Why Do Dogs Cover Their Poop? 5 Fascinating Reasons

When walking their dogs every day, many pet owners are puzzled by the fact that their dogs dig holes in the dirt after defecating. Why do dogs cover their feces? The reasons why dogs bury their feces have a lot to do with their personality and needs. This article will delve into the scientific principles behind it and hope it can help you.

What Is Dog Poop Burying Behavior?

When dogs “cover” their poop, they usually kick dirt, grass, or sand with their hind legs to cover it. It may look like they’re trying to bury it, but here’s the thing: they’re not always hiding it. More often, they’re just scattering it in a symbolic, rather than actual, way. I’ve noticed that my dog ​​Luna does a little [dirt-kicking dance] after every poop, but the pile of poop still stands proudly in sight.

This behavior isn’t universal. Some dogs do it religiously, while others don’t kick at all. It depends on their breed, temperament, and environment. For example, my friend’s city-dwelling Chihuahua rarely kicks poop, while my neighbor’s country-dwelling Labrador is very active. So what drives this instinct? Let’s explore why.

5 Reasons Why Do Dogs Cover Their Poop​

1. Instinct from Wild Ancestors

Dogs are descendants of wolves, and in the wild, covering poop was a survival tactic. Wolves might kick dirt to mask their scent from predators or rival packs. Even though my pampered pup doesn’t face grizzly bears, that ancient instinct lingers. It’s like how we still jump at loud noises—some habits stick around. This explains why Luna seems so focused when she’s kicking; it’s her inner wolf saying, “Better hide the evidence!”

2. Territory Marking

Here’s a surprise: kicking dirt isn’t just about covering up. Dogs have scent glands in their paw pads, and when they scratch the ground, they’re leaving a “calling card.” It’s their way of saying, “This is my turf!” Think of it as the canine version of tagging a fence. My dog’s enthusiastic kicks in the park might be her claiming the spot as “Luna Land.” Next time your dog goes wild post-poop, they could be marking their territory for the neighborhood crew.

3. Cleanliness Instinct

Some dogs are neat freaks. In the wild, keeping the den clean was crucial, especially for mother dogs protecting pups. Kicking dirt might be an attempt to “tidy up” the area. I’ve seen this with breeds like Border Collies, who seem obsessed with order. If your dog’s a bit of a clean freak, their kicking could be less about hiding poop and more about keeping their space spick-and-span. Of course, it doesn’t actually clean much, which is where a good dog poop bag comes in handy (more on that later).

4. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs are smart—they notice how we react. If you laugh or say, “Oh, you’re so silly!” when they kick dirt, they might keep doing it for the spotlight. My Luna definitely ramps up her performance when I’m watching. This behavior can become a habit if reinforced, especially in social breeds like Golden Retrievers. It’s not the main reason, but it’s worth considering if your dog seems to kick more when you’re around.

5. Breed-Specific Traits

Not all dogs kick with the same enthusiasm. Breeds with digging instincts, like Terriers or Beagles, are more likely to go all-in. Studies suggest about 30% of dogs regularly kick after pooping, often tied to their hunting or burrowing heritage. For example, my friend’s Jack Russell Terrier treats every poop like an excavation project, while her Greyhound couldn’t care less. Your dog’s breed might hold the clue to their dirt-kicking passion.

What Should You Do About Your Dog’s Kicking?

Accept the instinct: It’s in your dog’s nature to kick, so I don’t stress about his daily behavior. Unless he’s destroying your lawn or annoying the neighbors, let it go.

Redirect with training: If your dog’s kicking behavior gets out of control, try redirecting him with a command like “Let’s go!” I’ve taught my dog ​​to walk away after a quick kick, and it’s saved my garden.

Choose the right spot: Walk your dog on gravel or sidewalks to minimize messes. Parks with sandy areas are great for letting them kick without destroying your lawn.

Clean up smart: The best way to deal with poop is to pick it up before it starts kicking. That’s where ORIZON compostable poop bags come in handy. Made from corn-based polylactic acid (PLA), these bags are certified to compost in 90-180 days and are sturdy enough to handle even the messiest jobs. I take a roll with me on my walks—they’re eco-friendly and a breeze to clean up. It’s a sustainable way to go for a clean walk.

Using ORIZON compostable poop bags means a lot to me. Not only do they help protect the planet, but they prevent your dog from turning every poop into a messy party. Plus, they’re affordable at about $0.10 per bag, which saves money and the environment.

Conclusion

Why do dogs cover their poop? It’s part age old instinct, part territoriality, and sometimes just to get attention. From their wolf ancestors to their quirky breed traits, dogs’ reasons for kicking poop make sense in their world. The next time your dog starts doing the “post-poop dance,” you’ll know they’re either hiding evidence, asserting their place, or showing off.

For me, understanding my dog’s behavior makes our walks more fun—I love guessing the reasons behind her latest poop kick. Try watching your dog’s habits and see what you can figure out. If you’re tired of the mess, keep it tidy and eco-friendly by picking up some ORIZON compostable poop bags. What’s your dog’s funny poop-kicking story? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear it!