2006-07-16 05:10:46 · 17 answers · asked by azul 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My female does it too. I think its sort of a mark the ground sort of thing.
2006-07-16 05:13:34 · answer #1 · answered by June V 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Scratching Dirt with the Hind Legs
Many dogs--nearly all males, neutered or not, and even some females--will
scratch the dirt with their hind legs after they urinate. some will even use their
front legs at the same time, backing up in order to leave a longer track.
This makes perfect sense to the dog but to us it seems odd.
The dog's pads sweat, leaving a strong scent for the next dog who comes
along to take note of. By scraping the earth, a dog says to whomever comes by nest.
"I am a big, tough dog, someone to be noticed and reckoned with. Here is my scent
urine) and here, next to that is the size of my footprints." By making vigorous
scratches in the earth, your dog shows his vitality and, presumably his size.
However, dogs are not above contriving to fool other dogs. Even a tiny
dog can scratch the ground, moving backward for a long distance. You
may see a pug or a Pekinese leave tracks 6 feet long. The next dog thinks
what a huge dog. Let your dog leave his mark; knowing that he will be
taken note of is reassuring to your dog.
I just thought they were wiping their feet off! LOL Silly me!
2006-07-16 05:14:52 · answer #2 · answered by Titzen_Ash_23 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why Do Dogs Scratch
2016-10-02 11:27:11 · answer #3 · answered by tseng 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Per my understanding and observations .. it's instinctual, it's a sign of bravado and dominance. They do it after urinating or defecating to leave their territorial mark (with the scratch marks and their scent from glands in their paws). They also may scratch during a confrontation or when seemingly protecting their territory.
2014-07-25 14:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by Sam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually males and females both do it, not only males. This is an instinctive behavior of most canine animals after urinating or defecating which is to rub their scent into their territory. Canines have sweat glands in their feet.
2016-06-29 16:38:23 · answer #5 · answered by Nova 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To intensify thier scent marking, they have scent glands between thier toes. This helps them mark thier territory, along with urine, feces scented by secretions of thier anal gland, scratching thier feet to leave scent from the galnds in thier feet. All this leaves an important and powerful message to all other dogs in the vicinity.
2006-07-16 05:19:32 · answer #6 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My new dog does this. Female too. I never had a dog do that before and I also wonder what the heck she's doing that for.
2006-07-16 06:31:00 · answer #7 · answered by mcghankathy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the same reason that they scratch with the front ones - to keep the claws short.
It also helps mark their territory.
2006-07-16 05:15:32 · answer #8 · answered by Froggy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All dogs do it. I think they can smell something in the dirt or they are just bored. My dog does it out of boredom. Little brat :)
2006-07-16 05:15:07 · answer #9 · answered by motyl4u 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they also like the feel of the grass between their toes like we do! some female dogs do it too!
2006-07-16 05:30:25 · answer #10 · answered by sorrells316 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is after they go potty,it is a marking thing.They are covering up their area so that other dogs know that it is their spot.It is a marking my territory thing.
2006-07-16 05:51:47 · answer #11 · answered by Aussie 4 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