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If you’ve ever seen your dog go about his business and then kick up dirt or grass, you may have wondered why he does that. Is it just strange behavior or is there something else? Although it may seem like a strange and unnecessary behavior, kicking after a bowel movement serves a variety of practical and instinctive purposes. This seemingly strange habit is deeply rooted in dogs’ natural instincts and behavior, and provides insight into how dogs communicate, mark territory, and interact with their environment.
marking territory
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One of the most common explanations for dogs kicking after pooping is probably to mark their territory. When a dog scratches the ground, scent glands in their paws release pheromones. This action spreads their scent around them and claims the territory as theirs. It’s a way to tell other dogs and animals, “I was here.” This territorial behavior was inherited from our wild ancestors, who needed to mark their presence in order to communicate with other animals.
spread the scent
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In addition to marking territory, kicking after pooping helps dogs spread their scent further. When they kick up dirt, grass, or leaves, they use scent glands in their feet and spread the scent from their excrement. This double layer of scent markings can create a more pronounced signal to other dogs that they have been there. It’s like sending a more robust “calling card” that covers a wider area.
hide one’s existence
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Conversely, some experts believe that when dogs kick after pooping, it’s not to get attention, but to hide their presence. Dogs may try to hide their scent by kicking dirt or grass over their waste to avoid attracting predators. This behavior may be a throwback to their wild ancestors, who needed to avoid leaving strong scent trails that could be detected by potential threats. Although domesticated dogs no longer face the same dangers, this instinct may still remain.
show superiority
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Kicking after pooping is also a way for dogs to show dominance. In the animal world, the ability to mark a larger area with scent can indicate strength and confidence. When the dog kicks vigorously, he says, “I’m in charge here.” Although this behavior is more common in male dogs, female dogs may also use this behavior to assert dominance in certain areas.
Communication with other dogs
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When your dog kicks after pooping, it does more than just leave behind a scent. They are passing on the message to other dogs as well. This behavior acts as a visual cue that other dogs can interpret. By scratching the ground, they create tracks that indicate their presence to other dogs passing by. This is a type of long-distance communication that dogs use to signal their territory, status, or simply their presence.
Establishing boundaries
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In the wild, dogs’ ancestors established boundaries around their territories to prevent other animals from encroaching on their space. Kicking after pooping can be considered the modern equivalent of this behavior. Dogs reinforce the boundaries of their territory by spreading their scent over a wider area. This behavior can also occur in multi-dog households, where dogs may try to establish their own space and assert boundaries.
release accumulated energy
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Dogs kick after pooping simply because it feels good to release pent-up energy. This action can be refreshing to expend a little extra energy, especially after the relief of knowing you’ve “been there.” It’s like a celebratory gesture or an instinctive burst of excitement. This behavior can be common in young, energetic dogs with burning enthusiasm.
hide the smell
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Some dogs kick to spread their own scent, while others kick to hide the smell of excrement. This behavior may be related to an instinct that promotes self-preservation. In the wild, covering your dog’s excrement can prevent predators from sensing your dog’s presence. Your dog may be trying to hide evidence of his presence by kicking dirt or grass over his poop, even if that’s not a necessity for today’s dog owners.
keep clean
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Some dogs may kick their legs after pooping to keep themselves clean. Although it may be difficult to notice at first, dogs have been observed kicking the ground to wipe away dirt and waste from their paws. This natural behavior won’t completely remove the mess, but it will help you clean up afterwards. This is an instinctive tidying method that shows your dog is paying attention to their surroundings.
conditioning response
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In some cases, your dog may kick after pooping simply because it’s a conditioned behavior. If your dog has been rewarded or praised for kicking the ground in the past, he may continue to do so because he associates the behavior with positive reinforcement. For example, if you always pay attention to your dog or give him a treat after kicking, your dog is likely to continue the behavior as part of a learned routine.
response to sensory stimulation
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When dogs kick the ground, they use their senses such as touch, smell, and sight. This multi-sensory experience is exciting and fun for dogs, and becomes a behavior they naturally gravitate towards. Kicking up dirt or grass provides tactile feedback through the paws and releases different environmental scents, which can mentally stimulate your dog. This is a fascinating way to explore your surroundings.
express satisfaction
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For some dogs, kicking after pooping may simply be a way to express satisfaction or contentment. It can feel like a little victory dance, or it can feel like a moment of celebration after work. If your dog feels particularly good after a potty break, he may do this behavior as an expression of pleasure or comfort. It’s their way of saying, “Mission accomplished!”
imitate other dogs
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Dogs often learn behaviors by observing other dogs, and kicking after pooping is no exception. If your dog sees another dog doing this behavior, they may copy it. Even if there’s no particular reason why your dog kicks after pooping, this learned behavior can become a habit over time. It’s simply a behavior they pick up from their fellow dogs and incorporate into their routine.
Raise a storm: It’s all part of the job!
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Have you ever wondered why your dog acts like he’s digging for gold right after a potty break? Whether it’s spreading scent, hiding, or releasing pent-up energy, There’s more to kicks than meets the eye. It turns out that dogs have plenty of instinctive reasons to make a grand escape, even when nature calls. So the next time your pup is up a storm, keep that in mind. They’re not just kicking dirt. They’re embracing their inner dog choreographer with every move they make!
