Basset eating feces

[lovemymaltese]

Hello friends. My roommates 11 week old Basset Hound is concerning me. He insists on eating feces whenever outside. We hold him on a leash and try to keep him from eating it, but he is quicker than our eye sometimes. There are a few dogs in my apartment complex and the Basset eats their feces, not his own. I am desperate, I am afraid it will make him stink. Also we dont want him licking on us with that aweful breath. Does anyone have ideas? HELP!!!

[lovemymaltese]

I meant to say that I was afraid that it would make him sick---not stink. Although he does smell foul when he does it.

[aly]

Teach him the Leave it command. Be sure he knows the command well before you use it in a real life situation (ie: don't say 'leave it' unless you are sure the dog will not get the object). Take some chicken or turkey in your pocket when you take him out to potty. When he starts to go for the feces, say "Leave it!" and then give him some chicken.

(sorry I left out how to teach the command but I'm in a hurry. If you don't know how, I can post that later)

[lovemymaltese]

I am sorry, but I have never heard of the leave it command. I could guess how it works, but I am not real sure. Sounds like a plan though. Do you know if it can make a dog sick?

[ilovehounds]

My basset does the same thing, we thought it was another side effect from his abuse ??? We just did what Aly suggested. He has stopped when Im around?? He may still do it when Im not outside with him but I can't help that ???????

[lovemymaltese]

Unfortunately, it must be a sasset thing. It really grosses us out!

[Karen]

It is not just a Bassett thing - we have had this discussion before, though. The technical term for it is coprophagia. We have threads discussing it here: coprophagia and here: poop eater that you might find helpful.

[lovemymaltese]

Thanks, Karen!

[lovemymaltese]

I looked on that thread for some info. He seems to be doing a little better. Does anyone know if they just grow out of it?