Labrador eating crap on walks. Causes and solutions?

[LeoTheLateBloomer]

He's never been that bad before (he's 6) but recently he's definitely got worse at picking up (mainly fox) poo on walks.

When he does it I tell him firmly 'no' and put him straight on the lead. Is there any other way of dealing with it?

I've been wondering what the causes are (recently wormed) and I'm wondering if it's frustration. He hasn't been getting very exciting walks recently for various reasons, one of which will change soon. Do you think that could be a reason?

I'm really hoping that this is temporary. I've got a 14mo DD who adores him and enjoys sharing everything with him so I really can't have him transfering anything nasty to her.

Any ideas?

TIA

[SilverSky]

I'd muzzle him so he can't do it. Sounds harsh I know!

[mdoodledoo]

Mine love ferreting out the cat's poop from the garden - they get so single-minded that I figure it must be like a lovely tasty treat for them - bleurgh! There's stacks on the Internet about it (it's called Coprophagia) and one of the theories is that it signifies that something's missing from their diet.

Perhaps we should count ourselves lucky that our dogs are not eating their own poop because that seems a whole load more disgusting to me and my old Beagle would do that from time to time.

My only advice is just to keep on with the training - my two know that cat poop is banned but they'll still munch on it if they get a chance - but if we're there they don't try any more...they just hope we don't spot it to clear up and wait until our back's turned!

[colditz]

Cause - He's a dog
Solution - a muzzle

[aliceliddell]

I had one like this - vet told us it's called 'depraved appetite'. (really) The dietary deficiency theory proved correct, she was a (sort of) rescue dog, hadn't been weaned properly so her digestive system was under-developed and lacked enzymes. Was put on expensive special diet, then slightly less expensive diet, then finally normal food. So don't cut up your Visa card yet.