Shelly wrote:
Kimber wrote:

I've wondered if they're trying to bury it, like a cat, but they sure
do a lousy job. My dog is a foot away from what she's deposited and
isn't even facing the right direction when she does it.


I think it's generally accepted that such kicking/scratching is a
marking behavior. Sort of a, "Yeah, I was here and *I* did that!"


I agree. It's graffiti.

At home, in their own backyard, my two males normally squat like puppies
when they pee. But when we travel to tournaments and stay in hotels
that are playing host to dozens of dogs they hike their legs so high
they're in danger of capsizing, and then engage in so much kicking and
backward-scratching they look like they're moonwalking.