Dog Trainer Reveals the Unexpected Reason Dogs Kick After ‘Doing Their Business’

Regardless of breed, dogs can exhibit some quirky behaviors. While some like to dig, others want to spin in circles, and many enjoy a game of chasing their tail. Even if we don’t understand why they do the things they do, they are unquestionably entertaining.

However, some behaviors have a deeper meaning, and kicking dirt after going potty holds a purpose that may surprise you. While I’ve always believed it was a way to hide their scent, that’s not the reason at all.

Watch this video from September 21 to see why some dogs love to kick up those heels!

This sure comes as a surprise! Dog trainer Cherry Hoggs (@ cherry.hoggs ) reveals that dogs don’t kick up dirt after going to the bathroom because they are trying to avoid attention; they do it to attract it! She describes that this is the sign of a confident and cocky dog who wants other dogs to know who they are and that they have been there. This action helps them spread their scent through the glands in their paw pads, letting everyone know it’s their territory. My French Bulldog mix , the boss of everyone and everything, consistently exhibits this behavior, so it sounds accurate. However, my less-than-confident dog does it, which makes me wonder if it can also be a learned pack behavior.

Related: United Airlines Pilot Goes Above & Beyond to Give Corgi on Plane a Bathroom Break

How Dogs Communicate With Their Paws

The AKC reveals that dogs have been using this kicking behavior to leave their scent behind for thousands of years. The pheromones produced in their paw pads contain a scent that lasts longer than any in urine or feces, making it an incredibly effective tool for marking territory and letting other dogs know they are nearby. They report that when we sometimes notice a pungent odor emanating from their paws, it isn’t always a sign that they need a bath, but rather, it’s more likely that they just stimulated their pads to enhance their scent. That gives us even more to think about when we notice that Frito-like smell, especially if they’ve been kicking up the lawn.

Overall, this theory made sense to parents. Viewer @billydrewer revealed, “Our Husky does this all the time. Even on bike rides, he’ll happily risk getting dragged along to do this.” It’s a top priority to let other dogs know they were there. Viewer @s.agi remarked, “Well, mine must be the cockiest!” They can be quite the showman. Viewer @plutospals reported, “It can be, but I have also seen insecure dogs do this, posturing to make up for how they really feel.” I think that’s true.

I wish my dogs could tell me exactly what they were thinking in times like these. However, maybe it’s best we don’t know for sure.