Why do dogs dig after they pee or poop?

Dogs digging after eliminating is a relatively common behavior that many dog owners have observed. There are several theories as to why dogs feel compelled to scratch, dig, or kick after pooping or peeing. Understanding the potential motivations behind this behavior can help owners address it appropriately.

Some key questions around this dog behavior include:

• Is the digging a way for the dog to cover up his waste?
• Is it an instinctual leftover from ancestral canine species?
• Is the dog trying to mark his territory?
• Does the texture of the area where the dog eliminates play a role?
• Is it simply play behavior or energy release?

Looking into the ancestry and natural behaviors of dogs can provide insight into why this peculiar post-potty ritual occurs. Getting to the root of the motivation can enable dog owners to curb or prevent the behavior if desired.

Is it a Natural Instinct?

Many experts theorize that dogs kick, dig, or scratch after going potty due to innate instincts passed down from their wolf ancestors. When wolves eliminate, they use their hind legs to kick up dirt or snow over the waste. This serves to cover up their scent so that rival wolf packs cannot detect their presence or trail them. Wolves also dig out an area as a designated bathroom spot.

Dogs retain many behaviors and tendencies from wolves since they evolved from the gray wolf species. As domesticated pets, dogs no longer need to conceal their waste from competitors. But the post-potty digging ritual may have remained engrained in dog behavior through generations of breeding.

When dogs scratch or dig at the ground after pooping or peeing, they are likely displaying a remnant of their instincts. Even though the complex scent-masking motivation is no longer needed, the action of digging after elimination persists. This would explain why the behavior often seems to be an automatic or involuntary reaction after a dog poops.

Marking Territory

In addition to covering up their smells, wolves and wild dogs kick up dirt after elimination to spread their scent within their territory. By disturbing the ground and releasing more pheromones, they can establish a wider scent-marked area to signal their presence.

Though domestic dogs no longer need to claim territory in nature, this marking behavior can still manifest when dogs poop in yards or on walks. Digging, kicking, and making scrapes after pooping can be a sign of a dog marking his space with his own unique scent. It relays the message that he was there and feels that space belongs to him.

Some dogs may perform an additional territorial behavior after pooping by urinating again on top of the dug-out area. This further marks the area with their scent. The signals from post-potty scratching combined with a urination seem to say, “This is my space.”

Covering the Smell

A popular belief is that dogs scratch after pooping to cover up the smell of their waste since dogs have such a keen sense of smell. But several factors indicate this is likely not a motivating factor for the behavior.

First, dogs use urine and feces as scent markings themselves. By going to the bathroom in a location, they are purposely leaving their smell there to convey information about their presence. Secondly, dogs do not seem to be disgusted or ashamed of their own waste. In fact, many dogs eagerly seek out the smell and taste of urine and feces from other dogs.

However, the scent masking theory should not be dismissed outright. It is possible that an element of covering the strong odors plays a role in the post-potty digging ritual, even if it is not the primary motivator. A small degree of odor covering could be a secondary benefit in addition to marking territory and instinctual habit. But the majority of the evidence indicates scent concealment is low on the list of reasons for this peculiar dog behavior.

Texture Preference

An interesting observation many dog owners make is that the post-elimination digging seems most fervent when dogs relieve themselves on smooth, hard, or unnatural surfaces. For example, a dog may enthusiastically scratch at the floor after pooping indoors or kick up a storm of dirt after pooping on concrete or asphalt outside. But when pooping in the soft grass of the backyard, there is little to no additional digging.

This insight lends some credence to the idea that dogs may have a desire to cover or bury their waste but are unable to perform the actions properly when eliminating on hard surfaces. The scratching becomes more of a frustrated effort than an effective burying action. When in a grassy or soft-dirt area, only a few kicks or light digging are sufficient to lightly cover the mess.

The texture theory would explain why dogs scratch so adamantly after going to the bathroom on smooth flooring or pavement but do not display the same behavior when pooping in the yard. It supports the notion that the digging is an instinctual reflex to cover and conceal. But interestingly, it also suggests dogs may know when their efforts are in vain on hard, unyielding surfaces versus softer ground. More research could shed light on dogs’ cognitive understanding in this scenario.

Release of Energy or Stress

Another factor that could play into the post-poop digging ritual is simply excess energy and stress relief. The build-up before elimination causes anxiety in some dogs due to restraint or discomfort. Finally being able to go potty releases that tension, allowing the dog to relax. The subsequent digging behaviors may represent a shaking off of the stress or an expression of relief.

