Why Do Dogs Roll in Other Dogs’ Poo? (And What You Can Do About It)

If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably experienced it: one minute your pup is trotting happily through the park, and the next, they’re diving shoulder-first into a pile of something unholy—namely, another dog’s poo. As you stare in horror, the question bubbles up: Why on earth do dogs do this?

Welcome to one of the great canine mysteries. While we may never know exactly what’s going on in their furry little heads, here’s what science, behaviorists, and a bit of common sense suggest about this particularly gross habit—and how you might prevent it.

STOPS THE SMELLS!

ECO PAWZ CLEANUP has the benefit of stopping smells… especially poo and pee smells. The 100% natural Australian diatomaceous earth and attapulgite clay specialty blend does the job of masking poo, pee, vomit and diarrhoea smells that we humans find offensive, but which dogs find curious and interesting.

Simply sprinkle ECO PAWZ CLEANUP onto the offending poo and/or pee. The wet moist feces and urine is absorbed into ECO PAWZ CLEANUP and dries up hardening the offending material, while providing superior effective odour control.

Once this removal of foul, (or interesting for your dog!) odour has occurred, your dog won’t be in a position to roll around in his own poo whether in your own lawn or in the park, outdoors. If your dog has a tendency to roll around in other doggie poop in the park, outdoors or anywhere it can be found, then bring one of our pouch bags of ECO PAWZ CLEANUP with you on your walks to sprinkle some of this 100% natural odour control powder onto what you can spot as being dog poop left by other dog owners that your dog may make a run for.

🛒 Where to Get Ecopawz Cleanup

• 📧 Email orders: ecopawz@hpgl.com.au
• 🛍️ Buy in person: Visit the
  HUDSON HOUSE CARPARK
  Managed by Wilson Parking
  131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

400g pouches available – eco-friendly, easy to store, and designed for everyday cleanup.

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The Theories Behind the Poo-Rolling Phenomenon

1. Instinct from the Wild

One popular theory suggests this is an instinctual behavior passed down from dogs’ wild ancestors like wolves. In the wild, rolling in strong smells (like excrement or decaying animals) might help mask their own scent from prey—or even competitors. Think of it as a smelly camouflage suit.

2. Communication Tool

Some experts believe dogs may roll in poo or other strong-smelling substances to carry that scent back to their pack. In essence, they’re saying, “Look what I found!” While it’s unclear how informative this is to other dogs, it’s certainly… attention-getting.

3. Scent Overload

Dogs experience the world primarily through smell. Something pungent, like another dog’s waste, can be overwhelmingly interesting to them. Rolling in it could be a way of thoroughly investigating and “collecting” the scent.

4. Marking Territory

While dogs usually mark with urine, rolling in another dog’s feces might be a way of claiming or mingling scents. It’s kind of like saying, “I was here too.”

5. They Just Like It (Sorry)

The most unsatisfying—but likely most truthful—answer? Some dogs just enjoy it. Just like some dogs love mud puddles and dead fish, others take a peculiar delight in the aroma of poop. It may gross us out, but to them, it’s simply stimulating.

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What Can You Do to Stop It?

While this behavior may be natural, that doesn’t mean you have to live with it—or wash it off every week. Here are a few ways to curb the habit:

1. Stay Vigilant

Keep a close eye on your dog during walks or off-leash playtime, especially in areas known for being frequented by other dogs.

2. Strengthen Recall Commands

Work on training a solid “leave it” or “come” command. These can help interrupt the behavior before it starts.

3. Leash Walks in High-Risk Areas

If your dog has a repeat-offender history, consider leashing them in areas where other dogs frequently go to the bathroom.

4. Clean-Up Culture

If you’re in a dog park or a frequented trail, cleaning up after your dog (and others, if you’re willing) reduces the chance your pup will find something to roll in.

5. Post-Roll Tactics

If your dog does roll in poop, act quickly. Use a dog-safe shampoo with deodorizing ingredients like baking soda or citrus. And resist the urge to use human shampoos, which can irritate a dog’s skin.

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Pheromones and Dogs – Explained Simply

Pheromones are chemical signals that animals (including dogs) release to communicate with others of the same species. Unlike sounds or body language, pheromones work through scent and are detected mainly through a special organ in the nose called the vomeronasal organ (or Jacobson’s organ).

How Dogs Use Pheromones:

1. Territorial Marking:
   Dogs release pheromones in their urine and feces to mark territory. Other dogs can “read” this information to understand who has been there, their sex, and even their emotional state.
2. Calming Signals:
   Mother dogs produce calming pheromones (called appeasing pheromones) to help puppies feel safe and secure. Synthetic versions of these (like Adaptil) are used to reduce anxiety in dogs.
3. Reproductive Communication:
   Female dogs in heat release pheromones that attract male dogs, signaling their readiness to mate.
4. Social Hierarchy & Identification:
   Dogs may rub, lick, or sniff each other’s faces or rears to gather pheromone-based information about identity, emotional state, and rank.

Human Use of Dog Pheromones:

• Calming Products: Sprays, diffusers, or collars with synthetic dog-appeasing pheromones help dogs with anxiety, especially in stressful situations like fireworks, travel, or vet visits.

Final Thoughts

Dogs rolling in other dogs’ poop is one of those behaviors that baffle and disgust us—but make perfect sense in the canine world. As strange as it seems, it’s not a sign of illness or disobedience—just part of being a dog. With a bit of training, attention, and perhaps some heavy-duty shampoo, you can help curb the behavior (and protect your car upholstery in the process).

🛒 Where to Get Ecopawz Cleanup

• 📧 Email orders: ecopawz@hpgl.com.au
• 🛍️ Buy in person: Visit the
  HUDSON HOUSE CARPARK
  Managed by Wilson Parking
  131 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000

400g pouches available – eco-friendly, easy to store, and designed for everyday cleanup.

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