It’s a sight that every dog parent knows all too well: a content pup post-meal, rolling around on their back and smearing food all over the house. We haven’t all been lucky enough to be born as dogs, so why do they behave in such a strange way? Let’s take a closer look at why does my dog roll around after eating to get a better understanding of their behavior.
2. Scratching an Itch or Communicating Contentment?
Feeling the Friction
One of the most crucial skills we learn in life is how to handle our emotions. We know that sometimes a difficult emotion can be hard to contain; finding ways to channel the feeling can be challenging. When we feel an intense urge, like the feeling of an itch, how do we deal with it? How do we make it stop?
We can use distractions, like watching a funny show or engaging in a challenging activity, to help lessen that feeling. But these distractions can only do so much — the itch might be lessened, but it doesn’t go away. That’s why it’s important to also take a moment to acknowledge and process the emotion itself.
Scratching the Surface
Scratching that itch is one way to tend to that uncomfortable feeling. For example, when we have an urge to buy something or do something that could be costly, it might help to get that urge out of our system, like setting a specified time to buy something or do something. This can be like scratching an itch and can help to stop us from giving in to it if a decision has been made not to.
But this isn’t the only approach. Taking the time to express contentment can be just as beneficial. Instead of going directly for the distraction or the urge-scratching activities, it can be beneficial to acknowledge contentment and appreciate what’s already around us. Even when nothing has changed, we can still show appreciation for the things we have in life.
The Middle Path
- Recognizing discomfort and understanding that it serves as both an opportunity to learn about ourselves and to grow.
- Being intentional about the activities we engage in and while leaning into the urge sometimes, taking breaks from it.
- Making sure that whatever we do, it aligns with our values and is grounded in our intentions.
Sometimes making the promise to ourselves to “scratch the itch” might mean we lean into an activity or distraction, while other times it might look more like taking a moment to appreciate contentment. We can find our own way of finding the middle path between these two extreme responses. There’s beauty in the middle path because it takes mindfulness and intention.
By practicing mindfulness and intention, we can learn to recognize the discomforts and find different ways to grow from them. Whether that be through leaning in or leaning back, the choice is up to us.
3. A Misunderstood Drawing Card from the Animal Kingdom
The animal kingdom is home to many creatures that draw our fascination–but not all of them are welcomed with open arms. One such creature, widely misunderstood by many, is the raccoon.
A Misunderstood Species
Raccoons may often be portrayed as scavenging, messy nuisance-causers, but this description of them does not do them justice. In truth, they are quite smart and resourceful animals, adeptly rummaging through garbage and other items to find nourishment. Their intelligence, paired with their cute, curious faces, indeed make them quite endearing!
Conservation Through Education
Although they have a knack for getting into trouble, we should make more of an effort to conserve and protect raccoon populations and their habitats:
- Be aware of what we are throwing away. Raccoons often rummage through garbage for food, but this can be hazardous to their health.
- Do our part to promote a healthy ecosystem. Raccoons are an important part of the balance that keeps nature healthy and thriving.
- Educate family and friends about these misunderstood creatures and why they are important for healthy ecosystems.
By seeing raccoons as valuable members to our local ecosystems, instead of pests, hopefully we can all work together towards better understanding, appreciation, and conservation of these often misunderstood drawing cards from the animal kingdom.
4. Rolling Around in the Living Room Isn’t as Crazy as it Seems
Having the urge to roll around on the living room carpet suddenly might make you feel a bit crazy, but there could actually be benefits of this playful exercise!
Rolling around is a fun and tactile experience that can help relax muscles, especially when you have been sitting in an awkward position or for a long duration. Stretching out on the carpet can also act as a reset button for your posture. You can let your limbs warm up and feel the comforting texture of fibres and patterns of the rug beneath your skin.
If it still sounds like a crazy idea, think of the games you used to play as a child on the floor; from rolling down carpeted hills to pretending to ‘swim’ in the oasis–it is a great way to let your inner child out!
