ROLLING-IN STINKINESS ?

". . .oops I smell someone looking at
my nose...!"

 We all need to be aware, and to continue to  
remember  a dog's sense of smell is much more sensitive than our human senses! Therefore, humans have different ideas about what smells "nice."  Most dogs have the indulging instinct to roll on grass, and to roll in things with pungent odors. Why?
Their very acute canine smelling senses drive them to change their personal body odor to a 
more earthier scent.  


My dogs are exercised, walked, and taken to run often.  Therefore, the chances of their rolling on something "nice" for them will happen.  So, I became more cognizant of where, how, when, and what they were about to roll on, and  took the following into consideration:
     1.  Minimize the dogs chances of being 
          around garbage or carcasses of sorts.
     2.  Hold  a firm, but loose leash, as the  
          rolling  instinct happened.  Timed for a
          short rolling and removed the dog off.
     3. Talk to the dog before the rolling
         occurred, creating an interesting 
         distraction for the dog.

". . . so earthy, so good . ."

Interestingly,  certain  human actions cause  dogs  to roll in pungent odors.  Some of them are:
       1.   Giving the dog a scented bath.
             Humans  think their dog will 
             smell wonderful.  The dog after the
             scented bath will more than likely,
             "race" around the house, or yard to
             get rid of the fragrance.  They will rub

". . . I'm primp and perfumed, 
but, guess where I'm going. . .
once the outdoors are open to me!.

             their faces on furniture, or the lawn to get the scent off.


  2. Humans 
      purchase 
      dog colognes or
      floral scents to
      improve, or add
      a pretty or 
      handsome
      smell to their
      dog.  Where does
      the dog head for?
      They  will find 
      scents "more to
      their liking!"
      Guess where?  

" . . . I may look "dead" but I am ALIVE & HAPPY
rolling, rolling rolling in my element. . . "

Scented shampoo, and fancy cologne, will be too strong and will drive a dog crazy!
Crazy enough to seek-out the smelliest thing 
found outdoors to rid of the shampoo or cologne fragrance.


Other theories have been made as to what 
motivates dogs to roll in pungent odor:
       1.  Instinctive behavior inherited from 
            wolf ancestors.  Wolves are known to 
            roll in decomposing animal bodies to 
            cover-up their own scent.  Reason:  when
            they sneak-up on their prey, they will not
            be easily scented as wolves.  
            Dogs, when rolling in "garbage" is 
            practicing this same hunting behavior.


        2. Pack behavior cause dogs to roll in stink
            to let other dogs know about their 
            rewards.   A way of informing other 
            pack members as to what's happening to 
            them personally.  A manner of  
            communicating their accomplishments.
            
         3.To claim what is "mine" behavior.  Dogs
            will roll on something to "mark"
            ownership.  By putting their own scent
            on something, so no other dog or animal 
            will claim it.


         4.  An odor, is simply  attractive to dogs, 
             and by rolling in it, all acute canine 
             senses will be "excited."  A dog high!


It's important to accept indulging dog instincts.  So please, if your dog has the tendency to rolling in things with disgusting odors...ITS  NOT  GOOD   TO  PUNISH YOUR
DOG, as it is their normal instinctive behavior
to prefer,  the "earthier" smell.

". . . it's not itchy, it's  so earthy great. . . "