puppy plays with poop

Question
just recently our 4 1/2month old pug/pekinese mix male will paw at his poop.  At first he seemed to so this with a past deposit.  Now he will play with the fresh deposit!  Paws it just like a cat!  I know your advise will be to pick it up right away, but it is cold and lots of snow here, don't always want to follow him outdoors!  Could you just let me know if this is normal behavior?
Thank you

Answer
Ac tually my response is to go out with the dog and when he starts doing it tell him NO in a stern voice..when he stops..tell him good boy. Dogs need direction and if you are not able to show or tel him he is doing wrong, then it won't stop..he may even start eating it....good luck
nancy