www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 28, 2007 - 67 Pros call it coprophagia Animal professionals know it as "coprophagia". Dog owners mostly look on it as an unexplained behaviour that is difficult to understand. Although there are a number of theories, no one really knows for sure what makes a dog eat poop. Given the chance, many dogs will also eat the feces of other animals, such as horses, deer, rabbits and cats in the family. There are a variety of reasons that have been considered, but none proven. Among those reasons is the need for the dog to add nutrients, enzymes or bacteria missing from its diet. Not convinced? There are others. Perhaps it's just a mother's nature to pick up after her puppy? Or that there is some tasty undigested food in feces that makes it irresistible for a canine? One theory even suggests that eating poop is a form of imitating the dog's owner picking up the poop. While many theories exist, no sure cure for dogs engaging in poop consumption is known. It may not always be easy to discourage this behaviour, but the following ideas may help. Using a remote citronella collar Although it's one of the simpler solutions it works for some, but not all dogs. Using vinegar or Tabasco to make the feces unpalatable may not be completely effective either. In some cases the savory spice may be what's drawing the animal to continue to eat it. Reducing access to poop certainly helps. Take the dog for a walk off the property, let it relieve itself and then return to a poop-free yard. Playtime won't focus on consumption of unmentionable backyard treats, when the dog's had exercise and returns to a `clean' yard. Patience may be the greatest formula for success when dealing with the irritating poop-eating behaviour. Often dogs will grow out of the habit over time. Without access to poop your dog may just find that as he grows there are many more tasty treats to consume his attention. Don't forget that the Oakville & District Humane Society is a great local resource when dealing with animal issues. Visit the shelter at 445 Cornwall Road, or call 905-845-1551 for more information about how your shelter can help you. Pet of the Week Animals professionals know it as "coprophagia." Dog owners mostly look on it as an unexplained behaviour that is difficult to understand. No one really knows for sure what makes a dog eat poop. under the direction of a trainer should help if used for a week or two. Dogs do not like the scent of citronella. Each attempt to eat poop is met by a spray of citronella, controlled remotely by the owner. The scent will discourage the problem short-term, but most people are not willing to be consistent enough to solve the problem. A food product like FORBID offered through your veterinarian is designed to make poop taste bad. SWEET: Mogli is a handsome, neutered-male, yellow Labcross. He is just over a year in age and is a playful, sweet boy. To find other animals for adoption visit the Oakville & District Humane Society at 445 Cornwall Rd. or call 905-845-1551. · CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET · CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS AREArRUG Clea ance In-stock only! · HARDWOOD From Iran Hand Woven , Persian Rugsan Tabriz, Isfanh Bidjar UP TO CERAMICS O R I E N TA L WALL TO WALL CARPET CLEARANCE $3.99 HEAVY RUGS Area Rug s LF A ' x 3' H 2 s $ 1 60 2 29. Save up to % OFF VINYL CE RI P "NEW" to Oakville Calvin Klein area rug collection DESIGNER RUGS MADE IN CANADA 12 MM DESIGNER LAMINATE at compare $3.99/sq. ft. NOW · · CARPET $2.39/sq. ft. 00 WOOL & SILK TIBET er RUGIAN P S (Limit One · · 3/4" HARDWOOD SELECT t mpare a $7.99/sq. ft. co NOW O R I E N TA L Customer) $5.49/sq. ft. RUGS · CARPET at compare at compare BERBER $3.99 only CERAMICS $1.99/sq. ft. only $2.49/sq. ft. NYLON PLUSH at compare 50 OZ. $5.49 NYLON TWIST BONUS INSTALLATION AND UNDERPAD INCLUDED! · VINYL only $2.99/sq. ft. Don't Pay till 2008 · · HARDWOOD Oakville Quality at Warehouse Prices! Outlet Store - Trafalgar Village Huge Super Store - 228 King St. E. Across from Home Depot · (905) 849-4472 Downtown Hamilton · (905) 546-1921 CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · CARPET · CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS CARPET · ORIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARDWOOD · CERAMICS · ·