your puppy does something good, reinforce that good behavior. And a tasty treat is a great way to do that!

After all, you can’t expect your dog to work for free. It’s highly unlikely you’d keep showing up to your 9-to-5 if you didn’t get a steady paycheck. And the same goes for your dog. It’s hard work to walk on a leash!

Reward-Based Training Is Essential For Loose-Leash Walking

This is what’s known as reward-based training. It improves the relationship you have with your dog and makes each walk an enjoyable experience. Don’t forget to give your pup plenty of treats or praise to reinforce good behavior!

Also, be sure to maintain eye contact with every “good boy” while using a cheerful tone.

A Clean Place To Stroll Will Make Your Daily Walks That Much More Enjoyable

To successfully train your furry friend, your outdoor strolls should be a positive experience for all parties involved. And it’s hard to have fun walking your dog if you’re constantly sidestepping piles of feces.

The best way to keep all six of your paws clean and crisp is by hiring a team of pooper scooper experts. Here at Scoop Masters, we make sanitation and poo-free lawns a priority. Whether you’re a big-time property manager or a humble homeowner, you can trust us to remove any puppy poo that may be standing in the way!

#5. Teach Your Dog To Come When Called

An important aspect of loose-leash is your dog knowing to come to you when called. This is known as recall.

Practice walking in your backyard first. With your dog on a long leash, call their name and then run/walk forward a few steps. And whenever your puppy comes to you, be sure to use the proper command and reward them with a treat!

If your dog continues to pull forward, stop walking and stand still without giving any cues. He’ll likely get confused and turn back to see why you’ve stopped. As soon as the leash gets some slack, give him a “Good boy!” Let him return to your side before giving him a small treat.

#6. Gradually Reduce The Treats And Increase Distractions

Positivity and countless treats = leash-trained doggies. But you can’t rely on these forever. Your furry friend needs to know how to walk nicely on a leash without chomping down a snack every five steps.

Over time, slowly reduce the amount of times you toss your pal a treat. Instead, every time your dog pulls ahead, simply rely on commands like “come” or “heel” to reel him in

Eventually, you won’t need to lug around a bag of spare Milk Bones on your dog walks anymore. And when that time comes, your dog should have learned the important skill of loose-leash walking!

Final Thoughts

Though dog training requires a great deal of patience, it can be incredibly rewarding for both you and your canine companion. And that’s what being a pet parent is all about!

Keep Reading: How Often Should A Dog Poop?

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Scoop Masters offers professional dog waste removal services in California, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Since 1988, we’ve saved dog owners across the country from the overly unpleasant task of picking up after their pets. Each poopy project we complete gives them the freedom, convenience, and sanitation they deserve! Contact us for a free quote, or simply stock up on enough dog poop bags to keep your pet’s number twos at bay. To stay in the loop, follow up on Facebook and Twitter/X. If your dog can poop it, we can scoop it!

The post How To Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash appeared first on Scoop Masters.

Eager to Unleash Your Dog’s Agility Potential?

Imagine your dog gliding through hoops, zig-zagging between poles, and leaping over hurdles. That’s the power of agility training, enhancing not only your dog’s physical prowess but also reinforcing your unbreakable bond. Ready to start? Here’s your step-by-step guide!

Tip #1: When it Comes to Your Dog’s Agility – Lay the Foundation with Basic Commands

Before a house, there’s a foundation. And for agility, that means basic obedience. Teaching commands like sit, stay, and come are paramount. This creates trust and understanding between you and your dog, and a dog that listens will learn agility faster. Without these basics, your dog may struggle, causing frustration for both of you. Start with simple sit and stay exercises using treats as rewards. Your patience here pays off in future agility success!

Tip #2: Introduce Obstacles Gradually

Begin with simple barriers, like a broomstick on the floor. Gradual introduction builds confidence, ensuring that your dog doesn’t get overwhelmed. Pushing too hard may create fear or reluctance. Start with crawling under a chair, then introduce jumps. Consistency is key!

Did You Know?

The world’s fastest agility dog completed a course in just 19.37 seconds!  Dog agility training fosters not only speed but discipline and happiness in your dog. We suggest you Explore a specialty harness to boost your agility training game. Share these tips with your friends and connect with us on social media! You can see an example in this video: https://youtu.be/hxMsVbFr1Bc

Tip #3: Emphasize Positive Reinforcement

Praise, treats, and love go a long way. Positive reinforcement encourages desired behaviors, strengthening your bond and helping in learning faster. Neglecting positive reinforcement can lead to a lack of interest or even anxiety.

Tip #4: Safety and Comfort Always Come First

Provide a comfortable training environment. Safety ensures your dog remains injury-free, building trust and keeping your dog engaged. Ignoring safety can lead to injuries and fear of training.

And, you had to see this coming… You train your dog, take care of them, love them, and Scoop Masters will pickup the poop!

Keep leaping forward,
The Scoop Masters Team

The post Unleash Your Dog’s Agility Potential appeared first on Scoop Masters.