We have had lots of people remark, wow, that smells like a wet animal when they take their down out of the washing machines. Remember, goose down or duck down are BIRD FEATHERS! That is often why your dog may want to try and change the smell of the comforter ( in his or her own unique way ). Many dogs are natural retrievers/hunters for birds and they can smell the bird, but they cannot find it!! When the comforter dries, we no longer smell it, but their sensitive noses always do.