What's so good about rolling in poo & other stinky stuff?


Why does my dog roll in poop, dead stuff, pond sludge and other generally stinky stuff?

Veterinary behaviourists have considered this very question for many years, however, no absolute and conclusive reason has been found.  However there are several theories.  

Theories  

Number 1:

They are trying to put their scent on the object. 

This theory is difficult to believe.  I would assume the dog would just pee on the object instead as they frequently urine mark for everything else in the canine world.  

Number 2:

The dog is trying to disguise their scent, so that they are better able to sneak up on their prey.

This theory is more believable than Number 1.  However, most prey animals that a dog or even wolf would be sneaking up on use visual or aural (sights and sounds) to detect predators.

Number 3:

Bringing back the “interesting” odour to other family members.  

This one does have some backing based on some Wolf research performed by Pat Goodman who is a research associate and curator of Wolf Park.

Wolf Research

Pat studied the scent rolling habits of the wolves (housed in a semi-natural wolf reserve).

During her study she found that “scent rolling is probably a way to bring information back to the pack”. 

The wolves, would first sniff, and then roll – focusing on anointing the face and neck areas with novel odours.  

Novel odours that were tested and wolves rolled in included:
  • Cat
  • Elk
  • Mouse
  • Hog
  • Fish Sandwich with tartar sauce
  • Fly repellent
  • Halt! Dog Repellent
  • Mint extract
  • Old Spice
  • Chanel No.5
 

Pat Goodman reported when the wolf arrived back at its pack they smelled the scent, and often followed the scent back to its origin.
Number 4:

It makes the dog more appealing to other dogs.

This could be true.  Just as we use perfumes and colognes for this purpose dogs may do this too. 

Number 5: 

To camouflage a smell about themselves that they don’t like.

How many times have you washed your dog with the lovely apple and rose shampoo, only to have them race out into the yard and roll around in a dead slug?

I often wonder how much the smell of the designer doggy shampoos must smell to a dog and how over powering they might be.  

Consider the number of sensory olfactory receptor sites of a human (6 million) compared to that of a beagle with (>300 million).  That poor beagle nose is going to smell that highly fragrant shampoo with a smellability (technical term) 50 times greater than you. WOW! 

So I love this quote:

“It’s hard to harmonize in nature when you smell like a basket of potpourri”. (Hall 2014)

What you can do?

  

To be honest, unless you are supervising your dog all the time, they are going to occasionally roll in something less than desirable for our noses.  

When out on a walk, use a magic device that is designed to keep your dog close to you... a leash.  And when I say leash, I’m not talking about a retractable leash or long line.  I mean a leash no longer than 2 m.  Keep your eyes open and be aware of what is around you.  Look ahead for the dead road kill, the stinky fish head etc, and be ready to ask your dog to look at you or leave it.

REWARD them when they do so. 

Teach a reliable Leave It cue.   

If you are going to allow your dog off-leash time at the dog park (mmm dog poo to roll in), the beach (dead fish, dodgy seaweed, pelican poo), a forest walk (possum poo, dead stuff) or at a property or farm (horse poo, cow manure, dead stuff), make sure you have taught your dog a reliable recall.

NEVER punish your dog for rolling in stuff.  It won’t teach your dog anything, other than that you are a giant unpredictable ogre.
  

References:

 

BECKER, Marty. 'Why Does My Dog Roll Around In Stinky Stuff?'. Vetstreet. N.p., 2011. Web. 6 July 2015.

 

BENEL, Jolanta. 'Gross Things Dogs Do'. Quick and Dirty Tips. N.p., 2011. Web. 6 July 2015.

 

COREN, Stanley. 'Why Do Dogs Roll In Garbage, Manure, Or Other Smelly Stuff?'. Psychology Today. N.p., 2009. Web. 6 July 2015.

 

HALL, Chris, Michael Leaverton, and Theresa Cramer. 'Let's Talk: Does Your Dog Love To Roll In Stinky Things? - Dogster'. Dogster. N.p., 2014. Web. 6 July 2015.

 

HANDLEMAN, Barbara,. 2008 Canine Behaviour  [eBook]. Wenatchee, WA: Wolf and Word Press. Available via: Dogwise 

 

HOROWITZ, A., 2010, Inside of a Dog What Dogs See, Smell and Know. UK: CPI Mackays

McConnell, Patricia. 'Why Do Dogs Roll In Disgusting Stuff?'. Patriciamcconnell.com. N.p., 2015. Web. 6 July 2015.

 

YIN, Sophia. 'Scent Rolling: Why Do Dogs Like To Roll In Smelly Scents?'. Dr. Sophia Yin. N.p., 2011. Web. 6 July 2015.