How to Get Your Teen to Pick Up the Dog’s Poop (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you’ve ever handed your teenager a dog poop bag and gotten the look—that eye-roll-and-sigh combo of disgust and defiance—you’re not alone. Most teens would rather reorganize their entire closet than bend down in public with a bag in hand.

But here’s the thing: picking up after your dog isn’t just about poop. It’s about teaching responsibility, respect, and yes—keeping the peace in the neighborhood.

So how do you convince your teen to actually do it (without endless nagging)? Try these five strategies:

1. Respect Them Enough to Be Straightforward

Teens can smell fake from a mile away. Skip the “because I said so” routine and be direct:

“Owning a dog means cleaning up after it. It’s part of being responsible, and the neighbors notice.”

When you talk to them like an almost-adult, they’re far more likely to rise to the challenge.

2. Connect It to Independence

Nothing motivates a teen like freedom. Show them that responsibility comes with perks:

“If you handle the walks (bags included) without reminders, you’ll earn more trust and freedom elsewhere.”

Maybe that means solo walks, later curfews, or fewer check-ins. It’s not bribery—it’s a lesson in how responsibility builds independence.

3. Make It Foolproof

If there’s an obstacle, they’ll use it as an excuse. Remove the friction:

• Clip a bag holder to the leash.

• Keep sanitizer by the door.

• Choose routes with trash bins.

When everything they need is right there, the chore stops feeling like a battle.

4. Admit the “Gross Factor”

Let’s be honest—poop is gross. Your teen isn’t wrong about that. Instead of dismissing it, acknowledge it:

“Yeah, it’s disgusting. That’s exactly why nobody wants to step in it.”

Point out that every dog owner deals with it. They may roll their eyes, but they’ll also understand it’s just part of being a decent human.

5. Hand Over Real Ownership

Teens crave control. Give them ownership of the process:

• Let them set the walk schedule.

• Decide who scoops and who handles another dog duty.

• For older teens, even draft a simple agreement.

The more it feels like their responsibility—not just another chore—you assigned, the more likely they’ll stick with it.

The Bigger Picture

Getting your teen to scoop poop isn’t about the bag. It’s about raising someone who understands that responsibility and independence go hand in hand.

Will they grumble? Absolutely. Will you still get an eye-roll or two? Of course. But when they grab the bag without being asked, you’ll know you’ve won a bigger victory: raising a young adult who can handle the messy parts of life with maturity.

Need Help Beyond the Backyard?

If your community is struggling with pet waste, CoPS on Doody can help. We build customized proposals for boards and associations throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Metro Maryland, and surrounding counties.

Need a proposal for your board packet? We’ll create one for you—bags, service, cleanup, and peace of mind included.