Why does my dog roll in poop and other stinky stuff?

Most dogs love to roll in stinky substances that repulse humans. It is a natural behavior to them, and usually a way to mask their own scent. Rolling in something with a strong smell makes your dog feel invisible and sneaky.

Other reasons for rolling in something smelly can be to get rid of the scent of shampoo, or to tell his pack – might be you – where they’ve been and about what they found. It might also be an attempt to leave their own scent behind, saying, “I was here.”

This is a very difficult behavior to curb. Limit the dog’s opportunities – keep the yard as clean as possible, and when leash walking, keep an eye out for dead animals and mud. Praise your dog when leaving it alone.