He seems to get too distracted outside by birds, squirels, and or whatever else. How can I work on these annoying traits, otherwise he's a wonderful temperament dog.

As far as the eating poop you can get Forbid from your vet, sprinkle on food and it will keep him from eating his stool. Have you tried walking him on a leash outside? That may help him be less distracted. Has anything changed in your house that could cause this to be a behavioral problem?

There are several types of stool eating deterrents that you can buy over the counter, perhaps even from walmart.

When you take your dog out to potty do you bring him in as soon as he's gone? Some dogs will learn that using the bathroom means the end of fun outside time and will intentionally hold it for longer. Have you tried walking him some before and after?

The cheapest and most effective way to deter poop eating is by sprinkling meat tenderizer on their food. There are many reasons your dog will eat poop, mainly because of lack of nutrition from he dog food you are feeding. What brands of food are you using now? Is your dog up to date with flea and worm treatments?

Have you considered obediedience training with your dog? It's a great way to bond and establish yourself as alpha, and controlling those "annoying" habits of not paying attention to you.