Why Do Dogs Roll in Smelly Stuff?

Has your dog ever come across an animal carcass or a pile of poop, then gleefully rolled in it? Many dogs delight in rolling in dead things, garbage, and other smelly items. It’s not only disgusting, but it’s also confusing. Why do dogs roll in stinky stuff? Is it canine communication, an attempt to disguise their own scent, or simply a form of entertainment? Scientists don’t have a definitive answer, but several intriguing theories may help explain this pungent behavior.

In This Article

• • Hunting Instincts
  • Predator Avoidance
  • Scent Marking
  • Enjoying Novel Odors
  • Preventing The Behavior
  • FAQs About Dog Rolling Behavior

Could Rolling Help Dogs Hunt?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a definitive answer for why dogs roll in stinky stuff. But wolves also roll in dead animals, poop, and other strong odors. Because wolves share a common ancestor with dogs, scientists often look to wolf behavior for clues.

One popular theory suggests that wolves, and therefore dogs, roll in odors to disguise their own scent. The idea is that it might be easier to sneak up on prey if you smell like a carcass instead of a predator.

However, this explanation has weaknesses. Rachel Lane, M.Sc., CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, owner of Leash & Learn Dog Training and certified behavior consultant, points out that wolves are not typically ambush predators. In addition, many prey animals rely more on movement than scent to detect danger.

When it comes to domestic dogs, Lane says that although some dogs are skilled hunters, dogs as a species are opportunistic scavengers.

“Dogs live closely with people, even street dogs, and they are more likely to find a food source scavenging than hunting. A scavenger has no need to disguise its own smell because they are not ambushing or trailing prey.”

Is Rolling a Way to Avoid Predators?

Another possibility is that dogs roll in strong odors to hide their scent from animals that might hunt them. But this theory also has flaws.

If the behavior originated with wolves, it’s difficult to see the benefit. Wolves are apex predators and generally face little threat from other animals. In addition, research published in the Canadian Journal of Zoology found that wolves preferred rolling in scents such as perfume and motor oil, even over sheep manure or pork. Smelling like something unusual in the environment would hardly seem to make them less noticeable.

Lane also points out that the behavior itself may be risky. “While rolling in something smelly, the wolf or dog becomes vulnerable to attack from a predator due to its gross movements and sometimes loud vocalizations.”

Are Dogs Marking Their Discovery?

Some people wonder whether dogs roll on smelly items to cover them with their own scent, much like cats rub their faces on furniture. By depositing their odor on an object, a dog could theoretically claim ownership and discourage others from approaching.
However, dogs typically roll with their backs and shoulders rather than using scent-producing areas such as their anal glands. In addition, dogs already have highly effective ways to mark territory.

“When dogs mark with urine and feces, they are mostly communicating with other dogs, and usually this type of marking is pretty precise. It’s used to tell other dogs, ‘This is mine.’”

If dogs wanted to claim an object, urine or fecal marking would be far more direct and efficient. Rolling also causes them to pick up the object’s odor, potentially diluting their own scent signal.

Do Dogs Simply Enjoy It?

There’s also a simpler possibility: dogs may roll in stinky things because they enjoy it.

Even if the behavior originally served an evolutionary purpose, domestication may have transformed it into a pleasurable activity. Just as people enjoy engaging forms of entertainment, dogs may find unusual scents fascinating and rewarding.

Lane says, “When they come across a novel, strong, stinky scent, they might be thrilled to have found something so fun to interact with. Dogs’ sense of smell is incredibly strong when compared to a person’s sense of smell, and they may delight in an unexpected enrichment activity that they happened to stumble upon.”

How Can You Stop Your Dog From Rolling in Smelly Things?

When it comes to preventing your dog from rolling in something foul-smelling, management is your best strategy.

Stay alert in locations where strong odors are common, such as farms, wooded trails, or areas frequented by wildlife. Keeping your dog on leash and watching their body language can help you intervene before they dive into something unpleasant.

Lane also recommends training cues that allow you to interrupt the behavior before it starts.
“Teaching a strong ‘leave it’ allows you to cue your dog from far away to not roll in the stinky smell. A good recall is also an effective way to interrupt and redirect a dog about to roll in something smelly.”

If you catch your dog in the act, calmly move them away from the odor source and put them on a leash if necessary. And if they’ve already coated themselves in the smell, a thorough bath will likely be unavoidable.

Lane notes that the behavior itself is usually harmless. If the substance isn’t dangerous and the smell doesn’t bother you too much, allowing your dog to finish rolling is unlikely to cause any harm beyond the need for grooming afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions