Do You Know What "Coprophagia" Is?

Yeah, I didn’t know what it meant either. Curious? Well, “coprophagia” (or “coprophilia”) is a term for when dogs eat poop. Yep, it’s just plain nasty. And apparently, it’s fairly common. Eew.

Image via Maniac World

According to various online sources, coprophagia can be an indication of a variety of different things, such as a) your dog is malnourished and/or has a Vitamin B or enzyme deficiency, b) your pet has a larger health issue such as diabetes or a tapeworm, or c) you have a dog who has some behavioral issues or is just plain bored. (Puppies, some experts say, sometimes eat feces out of curiosity.)

Various websites suggest other reasons for this behavior, but either way, it’s probably best to check in with your vet regarding possible causes and treatment. In the meantime, if your dog has a fecal fetish, it may be a good idea to keep the face-kisses to a minimum.

Have you had this issue with your dog? What did you do?

Looking for a Dog Trainer?

A few years ago when I was living in the West Village, I met a man walking the most well-behaved dog I’d ever seen down Bank Street. His name was Garry Gross, and he was a dog trainer, he explained. The brindle pit bull at his side was one of his students.

Does your dog have you wrapped around his little paw?

I’d forgotten about Garry until a few weeks ago when I went looking for a NY-based pet photographer and found his name online. (Turns out that Garry is a man of many talents. A former fashion photographer for numerous advertising clients and magazines such as GQ and Cosmopolitan, he also takes gorgeous pictures of dogs. Check out his photography website here.)

Anyway, if you’re looking for a dog trainer, I’d highly recommend Garry. He has your dog stay with him for two weeks and helps rid your pet of behaviors such as separation anxiety or aggression. Not only is Garry amazing at what he does, he’s just a really nice, normal guy, and your pet would definitely be in good hands.

If you’d like more information, check out his dog training website, http://dogtrainersofnewyork.com/. You could also email him at garry@dogtrainersofnewyork.com or call 212-807-7141.

Dog Traffic Vs. Stroller Traffic

If you’re a dog owner in New York City, you know all too well the look of the steely-eyed stroller mom. Often clad in size 25 J Brand jeans, ballet flats, and wraparound sunglasses, they strut with the determination (and underlying rage, perhaps?) of a military drill sergeant. As far as they’re concerned, if you’re in their path you better well move your arse, or you’re fair game for steamrolling.

My dog has often experienced the wrath of the aggro NYC Stroller Mom. If Riley innocently stops to sniff a hydrant…WHAM! Here comes NYC Stroller Mom with a swift whack to Riley’s left hindquarter. (Stroller Mom is late for her mani/pedi, no doubt.)

On one occasion, I brought Riley with me into an UES Kinko’s (where they kindly welcome well-behaved dogs). There we were, patiently standing in line, when one particularly intense NYC Stroller Mom walked past us, purposefully running over Riley’s little paw. Riley squealed; Stroller Mom snorted with laughter. I wanted to punch her in the face. I’ll spare you the exchange that ensued…

Look, I get it, ladies. Babies are precious cargo. Nobody will dispute that. But my dog is pretty damn important too. I take issue with your rudeness. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you’re entitled to a) take up an entire sidewalk, b) cop a ‘tude since your nanny called in sick today, or c) plow down innocent dogs. I’m sick of you all bringing me down. Dogs are entitled to just a little bit of sidewalk space too.

Has anyone else had this experience? Please, PLEASE write your comments. Am I alone in this?

A Dog Blog You’ll Either Love…or Hate

At first, I couldn’t decide if the dog blog http://fuckyeahanimalswithcasts.tumblr.com/ was tragic, or just really damn cute. (If anything, the name was sort of intriguing.) I ultimately decided it was pretty adorable, so thought I’d pass it along. The blog is a collection of animals (mostly dogs) all wearing casts. I mean, seriously, how often do you actually see a dog in a cast? Bonus: There’s even one of a turtle that looks like its shell has been velcro’d back together.

I had so many favorite images, but went with the above one just because the double-cast was pretty hardcore. Sooo...what do you guys think of this site?

Preppy Dog Collars

If preppy is your thing, one Boston-based company—Four Preppy Paws—has an entire line of collars, harnesses, and leads tricked out with gingham, seersucker, and ribbon. They even make personalized dog collars and leashes. (Each collar retails for about $25.)

To check out more of their designs or order online, view the Four Preppy Paws website. (Thanks, Lindsay, for sending in!)