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Jamie

She started doing this after I started seeing her mom do it then she got her brother started

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Little bit
Dog, Chihuahua
4 months, Female
Issue details
Main concern
Behavior
Others
She started copycat and her mom and eating her own feces starting to get a little worried because she's starting to teach her brothers how to do it and no matter what I do I can't get them to stop I have spanked them I have gave them time out separated them from each other
Others
Nothing changed
Daily
Duration
3 day(s)
Ongoing
Other issues
N/A
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Dr. Valliyatte
Dr.Tail Vet

It sounds like your young Chihuahua has developed a behavior known as coprophagia, which is the act of eating feces. This is quite common in puppies and can sometimes occur in adult dogs as well. It seems your puppy might have learned this behavior by mimicking her mom. Let's discuss some steps you can take to address this issue.

Firstly, it's crucial to supervise your puppies closely when they're outside or in areas where they might encounter feces. Promptly cleaning up after them can prevent them from having the opportunity to eat it.

Instead of resorting to punishment, which can sometimes make the problem worse, try using positive reinforcement. Reward your puppies with treats or praise when they ignore feces or respond to your call.

Occasionally, coprophagia can be linked to nutritional deficiencies. Make sure your puppies are on a high-quality, balanced diet suitable for their age and breed.

There are commercial products available that can be added to your dog's food to make their feces taste unpleasant to them. You might want to consult with a pet store or explore these options online.

Teaching your puppies commands like "leave it" or "come" can help redirect their attention away from feces.

If the behavior persists, it might be beneficial to discuss it with a veterinarian. They can help rule out any underlying health issues or provide additional behavioral advice.

Remember, patience and consistency are key when implementing these strategies. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

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