Dog Owners Discover Why Some Male Dogs Squat to Pee
Dog owners across the nation are only just realising why some male dogs squat to pee rather than hike their leg up a tree, lamppost, or public waste bin. This revelation has sparked a lively discussion online, challenging long-held assumptions about canine behaviour.
Learned Behaviour vs. Natural Instinct
People have expressed their shock after learning that dogs lifting their leg to pee is a learned behaviour rather than a natural instinct. Male puppies typically pick up this habit from adult dogs while out on walks in the street or at the park. A dog trainer known as @thepuppyacademy claims male puppies observe other dogs and decide this must be the "correct" way to urinate, eventually choosing it over squatting.
The Purpose of Leg Lifting
However, the so-called "leg lift" does serve a specific purpose. It allows dogs to mark their scent on elevated surfaces such as trees, lampposts, and public bins. A statement from the American Kennel Club explains: "Peeing at this elevation lets the dog leave their message near nose level, which makes it easy for other dogs to discover. The urine dribbles down and covers a larger area than if left on the lawn. The spread helps maximise the scent they leave behind."
Practical Drawbacks of Leg Lifting
Despite this, the trainer at The Puppy Academy says: "I personally don't recommend encouraging it because a dog who hikes its leg tends to mark much more often, which makes your walks a lot longer. You may also find curtains inside your home getting marked." This highlights the practical challenges that come with this behaviour.
Owner Experiences and Observations
Commenting on the video, one user wrote: "My dog is a one-year-old intact male and doesn't lift his leg. It's the best!" Another added: "My spayed female dog is a lifter and marker. No clue where she learned it." A third user said: "I started to worry about my now 13-month-old lab not lifting his leg, then realised how silly that is. If he's peeing in the right places, who cares? Sometimes he lifts, sometimes he doesn't." Another commented: "My male dog always squatted. He wasn't obsessed with marking anything and everything either."
Expert Insights from Animal Behaviourists
Dr Mary Burch, a certified applied animal behaviourist and director of the Canine Good Citizen Program at the American Kennel Club, explained: "Urinating in both male and female dogs has several purposes. The two main functions are eliminating urine and marking territory. When dogs walk by an elevated pee station, they can more easily smell urine on a vertical surface than on a flat one. Male dogs who don't lift a leg and opt for squatting may do so because the position causes discomfort in their rear leg joints, or after experiencing hip or knee surgery."
Dr Burch added that female dogs usually squat because it helps them stay cleaner, while males tend to angle urine away from their legs. An additional statement from the American Kennel Club notes: "Some female dogs also lift their legs to urinate. The raised stance may feel more comfortable than squatting, particularly when exercising away from home. Intact females may mark with lifted legs during heat cycles to signal to receptive males that mating season has begun. Female dogs may also raise a leg if they feel anxious and want to establish territory. Size can play a role, too - smaller females tend to lift their legs, while medium- and large-sized females often do not."
Conclusion: Understanding Canine Urination Habits
In summary, the debate over why some male dogs squat to pee reveals a complex interplay of learned behaviour, practical considerations, and individual preferences. While leg lifting serves a purpose in marking territory, squatting can be more efficient and less messy for many dogs. Owners are encouraged to observe their pets' habits without undue concern, focusing on proper training and health instead.
