Ever watched your dog do their business, only to turn into a mini kung-fu master afterward?
Yep. There you are, standing patiently during your dog’s poop break, when suddenly—bam, bam, bam—they start furiously kicking the ground behind them like they’re in some kind of slow-mo action movie. What is that all about? Did something bite them? Are they wiping their paws? Are they just being dramatic?
Let’s get into the weirdly wonderful world of why your dog kicks after pooping—because yes, it’s a thing. And no, they’re not just being extra for no reason (well, not completely).
It’s Not About Cleanliness—It’s About Communication
Let’s crush a common myth right away: your dog isn’t trying to "wipe their paws" or "cover their poop" like a cat. Nah, dogs don’t care that much about bathroom etiquette.
So, why the dramatic post-poop moonwalk? It all comes down to scent-marking and territory.
Dogs have scent glands in their paws. When they kick at the ground, they’re spreading their unique scent—basically leaving a signature like, “Hey, I was here. Respect the throne.”
The Kicking Is a Power Move
Think about it. Your dog poops, then kicks dirt with force away from the scene like they just dropped a mic. It’s not random—it’s a deliberate way of saying:
- “I’ve claimed this area.”
- “I’m watching you, Steve the neighbor’s poodle.”
- “I poop, therefore I rule.”
Dogs are wired this way from their wild ancestors. Wolves and wild dogs marked territory the same way, and your pup inherited the drama.
So FYI, it's not a cleanliness issue—it's a dominance broadcast.
Is This Behavior Normal?
Totally. 100% normal. In fact, if your dog doesn’t do this, it might mean they’re just not the territorial type—or they’re just chill. And hey, not every dog needs to make a scene.
But if you’re wondering, “Wait, my dog just started doing this?”—yeah, that can be a thing too. Dogs might suddenly start kicking after pooping if:
- There’s a new dog in the neighborhood.
- They feel more confident lately.
- They’re getting older and developing new behaviors.
IMO, it’s kind of cool watching your dog evolve like a mini boss in their own story arc. Just don’t stand too close unless you want dirt in your shoe. 😅
What If the Kicking Gets... Extra?
Now, if your dog kicks like they’re in a dirt-flinging competition every single time—it’s still probably normal. But there are a few things to check:
1. Is It Causing Damage?
If your dog’s turning your yard into a war zone or you’re getting death stares from neighbors after a lawn attack… yeah, time to set some limits.
2. Are Their Paws Okay?
Excessive kicking could irritate the paw pads, especially on rough pavement or hot surfaces. Check for:
- Cracks
- Bleeding
- Limping (obviously not part of the plan)
3. Is It Becoming Obsessive?
If your pup goes into a full-on kicking trance every time—even without pooping—it could hint at compulsive behavior. Time to chat with your vet if it seems a little... much.
So… Are They Trying to Hide the Poop or Show It Off?
Here’s the twist: They’re not hiding it. They’re advertising it. 🐾
It’s like a poop billboard: “Hey, this belongs to me, and now you know it.” That kicking action sends visual and scent signals to other dogs that scream, “Occupied!”
Dogs communicate with poop more than we give them credit for. Ever wonder why they sniff so long before picking the perfect poop spot? That’s basically them checking the Yelp reviews.
What If My Dog Only Does It Sometimes?
Honestly? That’s totally normal too.
Some dogs kick after every bathroom break, others do it only when they’re in a mood. And sometimes it depends on:
- The surface (dirt is more fun than concrete).
- Whether other dogs have been there recently.
- Their mood (yes, dogs have moods, just like us. Ever get sassy after a good meal? Same vibes.)
So don’t worry if it’s inconsistent—it just means your pup has preferences. Can’t blame them. I wouldn’t want to kick on gravel either. 🙃
Should I Stop My Dog From Kicking?
Okay, here’s the deal:
If it’s not hurting anything or anyone—let them kick. It’s instinctive, harmless (usually), and probably super satisfying for them.
But if the kicking turns into:
- Lawn destruction
- Paws getting injured
- Dirt launching directly into your eye (been there, not fun)
Then maybe take some precautions like:
- Training a "leave it" or “come” command to redirect them.
- Walking them on pavement where kicking is less appealing.
- Keeping distance from flower beds. (Grandma’s roses will thank you.)
Bonus: Do All Dogs Do This?
Nope. Some dogs just don’t kick. And that’s fine too!
It doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. Dogs are individuals. Just like some people can’t stop fidgeting, and others sit like statues, dogs have their own post-potty rituals.
Fun fact? Studies show male dogs are more likely to engage in this behavior than females. (Guess who has to be extra all the time? 😏)
Quick Recap – Why Does My Dog Kick After Pooping?
Let’s wrap this up in a neat little doggie bag:
- It’s scent-marking behavior—your dog’s saying “I was here.”
- It’s normal and rooted in doggy instinct.
- They’re not trying to clean up after themselves (nice try, though).
- It might intensify with new dogs around or changes in confidence.
- It can be limited if it becomes destructive or problematic.
So next time your pup finishes up their business and turns into a ground-kicking ninja, just smile and know they’re doing what dogs do best—being a little weird and wildly lovable.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weirdness
Dogs have a funny way of doing things that make us stop and ask, “Wait…what just happened?” And that’s exactly why we love them.
This kicking behavior? It’s just one of those quirky little instincts that reminds us how connected our pups still are to their wild ancestors—wolves, scent-markers, and all.
So let your dog kick up a storm (within reason). Laugh it off, dodge the flying dirt, and maybe, just maybe, thank them for being the goofy little goofball that makes your day a little more entertaining.
Now if only they could figure out how to flush. 😉
P.S. Ever caught your dog kicking… before pooping? Yeah, that’s a thing too—but that’s another story for another day. 🐶💩
