💭 Ever caught your Australian Shepherd doing something truly disgusting — like eating poop?
Before you panic or lose your appetite, take a deep breath. As gross as it seems, this habit (called coprophagia) is actually common among dogs, especially active and intelligent breeds like Australian Shepherds.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- 🐶 9 surprising reasons Australian Shepherds eat poop
- 🚨 When it’s something to worry about
- 🧠 5 proven ways to stop this habit — backed by science and trainers
- 💡 Bonus: How to prevent it from ever happening again
Let’s dive in and clean up this messy mystery.
🐾 Why Do Australian Shepherds Eat Poop?
Before labeling your Aussie as “gross,” understand this: dogs often act based on instinct, boredom, or emotion.
For Australian Shepherds — a breed known for intelligence, herding instincts, and emotional sensitivity — poop eating can come from mental, physical, or behavioral triggers.
Here’s what might really be going on 👇
🧩 9 Real Reasons Why Australian Shepherds Eat Poop
1. 🧍♂️ For Attention
Australian Shepherds crave interaction. If they feel ignored, they might do something outrageous (like eating poop) just to get a reaction.
Even scolding them can reinforce the behavior — because in their mind, “Hey, at least they’re looking at me now!”
👉 Fix it: Ignore the behavior completely and reward them when they choose to walk away instead.
2. 🧹 Trying to “Clean Up”
Aussies are naturally clean dogs. If they accidentally poop near their bed, crate, or favorite spot, they might eat it to keep their space clean.
This instinct often traces back to their mothers, who lick and clean newborn pups.
👉 Fix it: Keep their area spotless and clean accidents immediately. Avoid punishing them for mistakes.
3. 🥦 Nutritional Deficiencies
Low-quality dog food or allergies can cause nutrient malabsorption. When your Aussie’s diet lacks essential nutrients or fiber, their body may crave what’s in feces — trying to “reclaim” nutrients.
👉 Fix it: Upgrade to high-quality, balanced dog food with proper protein and fiber.
Consider brands with digestive enzymes or probiotics for better nutrient absorption.
4. 😰 Anxiety or Stress
Australian Shepherds are sensitive souls. Sudden life changes, separation anxiety, or lack of stimulation can trigger stress coping behaviors — including poop eating.
👉 Fix it:
- Maintain a calm, predictable routine.
- Provide mental enrichment (puzzle toys, training, agility games).
- If severe, consult a vet or certified dog behaviorist.
5. 🐺 Instinct to “Protect the Pack”
It might sound weird, but ancient instincts sometimes kick in.
In the wild, wolves would eat feces near the den to prevent predators from smelling their pack or to stop disease spread.
Your Aussie doesn’t need to protect anyone from wolves — but their pack-protection instinct can still be active.
6. 🤤 They Simply Enjoy It
Unfortunately, some dogs develop a taste for it — especially puppies who experiment.
If not corrected early, the habit can continue into adulthood.
👉 Fix it: Use taste deterrents (like Vetrinex Labs Stool Eating Deterrent) and redirect their attention immediately when they approach poop.
7. 🙈 Hiding the Evidence
If your Aussie poops indoors, they might eat it to “hide” the mess — fearing they’ll get in trouble.
This is a learned behavior from past scolding.
👉 Fix it: Avoid punishment. Instead, praise them when they poop outdoors successfully.
8. 🍽️ Not Being Fed Enough
Aussies are high-energy dogs. If underfed or missing calories, they may resort to poop to satisfy hunger.
This happens especially in growing puppies or active adults on low-calorie diets.
👉 Fix it: Adjust portions based on activity level. Consult your vet about the ideal caloric intake for your Aussie’s age and size.
9. ⚕️ Possible Health Conditions
Sometimes, poop eating is a medical red flag.
Diseases like diabetes, thyroid imbalance, or Cushing’s disease can cause extreme hunger or nutrient loss, pushing dogs to eat poop.
👉 Fix it: If this behavior starts suddenly or comes with weight loss, excessive thirst, or fatigue — schedule a vet visit immediately.
🧠 Top 5 Proven Tips to Stop Poop Eating in Australian Shepherds
1. 🚫 Eliminate the Opportunity
Be quick to scoop poop after your Aussie goes — both indoors and outdoors.
Create a clean environment so they never get the chance.
🕒 Pro Tip: Feed your dog at the same time daily. It helps regulate their bathroom schedule.
2. 🍗 Try a Diet Upgrade
Switch to nutrient-rich dog food with real meat, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
A healthier gut often stops strange cravings.
Gradually introduce new food over a week to avoid stomach upset.
3. ❤️ Give Them More Attention
If your Aussie’s eating poop for attention — give them what they truly crave: quality time.
Extra walks, playtime, or training sessions can fulfill their social and mental needs.
4. 🧴 Use Stool Repellents
Products like Vetrinex Labs or NaturVet Coprophagia Deterrent make poop taste (even more) disgusting — discouraging repeat behavior.
Pair this with positive reinforcement for maximum success.
5. 👩⚕️ Visit a Veterinarian
If you’ve tried everything and nothing changes, your vet can check for:
- Nutritional imbalances
- Underlying diseases
- Anxiety triggers
Early medical intervention can stop the behavior before it becomes a habit.
💡 Bonus Tip: Train the “Leave It” Command
Teaching your Aussie “leave it” helps prevent all sorts of unwanted behaviors — including poop eating.
Reward heavily when they obey. Consistency is everything!
⚠️ When to Worry
If your Australian Shepherd shows vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or fatigue, eating poop may be a symptom of something deeper.
Don’t wait — get professional help right away.
🐶 Final Thoughts
As strange and disgusting as it seems, poop eating in Australian Shepherds is fixable.
With the right mix of patience, nutrition, attention, and consistency, your Aussie will soon drop the habit — and you’ll have a happier, cleaner, and healthier best friend.