38 - North Shore Mews - Sunday, April 30, 2000 From previous page interesting. As a pup matures, tt usually grow out of this habit. One theory as to why dogs continue the behaviour is that coprophagy is a trait which is passed down from a dog's cousin, the wolf. Wolves often eat feces when food is scarce. Like wolves, dogs only retain their food in thee stomach for seven to nine hours. After that they experience hunger pangs, as we do, and may find feces a way to fill that void in their stom- achs. It is also suggested that dogs who we fed a high carbohydrate diet, such as kibble, are aor digesting the food efficiently. Since dogs have a small amount of enzymes necessary to digest grains, their feces may contain undigested food, which dogs may find attrac- tive. Stool eating may also develop in a dog who is at the end of their growth: burst phase. This phase usu- ally coincides with a change in feeding to a diet with fewer.calories and meals cut from two down to one. .. Dogs will then eat stool at” about the same time they ; used to have their second Some dogs may learn this behaviour from other dogs. Aimost like a game of “Hey Fido, he likes it!” and they all dig in. Pups may also have Jearned this behaviour from their mothers who cleaned up after them in the litter. All in all, the jury seems to be out as to exactly why dogs eat feces. But a visit to the veterinarian should be considered to ensure there are no underlying heaith problems. Unfortunately, there is not a quick cure for this problem, since so many fac- ters could be, influencing it. Scolding and punishment rarely work as the dog may become stressed and sneak off for a bite to eat. A dog may also learn to enjoy the fuss and attention, albeit negative, from a distraught owner and continue their dining out. Adding chemicals to a dog’s foad solves the prob- lem of a dog eating their own stool, but not others. Splitting a meal into two feedings so a dog never gets too hungry, has had results for some dogs. So has adding a digestive enzyme and fresh vegetables to meals. The most effective way to solve the problem is pre- vention. PETS —— Consistency the key to behaviour modification Clean up after the dog immediately, even in the back yard. Teach the dog a “leave it” command as they approach the poop, then follow through with a quick attention-grabbing game such as fetch or tug to get their focus on something other than the poo, And do not let the dog roam unsu- pervised where they can The sooner consistent prevention Measures are implemented to modify the behaviour, the better the chances of success. reinforce the bad habit on their own. — Joan is the owner of i wheels, anti-lock aii oem PASSLockil theft-deterrent Ma system, 2.2 litre 115hp engine. Was $17,590 2000 Pontiac Su Sunfire 2000 VALUE PACKASE, 4 spaud g waction tontrol, alr sation. pow. power toor Wo, Cot remote huyless, till, cruise, rear spoiler, amined. Was $21,180 “conditioning, } jeter a tit wheel, power door focks. 2009 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4 litre twin cam 150hp engine, 4 speed automatic ° transmiszion with enhanced trection system, sod wheel an tock breking system, 4 wocel independent sepension suspension, alt asyim stereo , PassLockdt theft- Sierra K9 Training Academy. For tips or advice eomail ber at