Why Does My Dog Roll in Smelly Things

Have you just bathed Buddy to see him run outside and roll in the first poop he sees? Why do dogs always seem to do this just after a bath and blowdry? Better yet, why do they do it at all? The thought of rolling in poop or a rotting carcass is a nightmare for most humans (we hope!). So how can our furry counterparts possible get so much pleasure from this revolting behaviour?

Well there are a few different theories that attempt to explain this unsanitary behaviour.

A less popular theory suggests that after a hunt, dogs would roll in the remains of their kill and return to the pack to signal that there is food nearby. However it was infrequent that the other dogs would backtrack their steps so perhaps this ancient tradition was more to show off their hunting and scavenging skills.

Another theory believes that dogs would roll in the feces of their prey to mask their scent. If they approached a deer smelling of venison scat and dead carrion, there was a lesser chance their prey would run. This allowed them to get closer to their prey before they made their killing move.

Thirdly, the last popular theory takes into consideration to the dog's preferred scent. While you may love the apple scented dog shampoo, Buddy may hate it or it may irritate his senses, preferring instead to reclaim a more natural Eau de Poopie odour or half decayed critter on the walk to the park.