Why does my dog roll in smelly things?

Why does my dog like to roll in smelly things, especially after a bath?

Many dog owners are surprised when nice trip to the park ends in a smelly car ride home. Dogs evolved from wolves over 15,000 years ago, and their DNA make up is almost identical. Many innate behaviors, like 'rolling.' relate to skills that were necessary for hunting.

Your dog's instinct is to mask his own scent with the odor of the environment so he won't be detected by his prey. Some behaviorists state that dogs roll in things to communicate what they have found to other dogs and to mark the territory with their own smell.

Regardless of the reason, when your dog rolls in animal feces or in dirt after a bath, it's unpleasant. However, it's also unfair to punish your dog for following his instinct. If you have a dog that likes to roll, you can manage the behavior with training.

First, identify your dog's pre-rolling activity (some circle then dive in, others smell intently then dive in). When he starts to perform the pre-roll routine, call him off with a command like 'off, 'no sniff,' or 'no' and back away from the odor using the leash to control him.

You are teaching him to retreat from a smell with a verbal command and controlling the action with the leash. Do this many times so he understands what you mean and then practice this retreating action. With practice, your dog will learn how to retreat from the smell by your command.

The desire to roll in smelling things is not present in all dogs. Some dogs refuse to step on wet pavement or grass, and some dogs prance around after a bath. Unfortunately, most dogs like to eat, lick, and roll in things that we find disgusting.

A few canine favorites include: decayed carcasses, dirty diapers, dog butt, dog poo, and animal urine. Rabbit and cat poo are delicacies and are on the top of the list. Knowing this, you may want to think twice before letting your dog lick your face when he comes in from a walk.

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