ROLLING IN SMELLY SUBSTANCES

Is there anything I can do to keep my dog from rolling around in smelly substances outside?

There are a variety of theories about why so many dogs like to writhe in foul smelling gunk when they're left to their own devices outside. Some believe this is an instinctive attempt by the dog to mask his natural scent so he can approach prey and rival canines undetected. Others believe this stems from wolf pack behavior, where one member might roll in a smelly substance to make himself more interesting to others, or "tell" them about what he encountered beyond the den.

In any case, many people find this behavior among canines objectionable. You can apply outdoor repellent to the dog's favorite rolling areas. Short of that, the best response is to wash the dog thoroughly in a deodorizing shampoo when he returns from rolling around outside.