Why Does My Dog Roll in Fox Poo! It stinks but they seem to love the stuff.

Dogs are descendants of wild canines like wolves, and although domesticated in modern times many of their behaviours remain firmly inherited from there once wild ancestors. Rolling in strong-smelling substances like fox poo is thought to be one such instinctual behaviour. Sorry!

In the wild, canines might roll in the scent of other animals or organic materials to mask their own smell. This can be a hunting tactic, making it easier for them to approach prey unnoticed. 

Even though your domestic dog doesn’t need to hunt for its dinner, these ancient instincts are still very much alive, as I am sure you are all too well aware. 

Communicating with the Pack

Another theory suggests that rolling in fox poo could be a way for dogs to communicate with their pack. In the wild, wolves might roll in a strong smell and then return to the pack, carrying the scent with them. This could serve as a form of communication, sharing information about the environment. When your dog rolls in fox poo, it might just be trying to tell you, "Look what I found!"—even if you’re not exactly thrilled by the discovery.

The Appeal of Strong Scents

From a human perspective, fox poo smells terrible. But to your dog, the scent might be fascinating or even irresistible. Dogs have an incredibly keen sense of smell—up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. What smells awful to us might smell complex and interesting to them. Rolling in such scents could simply be a way for dogs to engage with their environment in a sensory-rich way.

There is no magic cure and just like the Raw Dog Food Diet that Nurturing by Nature produce the best advise is to invest time to learn your pet's natural behaviours. While it’s natural for dogs to roll in fox poo, it’s not something most owners are keen to encourage. By investing time to understand their behaviour traits, there are ways you can manage and reduce this behaviour:

1. Training: Teaching your dog the “leave it” command can be effective in preventing them from rolling in unwanted substances. Consistent training is key.


2. Supervision: Keep an eye on your dog during walks, especially in areas where foxes are known to roam. If you see your dog showing interest in something suspicious, redirect their attention with a toy or treat.


3. Bathing: If your dog does manage to roll in fox poo, a thorough bath with a dog-safe shampoo is essential. You might also want to consider using a deodorising shampoo specifically designed for strong odours.

Understanding why your dog rolls in fox poo can help you manage this behaviour more effectively. While it’s rooted in natural instincts, with some training and supervision, you can reduce the chances of it happening. Remember, your dog isn’t doing it to annoy you—they’re just following their nose and instincts!

Further Reading

If you're interested in learning more about your dog's behaviour, check out our articles on other common but puzzling behaviours, like why your dog drinks from puddles. Understanding your pet's instincts can deepen your bond and help you navigate these quirky habits with patience and understanding.

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