Question
From time to time, and in what appear to be completely random intervals not apparently connected to any particular events, my dog decides to rub itself in other dogs' feces when I take it for a walk.
Is there a particular reason for dogs to do this?
Also, and aside from just pulling on its leash when I see it's about to happen, is there a way to prevent them from having this behaviour?
I ask this second question because I have no idea what kind of instinct leads a dog to do this.
Answer
@Keshlam has it mostly correct.
Dog's ancestors, wolves, will do a Scent Roll in order to show/bring the scent to another wolf "Hey look at this!".
Broken instinct, yes.
As for predicting, you're doing the best one can. I might recommend a strong "No" while you tug, also, to help curb the undesired behavior.
If you allow your dog to scent roll, sure, he'll roll in poop a couple of times, but he won't be trying to roll in every pile of poop there is.
Answered By - rlb.usa