Why is My Dog a “Picky Pottier”?

Have you ever gone on a walk with your dog and discovered that they sniffed around for several minutes and could not find an ideal spot to go potty? This is common, and we will explain why! Why do dogs spend so much time trying to find the perfect place to potty? This is a part of their life, and our insightful information throughout this article will help you gain a better understanding.

Let’s start by saying that going potty means more to our four-legged dogs than it does to humans. When a dog eliminates, it thinks of it as a way to communicate. You are aware that dogs are blessed with a keen sense of smell. There are more than 220 olfactory receptors in their noses! When a dog is exploring areas to eliminate, they are trying to find the best spot to be noticed. In addition, your dog may be trying to smell out a leftover scent from another dog so they can mark their territory.

Sometimes your dog will walk around in circles before they squat down to potty. Once again, this is common! Research suggests that this behavior is a way for dogs to crush taller grass to make it soft. It also scares away bugs (interesting)! You must understand that dogs are in a vulnerable position when they are squatting, so they consider safety.

If you are out on a walk and your dog will not potty, they may not need to go. Do not get upset or impatient with your dog. Dogs will generally go by routine, and sometimes it takes a while to adjust to potty schedules. Figure out the best time for your dog to eliminate and take potty breaks at different times to yield the best results.

You can always use rewards to encourage good behavior. Now you should understand why your dog is so picky when they potty. It’s a way of life for them!