Why do dogs eat their own poop?

Dogs sometimes eat their own poop for differing reasons, but the most common is learned behavior. Female dogs normally eat the feces of their pups to keep the nesting area clean and to promote their pup's defecation reflex, thus inadvertently teaching their young the behavior.

When dogs eat their own or other animal poop, it is called coprophagia. Most dogs exhibit this behavior during adolescent years, but sometimes it continues into adulthood. Other possible reasons for this behavior are improper nutrition, stress, hunger or boredom.

Many dog owners attempt to curb this behavior, but in some cases, the dog continues to do so simply to get the added attention.