Why Does My Dog Roll In Clovers? Causes, Concerns, And Solutions
Is your dog rolling around in clovers? If you’ve noticed that your dog seems fascinated with clover patches and are wondering why, you’re not alone!
Many dog owners have a dog that is seemingly attracted to clover for some reason.
Some of these owners swear their dogs like the scent, but is there any truth to that or is there an entirely different reason or instinct at play?
It turns out there are a few reasons why this behavior occurs.
Keep reading, I promise this is a short article that hits the important points fast.
I’ll quickly discuss the reason your good girl engages in this behavior, what concerns you should keep in mind if your pooch is rolling around in clover patches, and some solutions for keeping her from doing so to being with you!
Contents
Scent Masking: The Irresistible Aroma Of Clovers?
One reason for this could be scent masking. Simply put, she might want to smell like the delightful aroma of clovers. But let’s be honest, your dog probably isn’t trying to smell pretty. Rather she’s trying to cover up her own scent.
This behavior can be linked back to her wild instincts, where blending in with the environment and disguising her scent from prey or predators was important for survival.
There will also be times when your furry buddy might not be a fan of her own smell. Maybe you’ve recently applied a shampoo or something with an unnatural (at least to a dog) fragrance. And your good girl isn’t fond of it!
Rolling in clovers gives her the chance to get rid of the artificial scents. Or at least cover them up!
Leaving Her Mark: Putting Her Scent On The Ground
Interestingly, your dog may also roll in clovers for the exact opposite reason. Rather than masking her scent, she could be trying to leave her scent on the ground.
Often referred to as marking her territory, this could be the case or it could just be your good girl leaving a calling card of sorts.
That is letting other animals know she’s been there. Because it’s not like she has a lot of other ways to communicate with her fellow four-legged friends who aren’t there right now.
Scratching An Itch: The Relief Of Rolling
While clovers themselves might not be the best at providing itch relief, they do tend to grow on or near other plants or rough surfaces that can help your dog scratch that pesky itch she just can’t reach.
So, when you see your canine pal rolling happily in a patch of clovers, she could be seeking relief from an irritating itch.
Canine Joy: Just Being A Dog And Having Fun
Sometimes, dogs just want to have fun! There’s not always a specific reason for your dog’s choice to roll in clovers; she might simply enjoy it.
This activity can be part of her playful way of exploring the outdoors, and it can bring her both entertainment and happiness.
Is It Okay For My Dog To Roll In Clovers?
As every reason I’ve gone over shows, rolling in clovers is a natural part of being a dog. So, as long as your furry companion isn’t getting excessively dirty or causing any issues (say, getting covered in something your kid is allergic to or ruining your favorite rug), there’s no harm in letting her roll to her heart’s content!
Helping Your Dog Break The Habit: Tips For Discouraging Clover Rolling
If you’re determined to stop your canine friend from indulging in her love for clover rolling, training, patience, and consistency are the keys.
Start by using simple, firm commands like ‘no’.
Encourage her with positive reinforcement when she resists the urge to roll, and distract her with toys or treats to redirect her attention.
Remember not to scold your good girl – after all, she’s just doing what comes naturally to her.
I want to reiterate: Consistency and patience will go a long way in helping her break this habit (and succeed with all her training) and stay clover-rolling-free!
Summary And Conclusion: My Dog Keeps Rolling In Clover
I’ve discussed the reasons why your dog might be rolling around in clovers, from scent masking to leaving her mark on the ground and even just for fun.
And while this behavior is natural and instinctive for dogs, you still might have your reasons to discourage it. If so, there are some effective solutions.
Remember when training your dog to do (or not do) anything: patience and consistency are the most important things to help your pup understand.
Ultimately, whether or not you let your canine companion indulge in a bit of clover-rolling is up to you – but remember that she’s only doing what comes naturally!