No matter how we train them, dogs will do things that we may not necessarily like, but the underlying cause is not disobedience, or lack of intelligence as some may think. In fact, many of the frustrations we face are our own faults. The reason Purebred Breeders makes this claim is simple; some things are instinctive, so to try to stop them is to set ourselves and our lovable four-legged friends up for failure. Scratching is one such instinctive behavior, and scratching the ground after relieving themselves holds a significant role in the dog world.
Why Dogs Do This
Each dog has a unique chemistry that gives the pooch his or her own unique scent. This scent can be picked up by other dogs in the waste that is eliminated, which is how some dogs “mark” their territory, or just to say “I was here”. Every other dog who comes to use the area will therefore know who was there before.
This works like a little doggy bulletin board that allows your pooch to catch up on the coming and goings of other dogs every time you take him or her to the bathroom. It is also one of the reasons dogs sniff around and linger at certain spots. Although, Purebred Breeders claims, that housebreaking lapses may also be the cause. But why scratch afterward?
The main reason is to spread the scent around, which is especially useful when marking territory. Your canine companion is ensuring that his or her scent is scattered and unmistakable for the next dog that comes along. Purebred Breeders must note also that your dog may be trying to do the opposite, that is, cover the scent, if he or she attempts to completely cover the area.
This action is a sign of apprehension, and it is your dog’s way of trying to hide his or her trail. Such behavior should be watched for in case your pooch resorts to Coprophagia (eating waste) in order to hide the scent. Purebred Breeders recommends that you try to identify the reason for the distress, and work to alleviate it. Besides all that, your pooch is acting on mere instincts.
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