why do dogs lift their leg to pee?

Answer 1

Dog's urine is used as a scent marker for other dogs. Many male dogs and some female dogs will urinate in multiple places to establish their scent on their territory and say "I was here."
A male dog lifts his leg so he can urinate on vertical surfaces (the proverbial fire hydrant). Why urinate on a vertical surface? Bruce Fogle, DVM, in his book Know Your Dog, suggests the scent of urine on a vertical surface will generally last longer than the scent on a horizontal surface. The scent is also more at nose level, so the next dog coming by will be less likely to miss the scent.

Answer 2

Only male dogs lift their leg to pee

Answer 3

like their wild cousin they mark their territory.and by lifting their leg they ensure pee hits the right spot.

Answer 4

it's just natural for them, you usually find male dogs lift their leg!

Answer 5

So they won't pee on their leg

Answer 6

well i tell you why dogs lift there leg is becuse
thay are male dog,s can only do this not
girls dogs so that is why

Answer 7

To mark their scent on vertical objects where hopefully another dog will not be able to mark over it

Answer 8

So they dont pee on their foot

Answer 9

My puppy is just starting to do this and he almost always falls over--it's hilarious. He looks shocked every single time.

I think it's so they can mark their territory with their urine. Samson (my puppy) doesn't really care if it gets on him, he walks through it afterward (gross!)

Answer 10

Not all dogs do, some male dogs squat.