kicking at the grass

When Winnie and Syd go to the bathroom on grass, when they are done they kick at the grass with their back legs. I know this is normal behavior however since i got a new lawn does anyone know if there is a way to teach them not to do this? They havent been on the lawn yet since I still have a fence up but I dont want them scracthing at the grass like that cause I think it will ruin it, wont it? Thanks

 

That's a tough question. Hope someone has a suggestion because as you mentioned this is an inborn trait. Freckles does it but for some reason Duke does not. Maybe you could stand by with a treat and call them over before they kick. I would like to know if anyone can explain why they do this.

 

If I'm not mistaken, its an act to attempt to cover up their poo and leave kinda like a "territory" marking. Deer tend to do this. The bucks have scent glands in their hind legs on the hocks. So they will often times urinate on their legs, and "scrape" them against brush, and tall grass....
They will also leave "antler scrapes" on trees and shrubbs..

I think dogs do this in order to mark their "belongings'' and to cover it....but I'm not 100% sure...

 

heehee, I am so glad you asked this question... Harley has been doing this for the last couple of months. I just laugh each time because she looks so ridiculous!! :lol:

 

My dog does it too!

But when Dodo does it he's barking at the dog next door through the fence. I'm puzzled also, but I thought it was hilarious.

 

Hey Trixie does that too but if u distract her and like call her name she doesn't bother

 

My male Bailey does that ALL the time- female Brandee~Cherie does not..

 

Molly just started doing this a couple weeks ago...anywhere, not just in the grass..and it looks so hilarious! My daughters love taking her for long walks just so they can watch her "scrape" with her back feet.

My female lab doesn't do it tho...