Dogs, despite their domesticated lifestyles, retain many behaviours inherited from their wild ancestors—grey wolves. One of the more puzzling (and sometimes frustrating) habits for pet owners is their dogs’ fascination with rubbish. This behaviour is rooted in their evolutionary past.
Wolves, and by extension dogs, have a highly developed sense of smell and a natural tendency to scavenge. These traits were crucial for survival in the wild, where food sources were unpredictable. As a result, modern dogs are instinctively drawn to strong odours, which rubbish bins often provide.
Additionally, wolves are known to roll in strong-smelling substances such as faeces. This behaviour is believed to help them mask their natural scent while hunting, making it easier to sneak up on prey. Domestic dogs sometimes replicate this behaviour by rolling in household waste, including dirty nappies, which can be distressing for their human companions.
So, while today’s dogs may enjoy the comforts of sofas and regular grooming sessions, their primal instincts still influence their actions. Understanding this can help owners manage their pets’ behaviour more effectively and perhaps be a little more forgiving the next time the bin is overturned.
