Everytime my Jack Russells use the bathroom they kick their back legs out like they "burning out". It's very cute and I laugh everytime, but I just wondered if this is some kind of instinct for dogs or if they are trying to actually do something...
2007-03-14 07:42:54 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is a vestigial behavior from when they were wild. They are marking their territory, or covering their scent. I had one that wouldn't quit until it was totally covered. I believe he was camouflaging his scent...However, my dominant female just gives it a little scratch, and I think she is marking territory.
2007-03-14 07:50:24 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My schnauzer does it too. I am not sure that he does it out in the yard. I live in the country so when it is potty time he just runs around free for 5-10 minutes. When we go to the front door to go back in the house he does that cute little thing with his back legs. Yes it does look like "burning out". It always makes me think that he wants to be sure he is extra clean before going in the house! What would we do without these cute little fellows to give us such a laugh?!
2007-03-14 14:57:21 · answer #2 · answered by brandi from texas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its a territorial thing lions and other big cats do it also in the wild. after using the bathroom they kick rub the feet on the ground to get the scent of their urine on there pads so where ever they walk they leave down a scent boundary for other dogs to know that this is my turf keep out. my german shepherd did the same thing with his back legs
2007-03-14 14:49:38 · answer #3 · answered by Ambegurl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Its instinctive. My dobermans do this all the time!!!!! I love it! i cant help but laugh! Its to :
1, cover the potty area.
2, mark territory
3, get the scent on their legs and feet, so they can mark territory as they walk.
2007-03-14 14:55:09 · answer #4 · answered by ♥Cristina♥ 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my dogs do this too and i have a snorkie and a rottweiler and a pit bull and it is cute and my mom told me that it is just instinct to lick their legs just like we wipe it is just instinct just dont worry about it if they grew up doing this then thay will probably do it for a while and they might not even grow out of it
2007-03-14 19:29:28 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I understand it is like a cat covering up in the littler pan. Just trying to hide the sent they left. We always call it the macho attempt by our small dog.
2007-03-14 14:50:35 · answer #6 · answered by Patricia M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs have scent glands in their feet, this is an additional way of marking territory.
2007-03-14 14:50:58 · answer #7 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My dog does this, too (fox terrier/poodle). Most of the time, they're trying to bury their stuff, which is an instinct.
2007-03-14 14:49:12 · answer #8 · answered by HC 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's insticnt. By kicking their back legs their are attempting to cover up their feces with dirt or leaves or brush. It comes from living in the wild and not wanting to leave their scat in plain sight for their enemies to detect.
2007-03-14 14:48:08 · answer #9 · answered by gottaflag 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's instinct, they want to cover up their smell.
2007-03-14 14:50:44 · answer #10 · answered by TnM4E 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