Checking his work.

[Caledon]

Originally Posted by paulag1955

The dirt kicking is to spread their scent over a bigger area, I believe.

This makes sense to me.

My 4 year old spayed female does this all the time on grass. When she potties in her designated spot, which is on patio stones, she does not. This could be because it is only used by her.

[SueDoNimm]

I Googled to see why dogs do this because my dog does it occasionally after marking and he looks so smug and proud of himself when he does it. I've noticed he usually does it in one area of the park, where I often see an intact male dog roaming loose. It was interesting to see that they do that to spread more scent around - he definitely looks like he's thinking, "it's mine, now!" when he does it.

[hunterisgreat]

It's scent marking. Technically, it's a show of aggression at rivals without any specific target. A general show of aggression. Functionally identical to gang signs spraypainted on city walls and structures warning other gangs to stay out