Dear Cathy,
I have some new neighbors that moved in with an outdoor cat. The cat uses our yard as her potty box. Our two dogs have found this cat poop delectable and they eat these deposits before I can remove them from the yard. Is there something I can do to dissuade my dogs from eating this poop? Thank you in advance for any insights.
– Wendy Rutland, Pensacola, Florida
Dear Wendy,
It’s frustrating when your dogs get into something they shouldn’t, especially something as unappealing to us as cat poop! Unfortunately, when it comes to competing with your dogs for these “yard treasures,” they’ll almost always win. Their keen noses and determination give them the edge. But don’t worry—there are ways to address this issue effectively.
To start, you can try to get ahead of the problem by doing a daily sweep of your yard to remove any deposits before letting your dogs out. Another option is to supervise your dogs while they’re outside, using a leash to guide them away from the poop when they find it. However, these approaches only manage the symptoms, not the root of the issue.
The best long-term solution is to train your dogs to obey the “leave it” command. This command teaches them to ignore tempting items on the ground, whether it’s cat poop, dropped food, or anything else you’d prefer them not to ingest.
Here’s how to teach “leave it”:
- Set the Stage
Start indoors in a controlled environment to minimize distractions. Ask your dog to sit, and then place a low-value treat (like kibble) on the ground. Hold a high-value treat, such as a small piece of cheese or a liver treat, in your hand. - Introduce the Command
When your dog notices the treat on the ground, say “leave it” in a firm but calm voice. Don’t let them grab the treat! The moment they turn their attention away from the treat and look at you, reward them with the high-value treat from your hand. - Reinforce the Behavior
Pick up the low-value treat so they can’t grab it later. After a short break, repeat the exercise. Over time, introduce more tempting items to increase the challenge, but never let them eat the “leave it” item. This helps them understand that they should ignore it completely, even when unsupervised. - Practice Outdoors
Once they’ve mastered the command indoors, practice in your yard. Start on a leash so you can guide them if needed. Gradually work up to saying “leave it” from a distance, rewarding them when they comply.
Consistency is key! With daily practice, most dogs learn “leave it” within a few weeks. Make sure to train your dogs individually, especially if they tend to compete for treats.
If your neighbors are open to suggestions, you might also gently encourage them to keep their cat indoors or provide an outdoor litter box in their yard. Cats that roam freely not only create these issues but are also at greater risk of injury, illness, or predation.
With time and training, your dogs will learn to ignore these tempting deposits, and your yard will feel a little more peaceful again.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to moc.tidnuptep@yhtac. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.
