behavioral issue

Question
My 6 month old Corgi puppy has been eating her own poop. We also have an older dog who's poop the puppy dines on as well. She is well fed so it's not that she is hungry. Why might she do this and how do we get her to stop it. I know that it can be dangerous especially if the poop has been left outside for a period of time.

Answer
This is not an uncommon situation and generally starts in the whelping area as modeled by the mother as she keeps the area clean.  I can't explain specifically what is motivating your dog to do this but obviously it enjoys the process or it wouldn't do it.  It has nothing to do with being hungry.  As far as how dangerous it is do not assume anything just ask your vet for an answer on that one.  The simplest way to deal with this is to clean up the stool so it is not available.  The puppy will most likely grow out of the habit once it isn't available.  If you wish to deal directly with extinguishing or discouraging the behavior you can use the ONE, TWO, GOOD DOG! protocol in the following manner.
Set up the situation where the dog is under your control, usually on a lead and make the stool available to it to attempt to eat.  When the pup goes to pickup the stool use a loud firm short "a" sound "AAAAAAH" and a slight pull on the lead to separate the dog from its activity.  When the dog hears and responds to your "AAAAAH" by stopping the activity then praise vocally immediately with a firm strong reassuring "Gooooood Dog" or something similar accompanied by firm pats on the chest and sides.  This entire process should take no more than a couple seconds with the praise continuing for another 2 to 4 seconds.  Repeat.  You should get 15 or more reps of this in 3 to 5 minutes.  When the dog no longer attempts to eat the stool then present it to its mouth either by physically moving the dogs head to the stool or by picking up the stool and presenting it to the dog and continue the process until you get the 15 reps. (rubber gloves will be necessary for the later)  Once the dog has been through this exercise you can continue the process whenever your dog is presented with the opportunity to go near or eat stool.  Do not wait until it is back in the habit of eating it.  Look for as many opportunities as possible to reward the dog with praise for NOT eating stool when it is available.
Here is how the ONE, TWO, GOOD DOG! protocol fits:  The "AAAAAH" and/or lead pull causing the dog to not eat stool (ONE),  The dog not eating it (TWO) Praise (GOOD DOG)
For further information on the ONE, TWO, GOOD DOG! protocol you can purchase my booklet at:
http://invincibleservices.com/html/one__two_good_dog_.html
Call with any questions: DR. Hogan 509-991-0385 until 10 pm pacific