Why Dogs Roll in Poop and how to clean off your dog gear
Why Dogs Roll in Poop (and How to Clean Their Gear Fast)
Updated: November 2025
If you’ve ever watched your dog gleefully roll in poop, you know it’s one of those “why me?” moments every dog parent faces. 🐾 In this quick guide, we’ll cover why dogs do it, how to train them to stop, and—most importantly—how to clean your pup and their gear fast using safe, easy methods (plus a few of our favorite tools and products).
Before we dive in, make sure your dog’s gear is adventure-ready with our free Dog Gear Safety Checklist. It’s a quick way to check your collars, leashes, and harnesses for wear before your next walk or hike.
Why Do Dogs Roll in Poop?
It might seem gross, but this behavior is rooted in survival instincts. Wild dogs rolled in animal droppings to mask their scent from prey or predators. Today’s dogs don’t need to hunt—but that instinct remains strong, especially during off-leash adventures.
How to Stop It (Training Tips)
You can curb this messy habit with consistency and positive reinforcement:
- Stay alert on walks. If your dog lingers near a suspicious patch, use “leave it” and redirect.
- Reward good behavior. Carry treats and praise your dog when they walk away on command.
- Avoid high-risk zones. During training, steer clear of areas where wildlife or other dogs frequent.
If leash control is part of the struggle, our Dog Harness Fit & Safety Guide shows you how to find the right harness style for your dog’s size, behavior, and energy level. The right fit can make a huge difference in keeping walks calm (and poop-roll-free).
For even better control, try using a hands free body leash for dog—like our Hands-Free Leash—which clips around your waist or cross-body so you can keep both hands free during training and hikes.
Cleanup: How to Remove the Smell Fast
When the inevitable happens, here’s your game plan:
- Check everywhere. Poop hides in fur, under collars, and even under harness straps.
- Shampoo & neutralize. Use a gentle pet shampoo like TropiClean Deodorizing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs(affiliate link), or a DIY mix of baking soda and warm water to lift odor.
- Wash their gear. This is where adventure-proof dog gear pays off.
Our Durable Dog Collars, Perfect Fit Harnesses, and Hands Free Body Leash For Dogs are machine washable, odor-resistant, and made from premium materials that can handle muddy trails, beach days, and yes—even poop rolls. Just detach accessories, wash on gentle, and air dry.
Need extra odor control? This ANGRY ORANGE Pet Odor Eliminator for Strong Smells (affiliate link) is my go-to for collars, car seats, and crates.
For detailed wash instructions, see our Dog Gear Cleaning Guide — it shows exactly how to clean collars, harnesses, and leashes without damaging materials.
Why Wildside Gear Handles the Mess
Not all dog gear can survive a poop roll—but ours can.
- Rust-Proof Hardware: Marine-grade stainless steel resists corrosion, even after muddy hikes or ocean swims.
- Adventure-Proof Materials: UV-resistant, quick-dry webbing that holds up to the wildest adventures.
- Perfect Fit Harness: Adjustable comfort for every size and shape.
- Durable Dog Collars: Built for daily walks, rugged hikes, and messy moments.
- Body Leash for Dog: Designed for freedom and control during training, runs, and travel.
- Padded Leashes: For comfort and control on every walk.
Because real dogs get dirty—and your gear should be ready for it.
🛒 Shop Rust-Proof Collars & Leash Sets →
Bonus: Free Checklist & Guide
🐶 Stay Safe, Stay Wild!
Grab our free Dog Gear Safety Checklist and Harness Fit & Safety Guide — trusted by thousands of dog parents to keep their pups safe, comfortable, and ready for every adventure.
Final Thoughts
Your dog’s instincts may be wild, but clean-up doesn’t have to be. With Wildside’s adventure-proof, rust-proof, and durable dog collars, you can spend less time scrubbing and more time exploring.
➡️ Shop the Best Dog Collars for Active Dogs
➡️ Grab a Dog Collar & Leash Set
➡️ Discover Our Hands-Free Body Leashes