Why Do Dogs Kick After Pooping or Peeing?

Why Do Dogs Kick After Pooping or Peeing?

Dogs kick after pooping or peeing as a form of communication. Known as ground scratching, the behaviour is thought to help spread scent and leave visible marks that signal their presence to other dogs – not simply bury their business.

You know the move: a dramatic backwards kick, like they’re auditioning for Riverdance, with grass and dirt flying everywhere. But there’s more to this post-toilet performance than meets the eye.

It’s Scent Marking, Not Cleaning Up

Dogs gather plenty of information through smell, and toileting leaves behind scent for other dogs to investigate.

Scratching the ground may add another layer. Dogs have scent-producing glands in their paws, and dogs kicking after pooping or peeing is thought to deposit or disperse those odours around the area. So while it might look like an attempt to cover their poo, the behaviour is generally understood as scent communication.

As part of their kicking, dogs typically scratch the ground with slashes. When no other dogs are present, these marks tell their own story to any dog that sees them.

When other dogs are around, the ground scratching is a visual display for other dogs, which is why ground scratching is likely to occur when other dogs were around.  I know my two boys, Vindi and Darcy, love making a big sound and dance of their kicking whenever they see other dogs, or even competing with each other as to who can have the most animated kick if they have both toileted at the same time.

Why Do Dogs Kick Grass and Dirt?

The display can communicate visually as well as through scent. Other dogs may see the kicking itself, while scratches in the soil or disturbed grass leave a visible sign after your dog has moved on.

Researchers suggest these scent and visual signals work together, although the precise message and purpose can vary with the situation. It isn’t automatically a sign of aggression or a dog trying to be “dominant”.

Should You Stop Your Dog Kicking After Pooping?

Usually, there’s no need to interrupt a brief, harmless bout of ground scratching. Give your dog a little space – and keep yourself out of the line of flying dirt!

If they’re damaging someone’s garden or scratching on an unsuitable surface, calmly encourage them to move on and reward them for following you. There’s no need to punish a normal canine behaviour.

And yes, you still need to pick up the poo. Your dog may be in charge of marketing, but cleaning up remains your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog kick after peeing too?

Ground scratching can happen after either peeing or pooping. Both leave scent behind, and kicking may help make that message more noticeable.

Do female dogs kick after pooping?

Yes. Both male and female dogs can scratch the ground after toileting; it isn’t exclusive to males.

Is it normal if my dog never kicks after pooping?

Yes. Not every dog does it, and some only do it occasionally. Dogs have many ways of communicating, so there’s no need for every toilet stop to finish with a performance.

About the Author: Lara Shannon is a certified dog behaviourist and trainer, pet food nutrition specialist, Executive Producer and Host of Pooches at Play on Channel 10 and editor of Poochesatplay.com. Lara also runs her own dog training business in Melbourne’s Bayside area and is the Author of World of Dogs and Eat, Play, Love Your Dog.