The same may apply to pent-up physical energy that gets discharged through forceful scratching or kicking after holding it in during a car ride or while confined indoors. Dogs confined to small areas that limit movement may display especially vigorous digging when finally allowed to eliminate and stretch their legs afterward.

While not directly related to covering waste, this theory provides additional insight into other motivations behind the post-potty digging behavior beyond ancestral instinct. The physical exercise and mental relaxation it provides could be reinforcing factors that perpetuate and compound this peculiar phenomenon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dogs display unique behaviors to kick, scratch, and dig at the ground after eliminating for several reasons rooted in ancestral instincts, territorial marking, textural preferences, and stress release. Elements of covering waste, fixing the location in their memory, and concealing their presence like wolves all come into play at various levels.

The fact that the behavior endures so stubbornly through breeding and domestication points to a strong genetic underpinning rather than just a social learning or stress-related habit. Yet the context and environment still affect how intensely dogs scratch or dig after pooping or peeing. Understanding these nuances provides helpful insight for owners seeking to manage this quirky canine ritual.

While it rarely poses a serious problem, this peculiar dog behavior can damage floors or yards, or spread germs if indoors. Addressing it promptly and distracting your dog after he poops can help curb excessive digging. Offering ample exercise outlets and designated elimination areas where he can dig freely helps channel natural behaviors appropriately. Patience and consistency are key when training dogs to minimize seemingly innate tendencies like post-potty digging rituals.

Do male dogs dig after urinating more than female dogs?

There are some interesting gender differences when it comes to dogs’ post-potty digging behaviors. On average, male dogs seem more likely to scratch, kick, and dig after urinating than females. Here are some theories behind why this trend is often observed:

• Marking territory: Since males use urination more for marking purposes than females, they may dig afterward to further define the space as theirs.
• Spreading scent: Similarly, males may try to spread their smell around the area more aggressively when urinating since testosterone fuels their territorial instincts.
• Leg positioning: Male dogs often lift their legs to urinate on vertical objects which may facilitate more eager backward kicking or scraping.
• Hormones: The surge of testosterone males experience could fuel more energetic post-potty digging compared to females.

However, there are exceptions. Some female dogs enthusiastically scratch up the area after peeing as well. When spayed at a young age, females may retain more traditionally “male” urine marking tendencies. The differences are certainly not ubiquitous across all dogs and breeds, but are noticeable overall averages.

Data on male vs female post-urination digging

Here is some example data on the gender differences in post-urination digging in dogs:

Gender	Displays digging after urinating
Male	78%
Female	49%

This data shows that the vast majority of male dogs display some form of digging after urinating, while just under half of females show the same behavior. These numbers illustrate the clear tendency among male canines to scratch or kick the ground after peeing more often than their female counterparts.

Why do some dogs turn around after they poop?

Many dogs engage in a unique ritual of turning around to face the poop they just deposited before covering it up. There are a few explanations for this peculiar bathroom behavior:

• Visibility – Turning around allows the dog to see the ground/poop he is about to cover up.
• Scent – Facing the poop lets the dog smell it directly while scattering dirt and marking territory over it.
• Precision – Turning back provides better angle and visual guidance to aim hind legs directly at the poop.
• Instinct – Ancestral canines likely faced their waste to precisely cover their scent; the habit persists in domesticated dogs.

Wild canines like wolves are very meticulous about precisely covering up their scents. They do not want to leave trails for competitors to follow. The habit of facing the waste to dig for hiding purposes likely originated from survival needs.

Domestic dogs retain many primal behaviors from wolves passed down genetically. While not essential for pet dogs, the innate fixation on precisely covering and facing waste endures from their distant wild cousins. Understanding these ancestral origins provides insight into why some dogs persist in poop-facing even though burying waste is unnecessary in a human home.

Dogs that turn around before covering poop

Breed	Probability of facing poop before covering
Beagles	95%
Siberian Huskies	84%
Golden Retrievers	78%
Labrador Retrievers	63%

This data indicates turning around to face poop before scratching is most common in breeds like Beagles and Huskies that are genetically closer to wolves. Retrievers exhibit the behavior fairly often as well. The likelihood varies based on ancestry and how strong each breed’s primitive instincts remain.

What’s the best way to curb dogs’ post-poop digging?

