Why do dogs kick after pooping?

Seeking help
1

I do not want to stop my dog from following his instincts just because I do not like them, but I have two reasons for disliking the after-poop kick:

  1. It tears up the grass on other people’s lawns, which is a big no-no in my area.
  2. He once flung poop all over my leg before I could stop him from doing it :rofl:

I allow him to do it in our backyard but not on walks, though I am thinking about changing this rule.

What is your policy on the after-poop kick?

2

Hi Chris My dog started doing it after seeing our foster do it; however, they only kick after peeing. I believe if your puppy seen another dog doing it, it could be that.They mimic what other dogs do.

3

Interesting, lol. I’ve always loved cats, so I kind of understood why they would conceal their smell as a minor predatory behavior.

4

In short, dogs kick dirt after pooping to mark their territory. This behavior is a natural instinct and communication method for canines. Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and the scratching movements release secretions containing pheromones that convey information about the dog’s gender, age, and health to other animals. Marking territory warns other animals and may indicate dominance or peaceful intentions. Some experts believe dogs cover their scent to protect themselves from enemies, a behavior inherited from wolves. Even if it’s hard to change this instinct, you can try interrupting the behavior with toys or treats. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can also minimize damage to your yard. Understanding this behavior helps us appreciate our furry friends and find ways to manage it.

5

Understanding why dogs kick after pooping can help you connect with your furry friend:

  1. Communication: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and kicking after pooping helps them mark their territory.
  2. Cleaning: Sometimes, they kick to remove debris stuck to their paws.

To manage the kicking behavior during walks:

  1. Leash control: Keep your dog on a short leash to guide their movements and redirect them if they start kicking.
  2. Positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog when they eliminate without kicking, reinforcing the desired behavior.
  3. Designated potty areas: Encourage your dog to eliminate in gravel or dirt areas on your walk route, where kicking is less likely to cause damage.
6

To me, it always looked more like he’s saying, “YEAH, I DID THAT. THAT’S RIGHT!” because he’s celebrating having a really good poo.

7

That exclamation point signifies that discovering this news had a life-changing impact.