The living room can be a space to connect with our physical movement in a way that is meaningful and fun. A few rolls on the floor can help you:
- Reduce stiffness
- Get in touch with your body
- Set yourself free of gravity
- Bond with your inner-child
So it turns out, rolling around on the living room floor isn’t such a mad thing to do after all!
5. Nutritional and Psychological Contributors to the Doggy Dance
Humans aren’t the only ones who love to dance. Our canine companions are also known to break into a boogie from time to time. Whether they’re wagging their tales to a beat or performing tricks that involve synchronized movement, it’s clear that our four-legged friends are just as pleased as we are to hear the grooves.
But why do dogs like to dance? Well, scientists are now finally getting to the bottom of why our pups love to shake and shimmy. A new study shows that both nutrition and psychology are likely contributors to the doggy dance.
- Nutritional contributors to the doggy dance popularly take the form of diet. Productive digestion of a canine’s mealtime can cause an energetic outburst, leading to your dog’s vigorous twerking.
- Psychological contributors may come in the form of beneficial stimuli. Whenever your pup is exposed to certain sights, smells, and sounds, it’s possible that it may be moved to a cheesy dad-dancing rampage.
So if your pup seems to be in an especially dancey mood, they may just be feeling some puppy love! And with a science-backed explanation in place, you can put your mind at ease and enjoy with them the wonders of a doggy dance party.
6. Adopting a Positive Attitude Toward Your Dog’s Rolling Ritual
Taking a positive approach to your pup’s rolling rituals is key to achieving good results. It’s easy to get frustrated and inadvertently punish the behavior, but that’s unlikely to help them learn.
Set Aside Time
Rather than frustration, your pup needs your patience and attention. Set aside focused time every day to work with them on eliminating the behavior. This helps reinforce the idea that it’s both unnecessary and unacceptable.
- Start with a few minutes of playtime to get their tails wagging.
- Thereafter, use a stern voice to issue warnings when they start rolling. Don’t raise your voice, but remember to be firm in order to get your point across.
Offer Alternatives
In place of rolling, channel your pup’s enthusiasm into activities that won’t result in them getting dirty. Such activities could include running around, playing tug-of-war or fetch, or simply going for a walk.
- Direct their attention away from rolling and towards activities such as these.
- Praise them every time they make a good choice or mind your commands.
Keep Perspective
Regardless of your pup’s stubbornness, it’s important to remain mindful that your furry friend is just that—a friend. Scolding your dog won’t help them understand why rolling in the mud is a bad idea—they need to be shown why. Don’t forget that your pup may have been rolling simply because they perceive the activity to be fun, which makes a positive and proactive approach essential.
7. Extravagant Rolling Around—A Tail-Wagging Tale of Satisfaction
On the hunt
The anticipation builds like a coiled spring as Rex slips out the pet door. He shuffles to the nearest bush and sniffs, his furry ears twitching at the sudden flurry of scents. His tail begins to wag, an eager smile covering his face as he takes off at a gallop into the unknown.
Wild and free
The cool grassy bed beckons with its rustling sound, a whispered promise of discovery. Wisps of wind tug through his fur, coaxing a triumphant howl from Rex’s throat. He glides through tall grass and stalks through swirling dust clouds as he barrels through the field.
The search
Rex eagerly sniffs and scratches as he unearths the world. He snuffles after each beetle, dives into each tunnel, and pounces on every leaf. His nose drags him from one scent to another, and his feet propel him around the landscape.
A satisfied chariot
Glistening with sweat, Rex returns to the porch after his journey. He slowly circles around, finally curling up with an audibly pleased sigh. His tail flicks happily against the side of his leg, a satisfied grin befitting a victorious adventurer.
We hope that this article has managed to clear up some of the common questions surrounding why your pup may be rolling around after mealtime. Ultimately, it’s comforting to know that – whatever the reason may be – your furry friend is happy and healthy!