Have you ever noticed your dog wiping his paws on the ground after going to the bathroom? Some dog parents refer to this action as scratching the ground or kicking up the ground. It’s something my little Diego does all the time! After he does “number 1” or “number 2,” he steps to the side and begins brushing his feet against the grass. While I find the action adorable (because it looks like they’re doing a little dance), it confuses many pet parents.
What Most People Think It Means
Many assume dogs are trying to cover up their mess, just like a cat would in the litter box. After all, when a dog starts kicking back his feet, grass typically starts flying in the direction of his urine or feces (hopefully that’s not the direction where you’re standing)! But, this isn’t the typical motive.
What It Really Means
Dogs actually do this behavior as a way of marking their territory. You see, a dog’s paws are covered in scent glands that produce pheromones. So when your dog wipes his feet on the grass, he’s actually leaving behind his scent so other dogs can pick up on it. Since every dog has a unique scent, when your pooch wipes his paws on the grass after going to the bathroom, he is basically signing his name next to his work!
Experts say there’s a visual aspect to it too. The act of scratching itself can grab another dog’s attention. Plus, the scratch marks left on the ground act as a visual marker.
Is This Just a Boy Thing?
It’s a common question whether the behavior of wiping paws after going to the bathroom is unique to male dogs. The short answer is no; this behavior is not exclusive to boy dogs. Both male and female pups can exhibit this behavior, as it’s driven by natural instincts.
