We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful Doberman named Draco.
My mom and dad said “I’m the sweetest nut ever!” I love to play and cuddle. I have a lot of energy and I love people.
Mom and dad said “I am a goofball and will always bring a smile to anyone’s face” What do you think?
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue:
When you take your dog out for a walk, or even simply let them out into your backyard, some dogs after doing their “business” will kick sand, grass, or dirt debris behind them. Most people believe it is their dog’s way of “cleaning up”. However, it is the opposite.
This behaviour is known as “scrape behaviour”. It is the way your canine marks their territory. This is an important way dogs communicate with other animals.
This behaviour dates backs thousands of years when dogs in the wild used this as a protective measure to ward off prey. Wolves and coyotes also “kick” debris to spread the scent of urine.
Dogs have glands in their paws, which release pheromones, that trigger social interaction with other dogs, even to mate. These pheromones are an effective communication tool as the scent last longer than urine or feces.
Clients who visit dog parks on a regular basis will witness this “kicking” behaviour, from most of the dominant dogs there.
This is a way for dominate dogs to let other dogs know the “pecking” order. You may witness other dogs “kicking” after sniffing another dog’s poop or urine to cover the dog’s scent with their own pheromones.
It is important to make sure when your canine is kicking grass, this does not become an aggressive behaviour. In some dogs this can be a sign of anxiety. If this behaviour becomes repetitive and moves indoors to carpets and tiles, then please contact Paul to help curb this behaviour.
We have clients that have designed a designated “pooping area” instead of using their nice, manicured grass. Our clients have used river rocks/pebbles or all-natural mulch, for their designated areas. Therefore the “kicking” isn’t so intense, and this will help save your grass. (You can see a few examples/ideas on “pooping areas “on Pinterest.)