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If you are a dog owner then you must have witnessed the bewildering, unhygienic act where your dog rolls around in something smelly. Whether it is a piece of grass with an odd stench, a heap of leaves covering some decaying matter, or worse, feces, dogs appear to be inexplicably drawn to stench. But why do they do it? What is it about exchanging their own natural doggy smell for one which has people running for the soap?
It is now time to look at the evolutionary, behavioral, and sensory causes of this strange activity and what it means for our dogs.
The Evolutionary Roots: A Nostalgia of Their Primitive Origins
To understand why dogs roll in smelly things, we must first look to their ancestors: wolves. Wolves in the wild roll in strong or unusual scents for several reasons, most of which are related to survival and communication.
1. Camouflage
The two most common theories are that wolves roll in stinky things to cover up their own smell. This could help them to get closer to their prey without being easily noticed by the prey. They may minimize the chances of being easily spotted by using their natural smell to mask it with that of rotting carcass or that of another animal.
Although the dogs that we have as pets do not have to hunt for food anymore, this instinct may still be present. If your dog rolls on the ground and stinks like earth or any other bad smell, then they could be subconsciously using one of the oldest tricks in the book.
2. Marking and Communication
Another theory as to why Dogs Roll in Smelly Things is that it assists the wolves to convey a message to their pack. If a wolf goes out in search of something that has caught its attention (for instance, a fresh kill or a new trail), the scent that it brings back informs the pack, “Hey, there is something exciting here, follow me.”
On the same note, your dog may be playing the role of a small investigator and comes back with proofs of their findings to the human pack. We may not like it, but to your dog, it is like sharing interesting information.
The Sensory Appeal: A Nose for Adventure
Dogs are known to be animals that depend mostly on the sense of smell in order to understand the environment. They have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, while people have no more than 5 million of them. This makes them have a very close and detailed perception of smells as compared to the other senses. That which we consider as smelling bad may be a source of complexity and interest to a dog.
1. Curiosity and Stimulation
New or powerful smells help dogs to get sensory stimulation when they roll on it. The act itself may be pleasurable and it can help them to break the monotonous environment they are in. It may also be the case that dogs are intrigued by novelty, and the smell of a strong odor such as the smell of another animal, decaying leaves, or trash, etc.
2. Scent Identity
Scent is the kind of language that dogs use and it is a form of communication in itself. That is, rolling in a new smell might be their way of ‘testing’ a new identity, as we might test a new scent by wearing perfume or cologne. Perhaps this is how they express, “Hey! Look at me!” ‘Oh, have you?’ I exclaimed, ‘What is it?’ ‘I’ve found something wonderful!’
Behavioral Triggers: Boredom or Instinct?
Although it is possible to give evolutionary and sensory reasons for a lot of things, behavioral factors cannot be ruled out.
1. Boredom
A dog that is not challenged will most certainly act out or find ways to entertain itself. If your dog is not stimulated either mentally or physically, they will roam and roll in stinking stuff just to keep busy.
2. Attention-Seeking
Dogs are able to understand what elicits a response from their master within a short time span. If you are thinking why dogs roll in smelly things consistently results in a fuss – whether it is in the form of annoyance, amusement, or a quick dash to the tub – they may start rolling for attention.
3. Instinctual Gratification
There are some behaviors that are innate in dogs such as digging, chewing and rolling. Such instinctual acts give pleasure even when there is no ‘rational’ cause for it to do so. Scooping up stinky items might just be enjoyable to your dog on a primal level.
How to Manage the Behavior
If your dog is developing a penchant for stinky perfumes, you’ll be glad to know that this behavior is not impossible to manage and redirect.
1. Training and Commands
Teaching your dog a strong recall or “leave it” command can be invaluable: I remember when I was walking my dog and she got into the trash. When you notice them begin to move toward a potentially dangerous area, use these commands to turn their heads.
2. Provide Enrichment
Prevent boredom by ensuring your dog has plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Regular walks, interactive toys, and training sessions can all help reduce their urge to seek out smelly adventures. Additionally, incorporating activities that improve their physical fitness, like exercises that focus on strengthening their muscles, can be beneficial. (For tips, check out How Can I Strengthen My Dog’s Back Legs.)
3. Control the Environment
If possible, try to avoid taking your dog to places that he or she may be able to smell things like trash cans or fields where animals have defecated. It also helps to keep them on a leash in these areas.
4. Bathing and Grooming
If your Dogs Roll in Smelly Things, you should make sure that you have a good quality dog shampoo. Remember to wash them well because some of the smells may be really persistent and you find them all over their coat. In the long run, such bathing after these incidents may help change their behavior and prevent them from engaging in the act.
Embracing the Quirks
Finally, rolling in smelly things is but one of the funny behaviors that make dogs stand out. It may be uncomfortable (and even repulsive) to us but we have to bear in mind that this behavior is innate in them and their perception of the world.
Knowing why your dog does this will make it easier for you to tackle the issue with a lot of patience and laughter. Still, these moments – as chaotic as they may be – are some of the joys that come with having a dog. So, the next time your pup dives headfirst into a particularly smelly patch of grass, take a deep breath (upwind, of course) and remember: they’re just being true to themselves and being adventurous.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the reason behind why Dogs Roll in Smelly Things?
Dogs roll in stinky things because of inherited genes from their ancestors that were wild animals. It could be for hiding, signaling to their pack or for fun and entertainment.
2. What can I do to prevent my dog from rolling in stinky stuff?
Teach your dog not to take things with commands such as ‘leave it’ and engage its brain. Confine them to areas that are dangerous and distract them when they appear to be attracted to the stench.
3. Is rolling in smelly things toxic to dogs?
Although the behavior per se is not dangerous, the substances they roll in may have bacteria, parasites or toxins that are dangerous to their health. It is also important to wash your dog after grooming to avoid making it sick in any way.
