Why do dogs paddle after going to the toilet?

Walking a dog is one of the main pleasures in the owner’s life. Fresh air, activity and the opportunity to observe each other. Sometimes owners notice things they don’t understand. For example, why do dogs paddle after they leave a mark.

Have you noticed that your dog furiously rakes the ground with its hind legs after leaving a mark? So much so that sometimes grass, earth, and sometimes dirt scatter in different directions. Why is she doing this?

Some owners mistakenly believe that in this way the dog is trying to bury what he has produced. But it’s not.

Foot raking after toileting is an additional way to leave a mark to mark your territory. And they leave a message for their relatives: “I was here!” The fact is that there are glands on the dog’s paws that produce an odorous substance that “participates” in communication with relatives. Moreover, this smell is even more persistent than the smell of urine or feces.

But why are dogs so obsessed with markings? This is the legacy of their wild ancestors. Wolves and coyotes do the same to stake out territory.

However, dogs are more likely to leave messages to others than announce their intention to defend the territory.

It can be said that raking the ground after toileting allows the dogs to leave a mark for their relatives. This is more of a message than a threat. And this is normal behavior that does not need to be corrected. This may seem a little strange, but there is nothing dangerous or problematic about it. So do not interfere with the pet.