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Dog of the Day: Pumpkin!

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Why Do Dogs Love to Roll in Stinky Things?

If you’ve ever watched your dog gleefully roll around in something foul-smelling, you’ve likely asked yourself, Why on earth do they do this? While it may be puzzling (and unpleasant) to humans, this behavior is perfectly natural for dogs. Here’s a closer look at why dogs love to get smelly.

1. Instinctual Behavior

Rolling in smelly things, such as dead animals, feces, or garbage, is thought to be an instinctive behavior inherited from wild ancestors like wolves. Wolves sometimes roll in strong odors to mask their own scent, making it easier to hunt prey or avoid detection by predators.

2. Communication Tool

Dogs use scent as a primary form of communication. Rolling in something stinky may serve as a way to carry that smell back to their pack. Other dogs can sniff them and understand where they’ve been or what they’ve encountered, creating a shared "scent story."

3. Scent Enrichment

Strong, unusual odors might simply be interesting and stimulating to your dog. Their sense of smell is up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours, so the stink that repels us is a fascinating, enriching experience for them.

4. Territory Marking

Dogs may also roll in stinky things to claim the scent as their own. By rubbing their fur on it, they mix their personal scent with the smell, marking the area as part of their territory.

How to Manage the Behavior

While rolling in stinky things is natural for dogs, it can be frustrating for pet owners. Here are a few tips to minimize this behavior:

• Supervise outdoor time: Keep a close eye on your dog, especially in areas where stinky things may be present.
• Redirect their attention: If they start to roll, call them away and offer a toy or treat.
• Frequent baths: Use dog-safe shampoos to clean your pup when they inevitably find something smelly.

Although rolling in stinky things might not make sense to humans, it’s deeply rooted in a dog’s natural instincts. Understanding this behavior can help you manage it and appreciate the unique quirks of your furry friend.

References

1. Coren, S. (2019). Why Dogs Love to Roll in Stinky Stuff. Psychology Today. Retrieved from psychologytoday.com.
2. PetMD. (2023). Why Does My Dog Roll in Poop? Retrieved from petmd.com.
3. American Kennel Club (AKC). (2023). Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Things? Retrieved from akc.org.

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