This has only just started. My dog is now 11 months old and has just decided to start eating poop, not his own I might add. As we are out walking and some takes his fancy, he will eat it. I have told him off to no avail, growling and saying bad dog etc, but this doesn't appear to work. I am thinking of buying a whistle or something to warn him off to try and break the habit, but am unsure to be honest of whether this will help or make the situation worse.

Any suggestions by other dog owners who have experienced this and have had success in stopping this disgusting habit would be hugely appreciated.

Many thanks ;)

If you are walking on lead, a good leash correction should do it. If not, maybe the whistle would work as well as anything. Many people use a tin can with pennies, but the whistle might be easier to carry.

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position

Fortunately eating their own stools damages the owners stomach more than anything else. Strange dogs' like that could bring worms or other problems. I have trouble with my one dog wanting to clean up after the rabbits and deer out in the woods. At least she leaves it on command.

Thank you so much labman. I will investigate both of those books, I have read The Dog Listener and more reinforcement on becoming 'top dog' will help I am sure. Many thanks again :O)