We are asked this more and more. I don't know if dogs are doing it more, or owners are "coming out of the closet" and admiting that their dogs do this nasty habit (which, fortunately, generally is not harmful to your dog).
Although this is a pretty disgusting habit that may dogs do, it is a fairly normal behavior for dogs, especially puppies. Fresh feces very closely resembles the first solid food that puppies ate: warm, soft food that mom regurgitated for her pups to eat.
In many cases, this behavior will just go away as the puppy gets older. In the mean time, it is important to keep the puppies area as clean as possible. Be sure to have the puppy checked for worms and other possible problems such as something lacking in the puppies diet.
Many owners have tried and had success in stopping this behavior by adding things to the dogs diet such as a spoonful of canned pineapple or a teaspoon of spinach or a dash of MSG. There are also products on the market such as "Forbid" that can be added to the dogs food to help stop the problem.
If your dog still is eating feces, try teaching him not to touch it using commands such as Leave it". Put your dog on a leash and walk him by some feces. If he shows any interest in it, tell him "leave it" and distract him from it with a toy or treat. In time he will avoid the feces entirely. Work with praise for avoiding the feces rather that punishment for going to it. You will have to take him out on a leash for a while and repeat this process until he finally gets the idea that you don't approve of his dietary choices. When he shows no interest in the feces, make him know that this is what makes you happy, big praise and maybe treat rewards.
However, the best way to prevent your dog from eating feces is to keep the yard or exercise area cleaned up. If it isn't there, your dog can't eat it. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
