Only for experts in dogs behaviour. - Page 1

They call it ''stalwart kicks'' its a  form of marking I suppose, not an attempt to bury any thing more of a signature ''Kilroy was here'' type of thing. the way Bears scratch trees   It's Hell on St Augustine grass when they do that!!

Thanks Lief, Experts opinions are always appreciated.

Copy and past from k9trainer username:
Dogs have scent glands in their feet (both between their toes, interdigital glands, and on their pads, merocrine glands) so it is thought that this backward scratching helps leave additional scent in the area where the dog has either defecated (pooed) or urinated (wee). Both males and females carry out this behaviour but it is much more prevalent in males, especially undesexed males.

Some dogs also scratch after smelling another dogs faeces without having gone themselves. They may be trying to over-mark the other dogs elimination to put their own scent there instead.

Some dogs are more territorial than others. Dogs that are more territorial are more likely to scratch up the dirt. Also, dogs that feel more territorially threatened (such as when a new dog is introduced into their territory) are more likely to perform this behaviour. When they do not feel the need to mark their territory dogs are less likely to scratch.
Source(s):
The Dog - by Linda P Case
http://books.google.com.au/books?id=2e_A…

Wlppol; This is more than generous from you

Thanks a lot.

Thanks for the additional info. Vixen

I think by the end of the day ill have a complete data.

"Is it a natural behavior to cover it, for other wild animals not to follow / chase them through the scent of the mess?"

Another thing to remember is that this scratching intensifies scent, not covers it.

It not only does all the things the posters have said, it spreads them around.  Remember that in following a scent trail, it is not only the tiny skin flakes (called "rafts") that an animal trails, but the broken and bent grasses, disturbed dirt, etc.  So when a dog does this it is making certain everybody who comes by knows he was there - IOW, he's doing the opposite of covering it, for other wild animals not to follow.  He WANTS them to know HE was there.

Tess, this is only another good piece of additional information.

Thanks a lot

Watch the direction the dog travels after this mark,
it may lead straight to the next boundary site.