Dominant adult dogs kick up soil with the hind legs, perhaps to disperse their scent and increase territorial marking. Glands in the footpads mark the soil with scent during digging. Digging is used to uncover prey in underground burrows, and is useful to bury food, which is later retrieved and consumed. Dogs also dig to create a cavity in the snow or earth for shelter from the wind and to conserve body heat. In warmer weather, an excavation may keep the dog cool.
Some dogs dig before urination or defecation.
Dominant adult dogs kick up soil with the hind legs, perhaps to disperse their scent and increase territorial marking. Glands in the footpads mark the soil with scent during digging. Ideally, your dog should not be left unsupervised in your yard, regardless of any misbehavior. Your dog will be less likely to expend energy by digging if it is walked at regular intervals every day and has a variety of appropriate physical activities to pursue. Have daily play sessions that apply obedience skills, such as retrieving objects.