Though theyâve been domesticated for thousands of years, dogs still exhibit behaviors that can prove puzzling to their human companions. They dig seemingly at random. Theyâre prone to hiding under beds. They sometimes make a snack out of other dogsâs excrement. And when they empty their own bowels, some kick their feet afterward. Roughly 10 percent of canines do it.
Why? Itâs instinct. Dogs are ever-vigilant of other canines encroaching on their territoryâbe it in their backyard or the park. They consider defecation a message to other dogs that the pooped-on property belongs to them. By kicking up dirt after the deed, theyâre compounding the scent by stirring up the bathroom scene along with pheromones, which come from glands on their feet, to create a strong smell. The kicked-up grass is also a visual cue. All of this poop and disrupted earth is a warning to other dogs that theyâre treading on hallowed, stinky ground.
The pheromones from the kicking are actually stronger than the odor from urine or feces. Alongside territorial claims, the pheromones can let other dogs know things like possible food trails or even potential danger. While it may ruin your carefully landscaped lawn, itâs best to let them get on with the behavior. If you interrupt, they might begin to feel more vulnerable. Itâs wise to just stand out of the line of fire and allow nature to take its course.
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