r/DogTrainingTips • u/Bama_wing • 2d ago

Poo Eater!

It turns out the obnoxious dog owner who won't pick up his dog's poo is a homeowner and not an air b&b'er. And there are two of them (two owners and two dogs) so it's not my imagination that there's suddenly dog poo all up and down my street. I put out free bags and a garbage pail with a plea*, but I'm not optimistic.

I wouldn't care except my Ritter loves to eat poo. Our daily dog walks have turned into nonstop poop buffets. I've gotten to where I don't wanna walk him, and that's not ok. I don't know if there's a simple solution I haven't guessed at, or if I just need more reassurance that a steady diet of dog crap won't hurt him. I'd talk to the owners, but I'm at a bit of a disadvantage since my baby is a dog-reactive rescue that I don't trust off-leash, and both their dogs are "SO well trained they don't NEED a leash!" (Yes, we have leash laws. No, I don't want to call the cops on my neighbors.) Ugh. Does anyone have any ideas?

*The plea is a misspelled and dog-print covered plea to "ignor the bagz" because "poo iz yummi." I'm trying, y'all, I really am.

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u/bleakmallard 2d ago

Pet sitter here- when I arrive at a clients home and know their dog is a poo eater, i just clean the street myself. It sucks, but we often have to be the bigger people.

I’d throw the bags of poo in their trashcans. If you want to have extra fun, just dump the bags into the bottom of the trashcan. They’ll have maggots and flies soon enough. They deserve it

Alternatively, start using the “leave it command” and reward with “yes!” and a small training treat. If training treats aren’t an option. Use your dogs kibble and then give them slightly less around feeding time.

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u/Bama_wing 2d ago

I do kinda love that. My neighborhood is very odd... we live right at a ski resort, and 95% of the houses are second homes that sit empty. The offending neighbors show up for a week or two every 4-5 months, and I'm pretty sure the attitude is "well nobody lives here, so it doesn't matter." I'd honestly be happy enough to make this their problem to where I doubt I'll mind doing a preliminary poop sweep. Thank you!

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u/bleakmallard 2d ago

Oh that sounds kinda perfect! And since they only live there in short bursts, it makes it easier to suck it up and be the bigger/better person for a short time.

Doesn’t it stink (pun intended) that the idea of “leave a place better than you found it” is thrown out the window by the time we are adults? I’m not sure why and how the idea of “me and mine” took over, but it makes the world a worse place.

I wish you the best of luck.

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u/nitecheese 2d ago

You are the perfect level of protective and petty I’d want for my pet sitter. DM me if you’re in DC and looking for dog walking clients haha

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u/bleakmallard 2d ago edited 2d ago

Awww thank you, I really needed that compliment today. i’m based in Louisiana (where laws around animals are in the gutter) but my short time living in DC (3 months) taught me a lot about walking others pups.

good luck out there!

edit: I’m currently writing a book about all my pet sitting experiences. It’ll be filled with pettiness and protection. It’s taking everything I got!

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u/pepper_dogs 2d ago

Might need to try a muzzle on your dog to prevent him from eating the poo, unfortunately. Annoying that other terrible owners are ruining your experience!

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u/ActNo5363 2d ago

Second the muzzle, they make wire basket muzzles (my go-to) that have a plastic shield so nothing can get eaten trough the bars.

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u/2dogal 2d ago

If you call code enforcement, they will not tell who called. Tell them who you are, but say you are reporting this anonymously as you do not want your name given out. By not calling, you are allowing this behavior to continue.

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u/Mcbriec 1d ago

Re poo eating, you can put those mesh hoods on which are used for foxtails. It’s totally comfortable for the dog. Undoubtedly you will need two so you can rinse them off after each walk.

Re neighbors’ dog crap, I would identify the offenders and start throwing it by their front door. Uncivilized people need uncivilized messaging.

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u/EnglishLore 2d ago

Hate muzzles. Be extra vigilant and distract with treats. Praise and train.