Why Your Dog Rolls in the Grass—and What You Can Do About It
August 28, 2024
source: Pexels
So, there I was, enjoying a sunny afternoon in the backyard with my dog. It was one of those perfect days—blue skies, a gentle breeze, and the grass was practically begging to be walked on barefoot. I was soaking in the moment, thinking about absolutely nothing, when I noticed Buddy suddenly drop to the ground and start wriggling around in the grass like a fish out of water. It was cute, sure, but my first thought was, “Oh no, not again.”
Buddy has this habit of rolling in the grass, and I’m not just talking about a light tumble. He goes all in, rubbing his back and neck into the ground like he’s trying to scratch the world’s itchiest itch. And without fail, every time he does it, there’s some mysterious, less-than-pleasant smell that follows him back into the house. I love him to bits, but this little habit? Not so much.
I started wondering, why do dogs do this? I mean, I’ve never felt the urge to roll around on my lawn, so what’s up with Buddy? After a bit of research (okay, a lot of Googling), I finally started to understand what’s going on in that fluffy head of his. Turns out, dogs rolling in the grass is pretty normal. But knowing that didn’t make the smell any better. So, I also figured out some ways to manage this quirky little habit.
Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass?
First off, let’s talk about why our furry friends seem to love rolling in the grass. It’s not just about having fun—though that’s definitely part of it.
1. Instincts from the Wild
Believe it or not, this behavior might be a leftover from their wild ancestors. Way back when, wolves would roll in smelly stuff like dead animals or, you know, poop, to mask their scent. This helped them sneak up on prey without being detected. While Buddy isn’t exactly hunting down dinner, he’s still got some of those wolf instincts, and rolling in something smelly might just make him feel a little more like a wild animal.
2. It’s Just Plain Fun
Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the best one: dogs might just like how it feels. The sensation of cool grass on their back or the chance to scratch an itch they can’t reach—it’s like their version of rolling out a yoga mat and getting comfy. Buddy looks so happy when he’s rolling around, and who can argue with a happy dog?
3. Marking Their Territory
Dogs have scent glands all over their bodies, especially around their necks and faces. When they roll in the grass, they might be leaving a little bit of their own scent behind, marking the area as theirs. It’s like they’re saying, “This patch of grass? All mine.”
4. Sharing the News
Dogs communicate with each other through scent, so rolling in the grass might be their way of picking up new scents to “share” with other dogs. It’s like when we catch up on the latest gossip—they’re just doing it with smells instead of words.
How Can You Stop It?
So, if you’re like me and would prefer your dog to smell more like a dog and less like whatever they just rolled in, here are a few tips that might help:
1. Distract Them
One of the easiest ways to stop your dog from rolling in the grass is to distract them before they even get the chance. If you’re out on a walk and notice that they’re eyeing a particular patch of grass, try offering them a treat or a toy to focus on instead. Most dogs can be easily bribed—at least, Buddy sure can!
2. Keep Them on a Leash
If your dog is a serial roller, keeping them on a leash when you’re in areas with tempting patches of grass can help you steer them away from trouble. You don’t have to be a drill sergeant about it, but a little gentle guidance can go a long way.
3. Teach Them a Command
I’ve started working with Buddy on a “leave it” command. It’s still a work in progress, but when he listens, it’s a game-changer. The idea is to teach your dog that rolling in the grass is a no-go. Start with small, easy distractions at home, and work your way up to the great outdoors. With some patience and treats (always treats), they’ll eventually get the hang of it.
4. Create a Safe Rolling Zone
If your dog loves to roll, maybe consider giving them a designated spot where it’s okay to indulge. You could set up a little patch of clean grass in your yard where they can go wild without bringing the stink inside. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
5. Bathe Them Regularly
Let’s be real—sometimes, no matter what you do, your dog’s going to find a way to roll in something gross. Keeping up with regular baths can help keep them fresh and clean, even if their grass-rolling habit isn’t going anywhere.
At the end of the day, dogs are going to be dogs, quirks and all. While Buddy’s rolling habit isn’t my favorite, I’ve come to accept it as part of his charm—though that doesn’t mean I won’t try to curb it whenever I can! With a little patience and some clever tactics, we can all enjoy the great outdoors together, without too many trips to the bathtub.