Why Do Dogs Kick After They Poop? 3 Reasons And How to Stop It

Dogs are known for kicking after they poop. But do you know why?

In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons behind this strange behavior.

Dogs may kick after they poop for a variety of reasons.

Each of these reasons is fascinating and deserves further exploration! So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at why dogs kick after they poop!

Do all dogs kick after pooping?

It is a common belief that all dogs kick after pooping, but this is not actually the case.

While some dogs may exhibit this behavior, it is not universal among all members of the canine species.

There are a number of possible explanations for why some dogs kick after defecating. One theory is that the act of kicking helps to spread the dog’s scent, marking its territory.

Another possibility is that kicking helps to remove any feces that may be clinging to the dog’s fur. However, it is also likely that some dogs simply enjoy the sensation of kicking their back legs. 

Why do dogs kick after they poop?

There are several reasons why dogs kick after poop. It includes:

They are trying to spread the scent of their waste

When a dog kicks its back leg after pooping, it is actually engaging in a behavior known as “scent marking.”

This is an instinctual behavior that helps dogs to spread the scent of their waste, which allows them to claim their territory and communicate with other dogs.

While this behavior may seem odd to humans, it is perfectly natural for dogs, and there is no need to reprimand them for doing it.

In fact, you may even find it amusing once you understand what they are trying to do!

They are trying to cover up their waste

Another reason why dogs may kick after they poop is that they are trying to cover up their waste.

This is another instinctual behavior that helps them to stay clean and avoid attracting predators.

By kicking dirt or leaves over their waste, dogs can help to camouflage it and keep themselves safe.

Again, this is nothing to worry about, and you can simply ignore it if you don’t want your dog to do it in your yard.

They are trying to get rid of the waste

Finally, some dogs may kick after they poop because they are trying to get rid of the waste. This is usually seen in dogs who are not house-trained or who are not used to using a toilet.

They may kick their back legs in an attempt to get rid of the waste, which can be frustrating for owners who are trying to potty train their dogs.

If this is the case, you will need to be patient and continue working with your dog on proper toileting habits.

Can this behavior be stopped?

Now that we know why dogs kick after they poop, you may be wondering if there is anything you can do to stop it. In most cases, there is no need to worry about this behavior, and you can simply ignore it.

However, if you are potty training your dog or if you don’t want them to kick in your yard, there are a few things you can do.

Try to keep your dog’s waste in one place.

If you don’t want your dog to kick their waste, try to keep it in one place.

This can be done by using a potty pad or by taking them out to the same spot in the yard each time they need to go.

By keeping their waste in one place, you can help to discourage them from kicking it.

Use positive reinforcement.

If you are potty training your dog, you can use positive reinforcement to help them learn that they should not kick after they poop.

When they go in the right spot, be sure to give them plenty of praise and treats.

This will help them to understand that they are doing what you want them to do, and they will be more likely to continue this behavior.

Redirect your dog’s attention

If your dog starts to kick after they poop, try to redirect their attention. This can be done by calling their name or by offering them a treat.

By redirecting their attention, you can help to break the cycle of kicking and prevent them from doing it in the future.

Final words

Some dog owners may be alarmed when they see their pets kicking up dirt or grass after going to the bathroom.

However, in most cases, this behavior is perfectly normal and there is no need to worry.

Dogs have a strong instinct to cover their waste, and kicking helps to spread the scent around, making it harder for predators to track them down.

In addition, kicking helps to bury the waste and keep the area clean.

So, if your dog likes to kick up a little dirt after doing its business, there is no cause for concern. Just be sure to keep an eye on their nails to make sure they don’t get too long.