Why Does My Dog Roll in the Dirt?
Have you ever bathed your dog to discover them outside rolling in the dirt again? It happens more times than you know! You may be wondering why your four-legged friend rolls around in the ground in the first place. Continue reading to learn more about this behavior and what you can do about it.
- Hiding Smell – Dogs’ survival instinct is to roll around in the mud to cover their scent. It isn’t just mud or dirt either. Dogs will roll on freshly mowed grass and anything that will help them blend in with the environment.
- Leaving Scent – Dogs may roll around to leave their scents on the dirt in an opposite behavior. Dogs are territorial and will mark their territory through urine, spraying, and rolling their bodies on it.
- Scratch the Itch – Instincts aside, your dog may have an itch on its back. By rolling in the dirt, your dog will scratch the itch away.
- Cool Down – It may be a hot day in the summer, and your four-legged friend finds a dirt mound or mud puddle to roll around in. This will help them cool down. Keep in mind that it is best to take them to a shaded area if they are doing this.
- Behavior – Rolling in the dirt can become a learned behavior. If you see your dog doing this, do not laugh or reward the behavior. Allow some time for the dog to learn that it will not get your attention if it rolls around in the dirt.
You may think that your dog rolling in the dirt is a harmless activity. However, some problems come along with it. For example, ticks and fleas can live on the ground. It would be easy for ticks and fleas to latch on your dog. In addition, there are other things like chemicals and animal waste that cause problems. Be proactive in teaching your dog not to roll around in the dirt. It will save so much stress in the long run.
