Why Dogs Kick After Pooping

Most pet parents are more than familiar with the sight of their cherished canine companions kicking up dirt and grass with their back legs after defecating outdoors. Unlike their feline friends, this has nothing to do with cleanliness after cats use their litter boxes and everything to do with inter-dog communication.

Known as “scrape behavior,” this forceful act of kicking is a unique and lesser-known way dogs mark their territory. Their paws serve other purposes besides simply cushioning their stride when they walk and run. Glands within their  paws release pheromones that are left behind with each step they take. These pheromones are much stronger and last far longer than either their freshly dropped feces or the urine marking their territory. When combined, these two scents leave a much stronger message for other dogs.

Due to their highly developed sense of smell, dogs coming across this freshly marked territory will recognize that it’s an area already claimed by another dog. The disturbed area in the dirt and grass will also alert them to the fact that another dog has already been here. Some dogs, on the other hand, will only kick up their hind legs after defecating in the presence of another dog.

So, why DO dogs mark their territory in this way? Simply put, dogs are descended from wolves, and wild wolves, coyotes and other species of wild dogs, for the sake of their survival, claimed their territory like this in order to catch prey, claim land area and keep the competition away.

Kicking up grass and dirt won’t usually harm your own dog unless he does so on hard surfaces like concrete or on rough pieces of debris, resulting in cuts or bruises on the pads of his paws. It can also damage your lawn and, if the pads of his paws are indeed affected, they can scratch the floors and tear at the carpets in your home. Therefore, it’s vital that you look for any signs of injured paw pads before they either crack or bleed. Some paw balms and creams can temporarily provide relief for damaged paws. But when in doubt, consult with your vet.

To attempt to mitigate or minimize this form of behavior, you can try and train your dog through redirection and positive reinforcement outdoors. (Refocusing his attention BEFORE he acts is essential). If your dog has been doing this on a regular basis, you’ll recognize the “cues” he gives just before he starts kicking.

Offer him his favorite chew toy or initiate a game of fetch as soon as he’s relieved himself. Reward him with high-value treats each time his attention is successfully diverted, and make certain to remain consistent throughout the process of training him. Alternatively, you can designate a particular area of your yard for him to urinate and defecate, thereby protecting your flowerbeds and garden, and ensure that he’s already done so before going on a walk through the neighborhood to avoid damaging any lawns along the way.