Why do dogs roll in poo?

16 Jan | Posted by Holly Keeling | no comments | Dogs, fox, polling, poo, puppy, roll

This has to be, hands down, the grossest thing that comes with dog ownership. But why do dogs roll in poo? The short answer is, nobody really knows for sure. But my favourite explanation I’ve heard  is that they do it to cover themselves in the smell of their prey so that they can get closer to their unsuspecting victim to be able to catch them. That makes a little sense to me. But maybe at the end of the day they just love the smell. Even so, I don’t think my dog would do it if she realised that it involved a bath every time, just for 5 seconds of fun.

My little boys have a funny book called ‘Smelly Louie’ about a dog (that coincidentally looks just like our dog) that hates being washed and spends all his time trying to find things to roll in to remove the smell of the roses and apple blossom shampoo his owners had used on him. Ultimately the book ends with him needing another bath. Perhaps that’s it, our dogs don’t like the smell of the shampoo’s we use!

My dog seems particularly keen on Fox poo. Especially at certain times of the year, when it must be extra sweet, as she’ll go through bouts of rolling lots then not at all for months. I put it down to something like mating season but don’t quote me on that. Anyway, what can you do to stop them? if you’re near your dog then teaching them a solid ‘leave’ command can really help. If you’re further away a solid recall is more efficient and faster.

Do any of you know why dogs roll in poo? Does anyone else’s dog always decode to roll right at the end of a walk so you’re late for work? Rah!

Also let me know if there is anything you’d like me to cover in future blogs. But for now, have fun with your dogs!