09/29/2026
Dogs that scratch and kick the ground after urinating or defecating are leaving a visual mark alongside the scent, a behavior researchers link to dominance and high confidence. The kicking spreads pheromones from glands between the paw pads over a wider area, amplifying the chemical message and essentially making the "I was here" signal louder.
Studies on dog behavior found this is more common in dominant, high-confidence dogs regardless of size. A tiny dog furiously kicking up grass is not being dramatic. It is being very sure of itself.
