Why does my dog ​​roll/rub itself in bad smells, such as dried fish?

Answer

Dogs have habits that often seem quite strange to us humans. Rolling in stinky matter is certainly part of that. Not only dried fish, but also bird or rabbit carcasses, excrement, mud puddles or composting forest soil are irresistible for many dogs to roll in. Your dog does this instinctively. Dogs are no longer the hunters their ancestors were, but this instinct still dates back to that time. Rolling in foul-smelling matter masks its own scent and allows the ‘roller’ to sneak up on prey without them smelling it. And although dogs have long since stopped hunting, they still do not like their own scent. Especially if you’ve just bathed them!