Dogs kick the ground after pooping primarily as an instinctive behavior related to marking their territory. This action spreads scent from glands in their paws, leaving a unique scent signature that communicates their presence to other dogs. The behavior also serves as a visual display to signal territory boundaries and social status, inherited from their wild ancestors. Additionally, this kicking may partly stem from an instinct to cover their waste to hide their presence from predators or rivals, although the primary function is scent-marking and communication. This ancient behavior helps dogs assert dominance, mark territory, and communicate with other dogs by spreading their scent beyond just the feces, using both the secretions from anal glands and the scent glands in their paws. The visible marks on the ground also serve as a sign to other dogs in the area, and this behavior can be more pronounced around other dogs or in competitive or nervous situations.