Eliminative paw scrape

The dog scrapes the ground with his rear paws, or with all four legs, after having urinated or defecated. This behaviour may be accompanied by threatening or challenging behaviours towards an opponent (standing tall, staring, growling).
(Goodman et al., 2002; Koler-Matznick, 2005; Capra, 2011)

The male American Staffordshire displays an eliminative paw scrape with great intensity.

The male German Shepherd displays an eliminative paw scrape, staring at his opponent.

VIDEO

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The male Pyrenees Montain Dog is working as guardian of a flock of sheep. When the shepherd approaches with his Border Collies, the Pyrenees marks with urine and displays an eliminative paw scrape, orienting himself toward the Border Collies.

VIDEO

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Video footage of a behavioural evaluation. The female Pit Bull seen moving freely in the fenced area moves into a frontal stance while approaching the male on leash, then orients into a lateral stance. The two dogs sniff each other's muzzle, and the male marks with urine in front of the female, then displays an eliminative paw scrape in front of her. The female sniffs the ground and then moves away. The male turns and walks around the person, marks with urine and again exhibits an eliminative paw scrape.

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