My Dog Kicks The Dirt with His HInd Legs

It is funny to watch, isn't it? I love it when my little dog does this because she looks happy and frisky. Although not every time she goes potty does she do this. I notice that she does it more often when she goes number #1. I had actually researched for the reason that dogs dog this and is often referred to as the Scrape Behavior. My sister told me it was because she doesn't like people to see her going potty. Lol. I didn't hold that as the main reason because to me, it didn't seem significant as all dogs go potty outside, who are house trained. It doesn't appear to me that they are bothered by anyone seeing them as they seem to be more interested in the scents surrounding the potty area. In my research I found the most reasonable explanation is that when the dog does their business and is then seen kicking up their back feet or rather scratching the ground around where they just did their business, it is to align their marking area, in the direction they have left, in a way that other dogs will find their marking of territory of dominance, easier. After all it is all about "marking" their territory most usually, rather than emptying their bladder. If you walk your dog first thing in the morning and he does his business and you keep walking, you may likely find that when he stops to sniff, possibly several times in the walk, you will notice that he pees more than just the once, right? This is about marking territory. So in a sense yes, it is about leaving his scent to tell other animals that it is his turf. Additionally, I have read several times that about the scent glands on their paws as well. With every scrape it leaves a scent characteristic that is individual to that dog, announcing their presence, often within their own pack or to other dogs that will cross their path.

My dog does the same thing. I think it's so funny. I used to have a beagle, and he never did this. Now I have a corgi and I think it's just too funny! But, I never really knew why he did this. I know my cats used to do it with their front paws.

All dogs do this. It is said to be to cover up their dirt or to make it look as if it is not fresh so that other dogs or predators cannot track them so easily. Dogs are fairly rough and ready about it. Cats are much more careful, digging a hole first and then covering it up neatly afterwards.

he's spreading the scent as far as he can to get the message across as much as possible.

My husky does this even though he ends up tearing up the grass and dirt around him, it's cute and funny. LOL!!!!