We’ve all witnessed it – the moment our beloved fur kid spots a pile of poop or encounters a pungent, foul-smelling object and immediately dives right in, rolling around with sheer delight. As baffling as it may seem to us humans, there are a couple of fascinating explanations behind why dogs engage in this seemingly repulsive behavior. In this article, we’ll delve into the 5 fascinating reasons why dogs roll in poop and smelly things alike.
5 Reasons Behind Why Dogs Roll In Poop And Smelly Things
1. Dates back to their ancestry
Imagine you’re hiking with your dog in the woods, and he suddenly starts rolling in deer droppings. While it may be an unpleasant sight and smell for you, your dog is simply following his ancestral instincts. Dogs are descended from wolves and other wild canines, and rolling in poop is a behavior that dates back to their wild ancestry.
In the wild, dogs would roll in the feces of their prey to mask their scent and avoid detection by other predators. This behavior also helped to bring the scent of their prey back to their pack, signaling the location of food. While domesticated dogs may not need to hunt for their food, this instinctual behavior is still deeply ingrained in their DNA.
2. To communicate with other dogs
If you take your dog to the dog park, you may notice that he rolls in the feces of other dogs. While it may seem gross to us, your dog is simply trying to communicate with his furry friends. Dogs are social animals, and scent plays a significant role in their communication with other dogs.
By rolling in poop, dogs are not only masking their own scent, but they are also leaving their own scent behind. This scent can communicate a lot of information to other dogs, such as their age, gender, and even their emotional state.
3. To explore the world
Dogs experience the world through their senses, and rolling in poop and eating poop is one way for them to explore their environment. Feces can carry a wealth of information about the animal that produced it, including their diet, health, and even their emotional state. By rolling in poop, dogs are not only gathering information, but they are also leaving their own scent behind, marking their presence in the area.
If you take your dog on a walk and he starts sniffing around a pile of poop, he may be trying to gather information about the animal that produced it. And if he decides to roll in it, he’s not only gathering information, but he’s also leaving his own scent behind as a way to say, “I was here!”
4. To give themselves “self care”
While it may seem like a strange way to take care of oneself, rolling in poop could be a way for dogs to maintain their hygiene. Dogs have a natural instinct to clean themselves, and rolling in poop could be a way for them to remove any parasites or irritants from their fur. Additionally, rolling in poop could be a way for dogs to cool off on a hot day, as the moisture from the feces can help to regulate their body temperature.
If you have a dog with long hair, you may have noticed him rolling in the grass or dirt after a bath. This behavior is similar to rolling in poop and is a way for your dog to smell “good” since dogs are predisposed to liking pungent smells due to their heightened sense of smell.
5. To mark their territory
Dogs are territorial creatures and are innately born with a strong instinct to mark their territory. By rolling in strong-smelling substances like poop, dogs can leave their scent behind and communicate to other animals that this is their territory. This behavior is especially common in intact males, who are more likely to mark their territory than spayed or neutered dogs.
While it may seem gross to us humans, rolling in poop is a natural behavior for dogs that helps them establish their place in the world. Dogs have scent glands on their paw pads and behind their ears that they use to communicate with other dogs. If you notice your dog scratching at a dead object or rolling its head in it, it’s possible that your dog is marking its territory with its own unique scent.
4 Practical Tips To Stop Your Dog From Rolling In Poop
Dogs have a natural instinct to roll in poop, but this behavior can be frustrating and unpleasant for their human companions. Not only is it gross to be around, but it can also be a health hazard if the dog encounters harmful bacteria or parasites. If you’re looking to stop your dog from rolling in poop, there are several strategies you can try.
Ensure your dog is mentally stimulated
First, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs who are bored or under-stimulated may be more likely to engage in problematic behaviors like rolling in poop. Take your dog for regular walks and provide plenty of toys and puzzles to keep their minds busy.
Read more: How To Mentally Stimulate My Dog While At Work?
Use positive reinforcement training
Next, consider using positive reinforcement training to teach your dog to avoid poop. Whenever you see your dog approach poop without rolling in it, reward them with treats, praise, and affection. Over time, your dog will learn that avoiding poop leads to positive outcomes.
Keep dog on a leash
Another strategy is to keep your dog on a leash when you’re out on walks. This allows you to keep a close eye on them and prevent them from getting too close to poop. You can also use a “leave it” command to teach your dog to avoid tempting odors.
Spray repellent on poop
If your dog is prone to rolling in poop in your own yard, consider cleaning up the area more frequently or using a product designed to discourage dogs from approaching. There are also sprays and repellents available that can help deter dogs from rolling in poop. Or, if you prefer a natural deterrent, you could consider putting hot sauce or vinegar on the droppings to leave a “bad” taste in their mouth.
Do note that punishment is not an effective strategy for stopping this behavior. Yelling at your dog or physically punishing them can lead to fear and aggression, and may actually make the problem worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and prevention strategies to teach your dog to avoid poop.
In some cases, rolling in poop may be a sign of an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. If you’ve tried these strategies and your dog continues to roll in poop, it may be worth consulting with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address the root cause of the behavior.
Read more: The Dirty Truth Behind Why Dogs Eat Poop
Final Thoughts
Stopping dogs from rolling in poop can be a challenging but achievable goal. There are different ways to curb and restrict your dog from rolling in dirt and animal droppings. Remember to be patient and consistent, and avoid punishing your dog for their natural instincts. With time and effort, you can break this habit and enjoy a cleaner, more pleasant relationship with your furry friend. Hope this helps!