Why Do Dogs Sniff Before They Poop?

Every pet parent knows the drill. You grab the leash, head outside, and instead of getting straight to business, your dog circles, sniffs, pauses, and sniffs some more. Thirty minutes or more could pass before your dog actually poops.

It may feel frustrating, especially when it’s cold, raining, or you’re in a rush, but to your dog, this sniffing ritual is serious. That nose-to-the-ground routine isn’t a dog’s way to dawdle. They live in a scented world, and before they pop a squat, they gather information about their surroundings and leave behind a message for other animals. It’s instinct for your dog to sniff before they poop, and understanding why will give you the patience and insight into their personality and wellbeing.

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Understanding dog instincts and scent

A dog’s nose is excellent!

While humans have five million scent receptors, dogs have anywhere from 100 million to 300 million, making their sense of smell refined enough to detect a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. With that level of sensitivity, sniffing is as much curiosity as communication and survival.

When your dog puts their nose to the ground, they’re analyzing smells, peeling back layers of the day. Who’s been here? What other animals may be nearby? Is this area safe? Sniffing helps them relax, and the pre-poop sniff is part of the process before they can let their guard down.

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Reasons why dogs sniff before they poop

They are marking their territory.

Dogs poop to relieve themselves, but they also poop to communicate. Scents from feces and urine are calling cards for other animals. With a sniff, your dog is choosing where their signature will stand out. This is why some dogs will walk in circles or always return to their favorite spot to do their business. They want their mark to be noticed.

Dr. Christina Hawkins, a veterinarian in Miami, points out that, “after performing a thorough sniff investigation, dogs will deposit a mark of their own.” It’s instinctual to claim a spot as theirs.

They are gathering information.

That patch of grass that your dog is obsessed with? It’s not random. It may hold the scent of another dog or a prey animal, like a mouse or rabbit. It may even smell like the shoes of another human that walked by hours ago. Dogs use this information to learn about their environment. Who came through? Were they male or female, healthy or sick, submissive or dominant? Sniffing before pooping helps dogs decide whether to contribute to the ongoing scent of conversation.

They are ensuring their own safety.

In the wild, stopping to poop could have left a dog vulnerable to predators. Even though your dog is safe in your backyard or neighborhood, their instincts come from a deeper place, ingrained in their DNA. Sniffing gives dogs a chance to scan their surroundings for danger. They may pause if they catch another animal’s scent, especially if it’s a big animal like a bear or a moose. It’s a dog’s way of ensuring the coast is clear.

They’re finding a safe spot.

The simple answer? Some dogs are picky about where they poop. The ground has to feel right, smell right, and be clear of anything unpleasant. Grass may be preferable to concrete, and a sun-warmed spot may feel better than damp soil. The sniffing process helps dogs evaluate and choose their perfect poop spot where they feel the most comfortable.

They’re a little poop-shy.

Just like humans, especially toddlers, dogs can be shy about their bathroom business. This might happen if they’ve had a negative experience, like being rushed to finish, startled while they’re squatting, or punished during potty training. Sniffing becomes a way to stall or ease the act. This reason is more common in younger dogs, rescued pups adjusting to new homes, or dogs in unfamiliar surroundings.

They want to stay outside.

Sniffing can be a ploy for some pups to stay outdoors. Sometimes, it has less to do with instincts and more to do with loving walks and time outside. Walking can be the highlight of your pup’s day. So, if they’ve learned that pooping means heading back indoors, they may sniff longer to delay the process and stretch their outdoor time.

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How to Help Comfort Your Dog as They Go Poop

• Have patience. Rushing your dog can make them feel anxious, especially if they’re already cautious about pooping outside. Give them time to sniff around and explore. Avoid pulling on the leash. If you need things to move along, try directing your pup to a familiar spot where they’ve pooped before. Dogs often return to areas where they’ve sniffed before because those surroundings feel safe and comfortable.

• Be consistent. Taking your dog out at the same time every day will establish a reliable routine where they feel relaxed and secure. Praise them when they go, and keep your tone calm, positive, and loving. If your dog seems nervous or distracted, gently encourage them instead of rushing or scolding.

• Get more exercise. Some dogs benefit from more activity before potty breaks. Short walks or play sessions, like tug-of-war, can help them feel relaxed and safe enough to poop wherever you take them. For dogs who drag out the sniffing because they don’t want their walk to end, extend the outing for exploration after they’ve pooped. They’ll learn that pooping doesn’t always mean the end of their fun time.

The bottom line

Dogs are guided by instincts, safety, and sometimes, a stubborn personality. While it may feel like they’re testing your patience when they sniff before pooping, this behavior is normal. When you understand the reasons why, you can encourage your dog’s comfort while strengthening their bond with you.

FAQs

Is sniffing before pooping a normal behavior for dogs?

Yes, sniffing before pooping is normal. Sniffing helps dogs gather information, choose a safe spot to do their business, and communicate with nearby animals.

Does the environment or setting affect how much a dog sniffs before pooping?

Yes. New places, strong smells, and the presence of other animals can increase how much your dog sniffs before they feel comfortable enough to poop.

Are there any specific scents or signals dogs are looking for before they decide to poop?

Dogs are drawn to other animals’ scents. They may also prefer spots that feel familiar to them, which is why they return to the same area.

References

• Fuller, Mary. “Why Does My Dog… Sniff the Ground Before He Poops?” Vetstreet, 17 Apr. 2012, www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-sniff-the-ground-before-he-poops.

• Hawkins, Christina. Miami, FL, "Marking in Dogs," www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/urine-marking-dogs.

• “Why Do Dogs Sniff Before They Poop?” Vet Explains Pets, www.vetexplainspets.com/why-do-dogs-sniff-before-they-poop/.