Dogs writhing around on their backs

[The Flying Tench]

When my dog goes into a room with a carpet he immediately goes onto his back and starts writhing around and seems to enjoy the sensation of rubbing his back against the carpet. Or could it be it is a natural thing to try and get rid of midges or fleas when there is a suitable surface? A previous dog used to do it if we accidently spilt a bit of petrol on the grass when mowing the lawn; he'd immediately go and start rubbing his back in the petrol.

 

Does anyone know why they do this?

[corydoras]

When my dog goes into a room with a carpet he immediately goes onto his back and starts writhing around and seems to enjoy the sensation of rubbing his back against the carpet. Or could it be it is a natural thing to try and get rid of midges or fleas when there is a suitable surface? A previous dog used to do it if we accidently spilt a bit of petrol on the grass when mowing the lawn; he'd immediately go and start rubbing his back in the petrol.

 

Does anyone know why they do this?

Your dog is marking it's territory. The other dog was mistaking the smell of petrol with the smell of another animal and was trying to mask the smell with his or her own.

[chesters1]

is it because you let a dog into a room? ,mine were permanently kept outdoors where they should be

[The Flying Tench]

is it because you let a dog into a room? ,mine were permanently kept outdoors where they should be

Maybe. Actually he goes a bit mad and bites the cushions if we allow him in most of the house, so he's normally kept in the kitchen/utility room. So we're not as soft as some!

[Steve Walker]

Your dog is marking it's territory. The other dog was mistaking the smell of petrol with the smell of another animal and was trying to mask the smell with his or her own.

 

I think that sort of rolling in stinky stuff behaviour may be more to do with masking his own smell to make him less easily scented by prey.

 

Or maybe dogs are just dirty buggers! I know it's anthropomorphising, but when you see them rolling in horse dung, snapping at it and throwing it in the air, they do look like that's their idea of fun!

[Phone]

Tench,

 

Just be thankful he isn't a chit eater.

 

Phone

[Andy_1984]

seen dogs do this a lot, always seems to be on dead stuff though. last one was a sun baked mackerel the smell was fine until the dog started rolling in it. i was about 100 yards away and got a whiff that nearly made me puke, gag reflex started kicking in.

 

dog owner was trying to wipe it off when she twigged what it was she was wiping off and on to her own jeans.

[Chris Goddard]

And the NUMERO one stinky stuff?? FOX PO!!! That is rank and if any reason was wanted to shoot ALL foxes that is it!! And Dogs seem to know that is the case...... PERHAPS?????? Naar couldn't be COULD IT!!!