Research suggests that dogs poop according to the Earth's magnetic field. When researchers looked into how & where dogs defecate they found that they have a desire to line up on a north-south axis. Scientists reason that dogs use a magnetic sense when it comes to deciding when, where & how they poop.
Both male and female dogs scent mark, but the behavior is more pervasive in males. Dogs who are marking preferentially urinate on vertical surfaces. If they urinate high up on that surface, the urine can flow downward covering a greater area, which leaves a stronger message to anyone who subsequently passes by.
Dogs choose their spot as a means to communicate with other dogs. One thing they're communicating is marking territory. Their poop tells other dogs not only that they were there, but what they ate, if they're a friend or enemy, and even if a female is in heat.
You've also noticed that dogs never poop and pee in the same place or at the same time. This is apparently a very serious dog rule that must never be violated. This “site selection” is completely normal and I'm a big fan of letting them pick the place(s) within reason; it's what dogs do.
UNDERSTAND NORMAL DOG BEHAVIOR
Never rub a dog's nose in urine or feces, or punish a dog for an “accident.” This will teach your dog to fear you, and he may hide when he has to “go.” It is not instinctive for dogs to relieve themselves outside; it is only natural for them to not go where they sleep.
Dogs use scent to mark territory and send messages to other dogs. There are scent glands on and in between your dog's paw pads. Scratching the grass after urinating or defecating helps spread the pheromones secreted by these glands around the area.
If your dog follows you into the bathroom, it's likely a result of their animal instinct and pack mentality. Canines who do this are referred to as “Velcro dogs,” due to their desire to be attached to your side.
It's a way to mark territory and let the other dogs around town know who's neighborhood they're in when they do their own poop dances.
Eye Contact
As your dog squats, do you notice that she stares at you while doing her business? You'd think she'd look away in hopes of getting a little privacy, but she locks eyes with you instead. That's because when your dog is in that pooping position, she's vulnerable, and she's looking to you to protect her.
“The main reason dogs follow us to the bathroom is because they like to be where we are,” Dr. Coppola explains. “Dogs are obligate social animals, which means socialization is a genuinely natural behavior for them. This is part of what makes them such fantastically loyal companions.”
Dogs will usually sniff the ground before choosing a spot to go to the bathroom because they are reading the messages that were previously left by others and, then, they are choosing an appropriate spot to mark their own territory.
Something that is generally very effective is vinegar – dogs seem to hate the pungent, acrid smell of vinegar, and its application in a few strategic locations may do the job. Another popular – although sometimes controversial – option is cayenne pepper or strong chili powder.
The Root of the Behavior
Humans have thighs and the buttocks region that makes it difficult to clean without wiping. Whereas, dogs don't have a buttocks and their sphincter actually rectracts, leaving their bottoms clean most of the time. Wiping with paper or wipes is a manmade form of hygiene.
Many dogs will stare at you when they are pooping because they want to make sure that you are seeing them poop. Most of the time poop equals reward or praise. Your dog wants to make sure that you are watching so that they get praised and hopefully a treat afterward.
Essentially, they are waiting for us to do something that will impact them. For example, dogs quickly learn that their owners pick up the leash before taking them on a walk.
Many dogs choose a sleeping spot based on the fact that it smells like their owner, aka the pack leader. If this is your bed with you, great! If not, they'll choose a spot with your scent for the next best thing.
Some signs are obvious, such as barking or scratching at the door, squatting, restlessness, sniffing around or circling. When you see these signs, immediately grab the leash and take them outside to their bathroom spot. If they eliminate, praise them and reward with a treat.
Celebrate a feel-good moment
Many pet parents note that their dogs get zoomies after pooping. "It's like they just unloaded something major and it's time for a whacked-out celebration," says Radosta. "But sometimes if dogs have a little bit of poop stuck to them, they may also run around to escape from the poop.
It's perfectly normal for dogs to follow you into the bathroom—and perfectly normal if they don't. The only cause for concern would be if your dog gets seriously anxious about being alone while you're in the bathroom, even for a few minutes.
They're standing guard
Your dog knows this – and they worry about you when you pee. If you've had your pooch for a while, they've probably deduced what you do in the bathroom. By accompanying you to the toilet, they may believe they're standing watch for you during a moment of exposure. Bless them.
Most dogs seem to be quite pleased with themselves after having had a productive poop. For dogs who have been experiencing constipation issues, this sense of satisfied relief makes perfect sense to us.
Whether she is in heat or not, if she needs a quick wipe, a wet washcloth or wet wipe for dogs will work wonders. She will lick her privates clean when she knows they need to be cleaned, but if you'd like to wipe her after going potty, a wet wipe is an easy and efficient way to keep her clean from front to back.
Turning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation in that the dog may innately know that he needs to position himself in a certain way to ward off an attack in the wild.
Scrubbing at your dog's tender backside with soap could cause stinging and irritation, and it's usually not necessary. Once debris is softened with warm water, it can usually just be rinsed or gently wiped away. Pre-moistened wipes or a washcloth can help between baths.