You run a busy household. You have kids to keep an eye on, a range of pets to care for, and hardest of all, you’ve probably got a partner to look after too. Keeping an eye on all these moving pieces is never straightforward and one thing you’d never think to be on the look out for is your dog eating your cat's poop. It’s the last thing you expect to see when you open the front door with hands full of shopping. But for whatever reason, he has developed a taste for cat poop and you know no good can come from it.
Dogs can snack in a cat's litter box for any number of reasons; they might be lacking in minerals and they might simply be bored. But whatever the reason, getting a handle on this bad habit is essential if you want to keep him happy and healthy.
Training your dog to leave your cat's stools alone will require a number of different components. Obedience commands will be used to control his behavior and a number of steps will need to be taken to reduce his access to the cat's litter box.
Whatever the motivation behind his new habit, he can quickly pick up a range of ailments from your cat's poop, including an unpleasant infestation of worms. So training him to steer clear of the cat’s poop will save him considerable discomfort and your bank balance from some hefty vet bills.
If you have a young, receptive puppy you may be able to complete training in just a couple of weeks. Dogs that are older and have cemented the bad habit may need several consistent weeks of training before success. Don’t be put off by the time though, the training is relatively straightforward.
Before you start on your campaign you will need several things. Firstly, your dog's favorite food and some treats will be needed as an incentive. You will also need a quiet space, free from the distractions of a busy home.
In addition, for one of the methods, you may want to invest in a cat flap and some diet supplements to sour the taste of your cat's feces.
The only other things you need are 10-15 minutes a day for the next few weeks, patience, and a proactive attitude. Once you’ve armed yourself with all the above, you’re ready to get to work!