Why do dogs kick their back legs?

There's no Cover-Up When Your Dog's Hind Legs Kick Sand After Doing His Business. Many people think that when their dogs tear at the ground with their back feet after they have urinated or defecated that they're trying to cover up the mess, just as a cat might. read more

Dogs kick their back legs when being rubbed and tickled because of an involuntary reaction called the scratch reflex. It is caused by nerves in the dog's stomach reacting to the tickling in an effort to get rid of an irritation. read more

Dr. Patty Khuly explains what's going on with this natural behavior. read more