Annoying behavior
 

Hi all

Don't know if this belongs in this forum but doesn't really fit anywhere else. Tosa has begun the habit of kicking or scratching the ground with her back feet after going potty. I know this is probably a normal thing as I've seen many dogs do it. It wouldn't bother me as much if she chose to go in the grass but since I got her , her chosen potty spot has been in dirt or gravel in the back yard. As you would guess this throws the gravel all over including into the grass where it plays havoc with the lawn mower not to mention if it is wet out her paws come back inside full of mud.:rolleyes: I am hesitant to correct her and make her think I am doing it for going potty. She is so close to being house trained I don't want any setbacks. Any suggestions or should I rack this one up as one of those things you just have to deal with?

Thanks!

both of my dogs are terrible for doing this! Im not sure what the proper method of dealing with this is, but I dont give them a chance to do it. They go pee, stand up and Im ready with the ball or toy or whatever they like to play with. If I dont have a toy I just clap my hands and use my play voice and jump around the lawn. (Yes I look and feel like a moron but it works.) I like positive methods, the last thing you want is your dog to be afraid to pee!
Good luck.

This is an instinctive behavior, and no dog should be corrected for doing it.

If your dog is going out alone in the yard, there's not much you can do about it.

Thanks Lucky. That's what I thought but wanted to be sure from someone in the know. She never goes out without a leash yet since I am still training. She is coming along great with her commands so far and is becoming much more confident in her walks when it comes to strangers and other dogs.

Tucker has started doing this too in the last month or so, no big deal at least I know when he is finished doing a poop. I just have to be careful not to bend over to pick it up too quick or I end up with a face full :p of dirt.