Dogs have scent glands in their feet (both between their toes, interdigital glands, and on their pads, merocrine glands) so it is thought that this backward scratching helps leave additional scent in the area where the dog has either defecated (pooed) or urinated (wee). Both males and females carry out this behaviour but it is much more prevalent in males, especially undesexed males.
Some dogs also scratch after smelling another dogs faeces without having gone themselves. They may be trying to over-mark the other dogs elimination to put their own scent there instead.
Some dogs are more territorial than others. Dogs that are more territorial are more likely to scratch up the dirt. Also, dogs that feel more territorially threatened (such as when a new dog is introduced into their territory) are more likely to perform this behaviour. When they do not feel the need to mark their territory dogs are less likely to scratch. |