Foundation Camp
A 21-day board-and-train that builds solid obedience and manners, the right fit for milder issues.
Dog Behavior Solutions
Break the Stool-Eating Habit
It is unpleasant and worrying, but coprophagia is common and usually manageable. Partners Dogs helps you rule out medical causes and build the management and training that ends the habit.
Behavior severity
MildWhat you may be seeing
- Eating their own stool or that of other animals
- Seeking out stool on walks or in the yard
- Doing it more when bored or unsupervised
- Puppies mouthing and sampling stool while exploring
Seek help sooner if stool eating starts suddenly, or comes with weight loss, appetite change, vomiting, or other digestive signs, which point to a veterinary visit first.
Understanding the behavior
What is stool eating (coprophagia)?
Stool eating, or coprophagia, is common, especially in puppies and young dogs. Causes range from normal exploration and boredom to diet, learned habit, and sometimes an underlying medical issue. It is unpleasant, and it can carry a risk of parasites, so it is worth addressing rather than waiting for a dog to grow out of it.
Start with a veterinary check to rule out nutritional or digestive causes. Then management does most of the early work: pick up stool right away, keep the yard clean, and walk on leash so you can guide your dog away before the habit repeats. On top of that we teach a reliable leave it and a recall away from temptation.
Most dogs improve with consistent management and training. If the behavior appeared suddenly or comes with weight loss, appetite changes, or other digestive signs, treat that as a reason to see your veterinarian first.
Partners Dogs has trained Arizona dogs through every kind of stool eating (coprophagia) case since 1997, at our Scottsdale and Cave Creek facilities. Lifetime trainer support is included with every board-and-train program.
The transformation
Before and after training
Drag the slider to see the change our programs make for a dog with stool eating (coprophagia). Same dog, same home, real outcome.
70,000+Dogs Trained
28+Years Experience
4.8★Average Rating
2Arizona Campuses
Recommended path · Mild severity
The right program for stool eating (coprophagia)
Based on how stool eating (coprophagia) typically presents, here is where we would start. Not sure which fits? Take the PD360 assessment for a personalized recommendation.
Group Classes
Weekly Pet Parenting classes with our trainers, practice in a structured social environment.
The process
How it works
Assessment and check-in
- We verify vaccination records and complete pre-check-in forms.
- Your dog receives a full behavioral assessment.
- We set goals and build a personalized training plan.
- You meet the primary trainer and tour the facility.
Training and progress reports
- Multiple active training sessions every day.
- Controlled exposure and desensitization to triggers.
- Immersive socialization in a managed environment.
- Regular progress reports with photos and video.
Transition and follow-up
- Private lessons that transfer the training to you.
- Pet Parenting group classes for ongoing support.
- Access to our full Pet Parent Guide.
- Weeks of follow-up so the change lasts at home.
Not sure which program
Get a recommendation in minutes
Take our quick PD360 assessment for a personalized recommendation, or talk to a trainer who has seen stool eating (coprophagia) many times before.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can stool eating (coprophagia) be improved?
In most cases, yes. With a structured plan and steady follow-through, stool eating (coprophagia) usually improves and becomes much more manageable. How far and how fast depends on the dog and the household, and severe cases start with an in-person assessment.
How long does it take to see change?
Many dogs show early progress in the first weeks of a program, though the timeline varies with the behavior and the dog. The lasting value is in the follow-up: private lessons and group classes help the change hold at home over time.
What if my dog has more than one issue?
That is very common. During the assessment we identify every area of concern and build one plan that works on them together, rather than treating each in isolation.
Is professional training worth the cost?
It is an investment in daily life for you and your dog. Our board-and-train programs include weeks of follow-up, private lessons, and group classes so the results last, and financing is available up to 36 months.
When can we get started?
Right away. Schedule a call or take the PD360 assessment online and we will find the best time to begin, starting with a clear look at your dog's stool eating (coprophagia).
Related behaviors
Dogs with stool eating (coprophagia) often show these patterns too. Explore the behaviors below. We treat them all.
Ready for the next step
Talk to a trainer now
Every dog and household is different. Get a real conversation with a Partners Dogs trainer who has treated stool eating (coprophagia) for more than 28 years. No pressure, just guidance on your dog's best path forward.