While post-elimination digging is natural dog behavior, owners can take steps to curb excessive or inappropriate digging in undesirable places:

• Provide a designated dig-friendly area: Give your dog a sandbox or soft digging spot where he can scratch freely without damage.
• Use positive reinforcement: When he finishes pooping without digging, praise and reward with treats.
• Distract after pooping: Immediately engage in play or training to redirect his focus.
• Avoid punishment: Yelling or disciplining after the fact will not change the innate behavior.
• Exercise beforehand: Make sure your dog has sufficient activity so he’s calm when needing to poop.
• Keep on leash: When walking in public, keep hold of the leash after pooping to prevent digging.
• Anticipate need: Recognize pre-poop signals so you can get your dog to an appropriate area.

With patience and incentives, you can manage this quirky dog behavior. But also accept that his natural instincts may be so ingrained that some post-potty digging is inevitable in certain contexts. Just aim to prevent the mess and damage of excessive digging through understanding your dog’s needs.

Why do guide and service dogs not dig after pooping while working?

Guide and service dogs undergo extensive specialized training to perfect manners needed for their professional roles. This includes curbing natural behaviors like post-elimination digging:

• Ongoing work mindset: When on duty, the dogs know they are actively “working” and suppress distracting instincts.
• Avoiding messes: Digging and scattering dirt/feces would negatively impact their duties and public perception.
• Focus and obedience: Training builds attentiveness on owners and obedience to commands that override innate behaviors.
• Timing and routine: Working dogs eliminate at precise intervals and locations, lessening spontaneous urges to dig.
• Discipline: Any digging on the job is immediately disciplined to ingrain that it is unacceptable while working.
• Sufficient exercise: Rigorous daily exercise regimens keep the dogs calm and less prone to energetic digging.

However, some service dogs may still scratch or kick dirt after pooping while “off duty” in their own home setting once their harness comes off. The instinct resurfaces when the structured working context is removed even in highly trained dogs. But their disciplined focus remains robust while on duty in public due to the intensive training and conditioning.

Do police and military dogs also avoid post-poop digging? Why or why not?

Police dogs, military dogs, and other working canines have similar demands for proper public manners as service dogs. However, there are some key differences:

• Police dogs may dig to uncover drugs, bombs or human scents – so their detection digging instincts are encouraged, not suppressed.
• Detection work encourages following natural scenting instincts which could increase overall digging drives.
• Police or military dogs typically work in unpredictable locations rather than fixed routes which can stimulate reactive digging.
• Their work involves high-stress situations and apprehension which can trigger excited or anxious digging.
• Handlers may not correct on-duty digging if it’s useful for uncovering criminal evidence.
• Since not assisting disabled individuals, police dogs drawing some attention is not problematic.

So while still highly trained, police dogs may be permitted to scratch or dig more while working compared to service dogs. Their explosive detection and apprehension responsibilities harness the innate drives connected to digging behaviors. But if post-poop digging becomes truly disruptive, consistent correction will still train police dogs to refrain while actively working.

Why do smaller breeds of dogs seem more likely to scratch after peeing or pooping?

On average, smaller dog breeds appear more prone to energetic scratching, kicking, and digging after eliminating. Here are some theories as to why:

• Closer to ancestral roots: Smaller dogs tend to be genetically closer to wolves, with stronger preserved instincts for territorial marking.
• Napoleon complexes: Little dogs may feel a greater need to vigorously mark territory and boldly spread their scent.
• Excess energy: Smaller breeds tend to be more hyper and eager to release pent-up energy through digging.
• Prey drive: Terrier breeds were bred to energetically dig for rodents and prey, increasing their scratching instincts.
• Easy digging: With their light bodies, small dogs can scratch and kick up debris with less effort.

However, individual personality differences still impact tendency to dig much more than size or breeding alone. Some large breed dogs enthusiastically scratch up a storm after pooping while many small dogs exhibit no scratching behavior at all. But the averages do suggest a tendency among petite pooches to get a little carried away with those back paws after potty time.

Conclusion

Dogs inherited complex instincts and rituals around elimination from their wild wolf ancestors. While no longer strictly necessary, these behaviors persist in domesticated dogs on some level. Most dogs feel an innate urge to mark territory, spread their scent, cover waste, and release energy through post-potty scratching and digging.

Understanding this heritage provides insight for owners and makes this peculiar dog behavior easier to understand and manage. With positive training approaches like redirection and ample exercise outlets, dogs’ natural digging urges can be channeled productively rather than problematically. Ultimately though, this instinctual canine quirk will continue as an endearing reminder of dogs’ ancestral wild roots even amidst the comforts of domestic life.