It is instinctive, right? Jake Rossen shares the basics about this strange behavior which looks like a dog is covering his poop. He reminds us this is territorial behavior, not poop embarrassment. By kicking up the area, the dog mixes pheromones from the feet and creates a visual disruption to signal other dogs of territory boundaries.
The pheromones from the kicking are stronger than the odor from urine or feces.
Source: Mental Floss, November 28, 2019. Link.
INSIGHTS: Share this as a fun fact with dog owners on social media, in newsletters or with children during school visits.