ROLLING IN POO

MY DOG IS JUST OVER A YEAR OLD AND HAS RECENTLY TAKEN TO ROLLING IN POOP THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE NOT PICKED UP. HOW CAN I STOP HER DOING THIS AS I DO NOT WANT HER TO HAVE TO STAY ON THE LEAD.SHES A COLLIE CROSS AND NEEDS TO RUN. MANY THANKS


Hi, this is such a common problem with dogs and puppies. Some dogs like Fox Poop and others like dog poop - you might get some that like both!

The reason why dogs do this has long been argued by experts. Some trainers think its due to a dog trying to mask his scent and others just don't know.

However, the most common thought is that its due to masking their scent. Many years ago dogs (who are dependents of Wolves would roll in poop to mask their scent so that they could creep up on their prey. There is also a thought that dogs roll in poop as a way to say 'hey this is MY territory - stay out'!

But hey you don't want to know why dogs do it you want to know how to stop it.

1. You can do this through a mixture of basic dog obedience training techniques.

1. Some people advocate the use of negative reinforcement - this would be achieved through an empty can being filled with stones then shaken loudly to let your pooch know whet he is doing is wrong and not acceptable.

2. My favorite is to firstly try and avoid areas where there is poop. If you let your dog off the leash and he goes straight for the poop - say 'No' loudly and put your dog straight on the leash and take him home - get home and give him a bath.

3. Each time your dog does it he will start to associate the leash, bath and end of walk with rolling in the poop - this will reinforce positive behavior i.e. not rolling in the poop.

4. When your dog starts to behave and listen to you - for example when he is about to roll in the poop - call his name - use the 'Come' and then 'Sit' command and if he comes - give him a treat and lots of praise.

5. Practice daily and your dog will soon stop rolling in the poop.

Hope this helps.

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Dog Behavioral Problems