Good Dog WeekWhy does my dog kick the ground after pooping?
Common reasons
Scent marking
Dogs have scent glands in their paws, so scratching the ground spreads their smell alongside the visual mark left by their poop, telling other dogs they were there.
Visual marking
The scratch marks and disturbed grass or dirt can act as a visual signpost to other animals passing through the area, in addition to the scent left behind.
Leftover instinct
This behaviour likely comes from wild canine ancestors who needed to communicate territory and presence to other animals in the area.
Excitement or relief
Some dogs get a little burst of energy or satisfaction after going to the toilet, and kicking the ground is simply part of that post-poop zoomies feeling.
Surface preference
Certain textures underfoot, like grass or loose dirt, may just feel good to scratch at, similar to how some dogs like digging in general.
What you can do
- If you'd rather your dog didn't dig up a specific area, redirect them with a cheerful cue and a treat toward a different spot right after they finish.
- Reward calm walking away from the mess with praise or a small treat, so a smooth follow-through becomes the easy, rewarding option.
- If you're walking in a public space, simply clean up the poop as usual once your dog has finished their scratching.
- Avoid making a fuss or startling your dog during this behaviour, since it's a natural action and reacting strongly could create unnecessary stress around toileting.
- If the scratching seems unusually frantic, prolonged, or paired with scooting, keep an eye on it and mention it at your next vet visit.
When to talk to a vet
If your dog is scooting, licking the area excessively, straining, has visible discomfort, blood in the stool, or if the scratching behaviour suddenly becomes much more intense, it's worth checking with your vet to rule out anal gland issues or other discomfort.