| | Coprophagia (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-11-02) |
 | | Since coprophagia may attract a great deal of owner attention, the behavior may be further reinforced. |
 | | There may also be an observational component (copy behavior) since the bitch cleans and ingests the puppy?s excrement in the nest, and puppies may learn to mimic the behavior of their mother or playmates who perform this behavior. |
 | | At the first indication of stool sniffing or investigation the dog should be interrupted with a firm command, punishment device or a quick pull on the leash (this is particularly effective for dogs wearing head halters). |
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