BBC Focus Magazine

[Twelfth Monkey]

...spend so long selecting where to do their business? This crosses my mind most mornings and evenings as they go around in circles and I ponder my hands starting to turn blue.

[The Beige Avenger]

They don't really have much else to ponder... Would you rather they did it with a wanton abandon for the cleanliness of your home?

[ChrisH]

I think it may have something to do with marking their territory. They spend time sniffing around trying to find the scent left behind by other dogs so they can "overwrite" it with their own and reclaim the area as their own.

[Finntroll]

I think it may have something to do with marking their territory. They spend time sniffing around trying to find the scent left behind by other dogs so they can "overwrite" it with their own and reclaim the area as their own.

Correct.....

They are looking for a scent to mark as their own. It’s a sign of dominance and territory ownership. It’s a primal instinct that is seen in both domestic dogs and wild wolves/dogs.

[Thinker]

There must be a lot of competition on the pavement outside my house then.

[Lateralman]

You can 'overwrite' their claim to your territory by doing the same. Just make sure that you are not overlooked whilst 'overwriting' or you may find yourself exposed on U Tube or in the doghouse.

[MrIsaksson]

It is obviously about marking the territory but it wouldnt suprise it if was also to do with the excitiment of finally getting outside and get a good sniff.

On the rare occasions I take my dogs out for proper long walks (i.e. 3-4 hour walks) for a few days, they behave very differently to when they just get a couple of short 15 minutes walks.