Rolling in poop.
The majority of dog owners will know that feeling of dread as their dog stops, takes a deep sniff and then almost in slow motion puts one shoulder on the ground, followed by another and then for full furry mushy poop affect their whole bodies. And that smell of Eau de poop can last for days, even with bathing. Just for your enjoyment. What a thoughtful Rover you own.
Thats Cedric, rolling for purely photographic purposes. He is one of the few who doesn’t bother with Eau de poop.
But why does your dog feel the need to do such a disgusting act?
Nobody knows for sure, but a lot of doggie experts believe it is a throw back to your dog’s ancestry. Prey animals rely on their olfactory senses and so disguising his or her doggy smell in your dog’s mind will assist in the hunting of dinner. Just because your pet doesn’t hunt isn’t to say the instinct to roll isn’t still locked up in his or her psyche.
Of course, it can also become a habit as with any behaviour. Roll = the two-legged chasing me around in a fabulous game of tag. Instant reward for Rover.
And don’t be fooled. A lot of dogs will roll on other types of smelly objects, not just poop. Rotting carcass is a particular favourite. Some dogs even take their new stinky toy with them. Here at Poppy and Pals, we have had the dubious pleasure of walking a dog who, once finding a stinky poop, would roll, then carry it with her before dropping it and rolling on it again. The whole walk. Oh, taking her home in full glorious summer was always a delightful task.
Coming soon… How to live with a dog that rolls in poop. Tips and tricks to take the stink away.
