Why do dogs kick after pooping?

Question

I have a 2 year old, very handsome golden retriever. We have a huge backyard with a beautiful landscaping done. Sometimes my dog ends up pooping in the backyard, which is absolutely fine with me. But once he is done, he kicks the grass and spoils my lawn. I am absolutely clueless what it signifies when my dog’s kicking after pooping?

Answer 1

Though I have noticed and known that dogs kick and scratch grass after pooping for as long as I know what a dog is, I had always figured it was just for sanitary, like us humans wipe after using bathroom, aren’t we? I’m amazed that dogs have a similar demand for hygiene.

I agree with the territory marking theory, we all at least once saw a dog pees to set the boundary of his territory, so kicking after pooping could be as well for the same reason, but it’s surprising to know that dogs get scent glands in their paws! Wow, how awesome is that!!

Answer 2

Usually, in the wild, canines like coyote, wolves, hound and foxes practice kicking the ground after excreting for sanitary purposes, they are only covering up their own mess. However, this conduct is also considered to be a way to mark their territories. All dogs possess scent glands in their paws that secrete pheromones and a few kicks onto the ground surface helps discharge of these chemicals into their surroundings.

Comments

I agree with this the reason why do dogs kick after pooping.

Answer 3

He’s marking the territory. Dogs possess scent glands in the pads of their paws, so when they are finished using the bathroom, scratching or kicking the ground or grass with their paws provides them with an additional means to mark their territory with their own odor and scent, thereby sending a signal to other dogs in the nearby area that they inhabit and own the territory.