Why Dogs Roll in Dirt
The truth is, rolling in dirt is a natural and instinctual behaviour for dogs that dates back to their wolf ancestors. It serves several purposes, such as masking their scent from prey or other animals, relieving itching or skin irritation, and even expressing their playful personality.
Additionally, some dogs may roll in specific substances, such as manure or dead animals, to cover up their own scent and disguise themselves while hunting. This behaviour is also a way for dogs to mark their territory and spread their scent, signalling to other animals that the area is occupied.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all dogs engage in this behaviour, and it may vary depending on breed, personality, and individual experiences. Understanding the instincts behind dirty rolls can help us appreciate and accept this quirky canine behaviour.
Below are the most common reasons why dogs love to roll around in the dirt:
To Hide Their Scent
Wild dog species, like coyotes and wolves, roll in the dirt to mask their scent from predators. It’s a survival instinct that’s ingrained in them. Despite your dog being domesticated, this survival instinct is still present.
Along with dirt and mud, dogs roll in the grass or anything organic that could possibly hide their smell. If you’ve ever watched a dog on the farm, you’ll know that this includes rolling in the stinkiest poo possible. Your dog’s not doing it to irritate you; he’s acting on a hard-wired instinct.
It doesn’t matter whether there’s an actual predator in the vicinity. In your dog’s mind, there is or will be some time in the future.
To Leave Their Scent
Just like dogs roll in the dirt to mask their scent, they also do it to mark territory and leave their scent behind. It’s the complete opposite reason from the first, but it’s still an instinctive act.
Dogs are pack creatures and territorial by nature. They like their space, and they like to let other animals know where it is. They mark this territory through urine spraying and rolling around on it to protect what’s theirs.
When dogs leave their scent, it lets other animals know that the spot has been claimed. You may find your dog rolls in the dirt more frequently when around other dogs. This is why.
To Cool Off
Dogs roll more often in the summer months because they do it to cool themselves off. Mud is particularly useful for this purpose. As the water evaporates from the dirt, it acts as a cooling mechanism for your dog. Since dogs don’t sweat, they find other ways to stay cool.
If you find your dog seeking water or mud to cool off, it’s imperative to find them a well-ventilated, shaded area to lie in. This behaviour can be a sign of impending heat stroke and that your dog desperately needs to cool off.
To Scratch
Sometimes dogs roll in the dirt to scratch an itch. It’s similar to how a human might use a wall corner to get that spot on their back that they can’t reach. Dogs can’t reach all the itchy spots on their body either, so rolling is a good way to tackle an itch problem.
It’s not a bad idea to check your dog for bugs, like fleas or ticks that could be making them itchy. Shedding can make dogs itchy, too, especially if you have a dog that “blows out” their winter and summer coats. Some extra grooming should do the trick and stop your dog from rolling excessively.
A Learned Behavior
Occasionally, rolling in the dirt is the result of learned behaviour. If you think there’s no possible way you could have taught your dog to roll, you could be wrong. Most times, it’s completely accidental, but owner awareness is the key to reversing it.
If you’ve ever found yourself laughing at your dog, petting them, or even making loud noises while they’re rolling, your dog might think you like it. If something gets your attention, your dog is likely to continue doing it. This is the basic principle of positive reinforcement. When rolling in the dirt, your dog gets attention, so they repeat the behaviour to get more attention.
It’s not the worst thing you can teach your dog. It’s possible that simply ignoring your dog during rolling will be enough to teach them that it is no longer a rewarding behaviour.
How to Stop Your Dog Rolling in Dirt
If your dog is obsessed with rolling around in the dirt and you’re tired of cleaning up the mess, there are a few things you can do to stop it.
Keep Your Dog On A Leash
While it doesn’t alter your dog’s instincts or desire to roll in the dirt, keeping your dog on a leash is the easiest way to keep them clean.
Check Your Dog’s Skin
Dogs with irritated, itchy skin will roll around to try and get relief. Check your dog for insects, redness, swelling, or dry patches. If you have any concerns about your dog’s skin condition, consult your veterinarian on how to deal with it.
Give Regular Baths
Giving your dog baths on a regular basis will help wash off any outdoor irritants they’ve come in contact with. It can also help cool your dog down during the hot summer months so they don’t attempt to cool off in the dirt instead.
Train Your Dog Away From Rolling
Training is always the answer if you’re looking for a permanent solution for your dog’s behaviour. Utilize positive reinforcement techniques to encourage your dog to stop rolling. While it takes time, this is the only real way to fix it.
Conclusion
Dogs rolling in dirt may seem strange to us, but it’s a natural behaviour that provides them with a variety of benefits. From masking their scent to relieving itching, dogs have been rolling in dirt for centuries, and it’s a part of their instinctual nature.
By understanding why dogs roll in dirt, we can appreciate this quirky behaviour and allow our furry friends to enjoy the simple joys of life. Whether they’re rolling in a freshly-cut lawn or a pile of dirt, it’s a unique way for dogs to express their playful personality and have a little fun. So next time you see your dog rolling in the dirt, just sit back and enjoy the show!
