Dogs kick the ground after pooing to deposit scent from glands in their paws, not to cover their waste, according to clinical canine behaviourist Will Atherton.
Scent glands in paws
Atherton, who holds an MSc, shared the reasoning in a social media clip, describing the habit as one of the "most misunderstood" behaviours dogs display. He revealed that dogs possess scent glands in the pads of their paws, meaning their feet serve as a communication tool with other dogs.
When a dog scratches and kicks the ground following toileting, it is not trying to clear up after itself. Instead, it is depositing its paw scent throughout the vicinity.
Layered chemical communication
"They're leaving an additional scent deposit right on top of that area," Atherton said. "They're taking a message that was already there and broadcasting it even further across the environment."
Urine and faeces already contain information about the dog that left them, but the paw scent adds another dimension. According to Atherton, another dog passing through the spot can gather information about who has been present, how they were feeling, and whether they could pose a threat.
He characterised it as "layered chemical communication", noting that dogs have remarkable abilities when it comes to reading various scents. The action distributes the scent across a wider area, making the signal more prominent. Atherton likened it to the canine version of "turning the volume all the way up".
Positive sign of confidence
Atherton noted he typically observes dogs kicking their legs following toileting more frequently when they are confident and relaxed. "A dog that feels settled and secure in themselves will often do it with real gusto," he said.
By comparison, he mentioned he has encountered numerous highly anxious dogs that do not show the behaviour whatsoever. "So if they do, for me it's usually a positive sign," he added.
Owners need not feel awkward when their dog begins energetically scratching the ground after relieving themselves. Instead of instantly attempting to drag them away, Atherton suggested owners should view it as an entirely natural and instinctive action. It is behaviour dogs have been performing for hundreds of thousands of years and represents part of how they interact with one another.
Responding to his post, one reader commented: "This is so interesting. I got my girl from a pretty bad situation with my ex last September. Over the last few months, she's started doing this. Really nice to have an understanding why - I truly hope she does feel confident and settled." Another user added: "My eyeless boy was confident? I love that. I used to worry about him." A third reader said: "Yeah, I'm happy that my dog is so confident, but it's not so great if you have to go and pick up the poo she flung across the area. Also, she is peeing up the walls and trees like a male, didn't know females do that."
