I thought I would feedback on some success I Have had with Phoebes disgusting poo (dog poo in particular) eating habit. I posted a while ago desperate for some advice as this horrible habit was affecting our enjoyment of having a dog, I was dreading walks and becoming increasingly reluctant to let her off the lead. Over the last 6 months we have worked really hard on the 'leave it' command and practiced it in as many different situations as I could, rewarding the leave it of poo with big chunks of chicken. I also trained a magic word, kept for situations where nothing else was working. I also concentrated my training on keeping phoebe close during off lead walks, and keeping her interested in me at all times. We play lots of games on walks and take a ball which she is allowed to hold when she is staying close. We have now got to a point where phoebe drops her ball next to some poo and waits for me to catch up and give her a treat. I don't completely trust her so am still often charging up behind her yelling 'leave it' and she does! We even seem to be at a point where it looks like she is searching out poo so that she can drop her ball next to it to show me and get her treat!! I am not saying for one minute we are over this as there have been times where clearly the temptation is just too much and she gobbles a mouthful. However this is rare now. I am also more relaxed on walks so I think that is helping. So anyone really struggling with this, be reassured it can get better with time and training.
So pleased for you and Phoebe and the success you're having with a strong 'leave it'. Juno hasn't tried to pick any poo up for weeks but she goes up to it, looks at it, has a sniff and then looks at me as if to say, 'Well go on, say it, say Leave it. Then I can have my treat'. She calmly walks away from the polo, checks in with me and then comes to me for a treat. I don't intend cutting back on treats for leaving poo any time soon though - that's one activity I don't want to recur
Wow that's sounds brilliant too! I have slight fear though that as she sits next to the poo awaiting her treat she is actually thinking "it doesn't matter as I will just have a double portion when Dad takes me for a walk later!!". I am hoping he has done as well as me with the leave it command, but know he wouldn't probably tell me if it wasn't going as well as it should!!!!
Not sure what my OH does when he walks Juno by himself, but when we're out together he's the one that keeps on with the "Leave it" to Juno. Nowadays, I tend not to say anything and just watch to see what she does and praise her for leaving the poo and treat her. One of the few times I use "Leave it" now is when there is duck poo on paths and verges around the lake, oh and the ongoing battle with rabbit poo in the garden
Well, that's fantastic - well done you on all that hard work. Agree with the suggestions to keep going, and keeping treating. I know poo eating is just something that some dogs do, but can completely understand why you hate it!
Wonderful to hear! Great to have some success stories posted to give hope to others who struggle. I agree with keeping up with the treating. Much better for the pooch to eat chicken!
Chepi had this habit too and has all but stopped. I have to watch her and use "leave it" successfully. I always reward her. It's so much nicer! Congratulations to you and the sweet smelling breath of your dog!
